Episode 39 | Treating Cynophobia (Dog Phobia) with Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW

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  Cynophobia—the fear of dogs—can be deeply disruptive, especially for children and families navigating daily life in a dog-loving society. In this episode, we sit down with Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW, a clinical social worker and author who specializes in treating dog phobia across the lifespan. Drawing from personal experience, decades of clinical practice, and her unique Overcoming the Fear of Dogs Protocol (OFOD), Stefani walks us through what causes cynophobia, how it shows up differently in children and adults, and what really works when it comes to treatment.

You’ll learn how to apply gradual exposure, dog safety education, and trauma-informed techniques to help clients build resilience and confidence—whether you're a therapist, parent, or educator.