The Cynophobia Clinic

17/07/2025

Specific phobia is the most commonly diagnosed anxiety condition, affecting at least one in eight individuals in their lifetime.

It is characterized by an intense and persistent fear of a particular object or situation – dogs, in the case of cynophobia.

While many people may feel wary of certain dogs at times, cynophobia is far more extreme than a typical fear reaction, as it causes significant distress and disruption to the individual's life.

In this post, we will explore the diagnostic criteria for a specific phobia of dogs outlined in the American Psychiatric Association and World Health Organization's diagnostic manuals.

24/03/2024

Overcoming a phobia takes time, making it unrealistic to expect an immediate prevention of the automatic fear response when encountering a dog. While there's no magic solution to eliminate anxiety, there are simple behaviors to take control and prevent unwanted interactions with dogs.

For more insights, listen to Anthony Berrick's episode, "Barking Up the Right Tree: Exploring Cynophobia and Its Solutions" - link in bio!

20/03/2024

If you're scared of dogs, exposure therapy allows you to gently and safely overcome your fear, letting you take charge of your progress.

Our psychologist will collaborate with you to create a plan that feels safe and comfortable to you, so you stay in control every step of the way.

If fear of dogs is holding you back, start your journey to a fear-free life by booking a Roadmap Session or joining our therapy waitlist on our website at thecynophobiaclinic.com.au via the link in our bio.

17/03/2024

Take the first step towards liberating yourself from the grip of cynophobia with our comprehensive services. The Roadmap Session is your initial guide, where we work closely with you or your child to assess your unique situation and set achievable goals.

Understanding your fear and its impact helps us tailor an effective plan to overcome it. Our therapy sessions delve deeper, employing evidence-based techniques to reshape your perception of dogs and instil a newfound sense of confidence. You'll not only learn to be at ease around dogs but also grasp essential knowledge of dog behaviour and communication, empowering you to navigate encounters with assurance.

Head over to the link in bio to start your journey!

10/03/2024

Ever wondered what it feels like to have cynophobia, a fear of dogs?

Common sensations that people with cynophobia experience in the presence of dogs include: dizziness or light-headedness, nausea, ‘butterflies’ in the stomach, ‘jelly legs’, trembling, clammy skin, sweating, chest tightness, heart pounding, flushed cheeks, and dry mouth.

Although these sensations can be extremely unpleasant, it’s important to understand that they are part of the brain’s protective response to a perceived threat, and are completely harmless.

If you, or a loved one, experience extreme fear and anxiety in the presence of dogs, we’d love to help you build your confidence and get out of the fear cycle.

Click the link in the bio to find out how we can help you today!

07/03/2024

Is your child missing out on childhood joys due to their fear of dogs? 🐶

Our compassionate team specialises in nurturing children through the process of overcoming cynophobia, in a safe and secure environment.

Together, let's empower your child to conquer their fear and open the door to a richer and fuller life.

07/03/2024

"In order overcome a phobia you really need to do some kind of exposure therapy, and you need an entry point to that."

With dog ownership increasing during the pandemic, and the pets being welcomed into more public spaces like cafes, experts say families with a child who experiences cynophobia can find day-to-day activities stressful.

05/03/2024

Wondering why your child is scared of dogs? Dealing with your child's fear can be frustrating, as it's not always easy to understand the root cause. The desire to see your child happy and carefree can intensify this frustration. Emotions, especially fear, don't always follow logical pathways. That's where exposure therapy comes in.

By directly addressing the emotional aspects, exposure therapy helps shift how a child feels about dogs, leading to a more comprehensive solution for overcoming fear.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more about how exposure therapy can help your child lead a more confident and carefree life.

18/12/2023

Is it really too much to ask? 🤔

30/11/2023

Are you concerned about your child's fear of dogs? Here are four steps to support them:

Validate: Understand and acknowledge their feelings. Show them that it's okay to feel scared without judgment.

Be Curious: Ask open-ended questions to explore their concerns. Let them express their thoughts and feelings without trying to convince them otherwise.

Offer Support: Collaborate on finding solutions. Provide suggestions, such as gathering information about the environment or making arrangements to ensure their comfort.

Seek Help: If the fear persists and affects their daily life, consider professional assistance. We specialise in helping children overcome cynophobia, offering in-person and remote support. Reach out or book a Roadmap Session on our website. Your child doesn't have to face this alone.

28/11/2023

Have you ever wondered what therapy options there are for cynophobia?

Exposure therapy is the 'gold standard' therapy approach for phobias, and is recommended by peak medical and psychology associations.

Hypnotherapy is a popular approach for phobias which aims to alter subconscious thoughts and feelings, but lacks strong scientific evidence.

Medication isn't generally recommended for phobias, except in very specific situations under careful supervision.

Alternative therapies like herbal remedies and meditation are generally harmless but have limited proven benefits.

26/11/2023

What people are saying about their experience at the Cynophobia Clinic!