The dog is considered man's best friend. It is an animal that many people adore, but not everyone is. There are people who are terrified of them. The fear of dogs is called cynophobia. and it is more normal than we actually believe.
What is cynophobia
Cynophobia, also known as the irrational fear of dogs, is an anxiety disorder characterized by an extreme and disproportionate fear of dogs. People who suffer from cynophobia may feel intense fear even when in the presence of small, friendly, or harmless dogs. This fear can trigger a fight-or-flight response, which can lead to avoidance of situations where they might encounter dogs.
Causes
The causes of cynophobia can be diverse and often originate from traumatic experiences related to dogs in childhood. Some of the possible causes include:
- Traumatic experiencesA traumatic encounter with a dog, such as being bitten or chased, can leave a lasting impression and trigger cynophobia.
- Observation of traumatic eventsWitnessing someone else being attacked or frightened by a dog can also contribute to the development of cynophobia.
- Imitation of behavioral models :In some cases, people may develop cynophobia by imitating the fear or aversion toward dogs of a significant behavioral model in their lives, such as a parent or sibling.
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Symptoms
Panic at seeing, meeting or just thinking about meeting a dog can cause you to feel nervous and anxious, due to the fear they generate in you. Some of the symptoms that show if you are afraid of dogs are these:
- Intense anxiety. An overwhelming and persistent fear in the presence of dogs.
- Excessive sweating. Excessive sweating, heart palpitations and trembling when faced with the feared situation.
- Avoidance of situations. Avoid places or activities where dogs are likely to be found.
- Difficulty breathing. Rapid, shallow breathing in response to fear.
- Irrational thoughtss. Irrational thoughts about dogs, such as believing that all dogs are dangerous or that they will inevitably attack you.
How can I treat cynophobia?
There is no instant solution that can make your fear of these animals disappear. However, there is a method that you can work on so that, little by little, with time and effort, you can overcome this phobia: psychological therapy through:
- Exposure therapyGradual exposure therapy, with the guidance of a trained therapist, can help people confront their fear in a controlled and safe way.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)CBT focuses on changing the thought and behavior patterns that underpin cynophobia.
- Relaxation techniques trainingLearning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help reduce anxiety.
It must be taken into account that there are people who are more afraid than others. Fortunately, Psychology adapts to each person and your psychologist will work according to the degree of fear you have. This can make the therapy last more or less time, since you have to work little by little with the patient.
Benefits of online therapy
Online therapy, unlike in-person therapy, brings multiple benefits, the most notable of which are:
Login to the same from a safe place for you, like your home. The travel required for in-person therapy can generate expenses and even anxiety in the time it takes to get to the appointment. With online therapy, you can choose the place where you feel safest to talk about what worries you.
It is proven that therapies are equally effective when they are done in a virtual environment. The degree of effectiveness does not depend so much on whether it is in person or virtual, but on the professionalism of the therapist and the involvement of the patient.
Plus, the ability to work at your own pace can reduce that associated anxiety or stressin this case, with cynophobia and facilitating the process of overcoming the fear of dogs.
Why choose
- We have been leaders in online psychological care since 2012.
- First informational appointment free.
- Online therapy from 40 euros per session.
- Team of senior psychologists, with decades of experience.
- All the therapy we offer is via videoconference. 100% confidential.
- The same psychologist will attend to you throughout the treatment.
- At you do not lose the money for the sessions. If you cannot connect or are not there, the session is postponed to another day.
- Attention in Spanish, English and Catalan.