FEAR OF DOGS

QUESTION:

I have an adult coming to me that is so terrified of dogs that she will not go for walks in her own neighborhood, despite the fact that all such animals are penned or fenced in.  Do you have some suggestions as to how I can help her, since just giving her suggestions that she won’t be afraid of them hasn’t worked so far.

ANSWER;

Here are a few possibilities you could try with this client

1)  Have her recall her first encounter with a dog that frightened her; then change the picture by having the dog be very calm and sweet, with her petting it.  In other words, change the memory. Ask her how she feels (usually better). Then ask which memory she prefers, and tell her that new memory will now be with her for the rest of her life.  Make sure she has some caution built in so she doesn't go up to a strange dog and pet it.

 2)  Use the problem-solving script to get at the imprints that are the source of her fear, and change them to something more helpful in this time, in which she loves dogs.

3)  Use any of the so-called "dumping" methods to get rid of her fear of dogs - a balloon released in the air, a box in which she puts her fear then buries it or puts it on a shelf, a rock she throws in the water - anything like that.  She could include dumping any other problems she might be having, as well.

With each of these, end with having her imagine herself holding a dog and loving it or petting it and ask how she feels.  Add a small dog, at first, and then increase the sizes. Do NOT force her to accept the dogs.  You may have to move slowly, helping her get used to them.