Specific Phobias

"No there wont be dogs there"

Your child is paralyzed with fear from specific things (dogs, bugs, storms, shots, etc)

Signs of specific phobia in children:

• intense fear to specific things
• unreasonable and persistent fear of objects or situations
• often plans ahead to avoid feared objects or situations
• will ask many questions ahead of time to ensure wont be faced with feared object or situation
• no anxiety if able to avoid feared object or situation
• keeps seeking reassurance that feared object wont be there

Types...

• animal type (dogs, cats, birds)
• natural environment type (storms, heights, water)
• blood-injection type (shots, seeing blood, medical procedures)
• situational type (bridges, elevators, flying)
• other types (vomiting, loud sounds, costumed characters)

Anxiety Treatment...

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 
• learn to face feared situations through gradual exposure to specific phobia
• I can be with your child during exposure exercises which can be outside of the office