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Therapy for Dog Phobia: Evidence-Based Approaches for Cynophobia with Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

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Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGs9UIDD-Y/FxNxVKjXI1ajxr-gQavGoA/edit?utm_content=DAGs9UIDD-Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Episode Summary: 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.

This episode is CE-eligible through the Affirming Minds Podcast.

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Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the behavioral, developmental, and temperamental factors that contribute to cynophobia (fear of dogs)
  2. Identify at least two evidence-based intervention strategies for addressing dog phobia, including gradual exposure and psychoeducation on dog body language
  3. Apply trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate strategies when supporting clients working through cynophobia

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Resources:

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About Our Guest: Stefani Cohen is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice with more than 30 years of experience working with children and families. She is the author of Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs and How to Face My Fear of Dogs: An Activity Guide for Kids, both of which offer accessible, evidence-based strategies for helping individuals of all ages overcome cynophobia.

A parenting expert and longtime animal lover, Stefani was first drawn into this specialty when her own daughter developed a fear of dogs. Since then, she has developed and refined her Overcoming the Fear of Dogs Protocol (OFOD)—a unique therapeutic model using psychoeducation, exposure therapy, and the support of trained therapy dog teams.

Stefani has led countless parent support groups, teacher trainings, and clinical workshops focused on anxiety, emotional regulation, and child development. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and a Master of Social Work from New York University.

She lives in New Rochelle, NY with her husband and dog, Winnie, and is the proud grandmother of five dog-loving grandchildren.

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure/ Commercial Support Statement: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

This episode is sponsored by Jane, a practice management software. The presenter, Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW, also references her own published books and resources as potential tools for further learning. These materials are optional and not required to complete the CE activity.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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