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Blog - Phobias
How to Overcome Fear of Dogs: Cynophobia Cure with Psytech VR Therapy
By Inna Maltzeva, Chief Scientific Officer at PsyTech VR
February 05, 2023
PsyTechVR
What is Cynophobia?
What is Cynophobia?
Cynophobia is the fear of dogs – a specific phobia that causes avoidance behavior and intense anxiety in people when they are positioned near dogs. The symptoms of cynophobia can even manifest when people in question think about dogs, as well. It is not uncommon for this fear to be so severe it causes significant stress in daily life, routinely interfering with daily activities.
Cynophobia is a somewhat common phobia that can develop for a number of reasons:
Cynophobia is a somewhat common phobia that can develop for a number of reasons:
- Genetic predisposition to anxiety;
- Traumatic experience involving dogs;
- Learned behavior from a friend or family member.
How cynophobia affects daily life?
How cynophobia affects daily life?
Cynophobia can significantly impact daily life and cause intense anxiety and avoidance behavior in those affected. The fear of dogs can limit a person's ability to participate in activities that involve dogs, such as visiting friends or family members with pets, going for walks in the park, or even going to the vet, leading to feelings of isolation and decreased quality of life.
Additionally, the fear of dogs can interfere with daily routines, such as grocery shopping or taking public transportation, if there is a chance of encountering a dog. This can cause significant stress and anxiety for the individual, leading to avoidance of certain places or situations and reduced ability to carry out daily activities.
Additionally, the fear of dogs can interfere with daily routines, such as grocery shopping or taking public transportation, if there is a chance of encountering a dog. This can cause significant stress and anxiety for the individual, leading to avoidance of certain places or situations and reduced ability to carry out daily activities.
In extreme cases, cynophobia can have a negative impact on employment and personal relationships, as well as physical and mental health. It is crucial for individuals with a fear of dogs to seek help and find a way to overcome it to improve their daily life and increase their overall well-being. With effective therapy and support, it is possible to reduce and eliminate the fear of dogs and live a fulfilling life without fear.
Traditional instruments for overcoming phobias?
Traditional instruments for overcoming phobias?
Traditional instruments for overcoming phobias, such as cynophobia, include therapy and medication. These approaches have been proven effective in reducing the symptoms of phobias and helping individuals overcome their fears.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular and effective therapy for phobias. CBT addresses the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to the fear and anxiety associated with phobias. During CBT, individuals work with a therapist to identify and challenge negative beliefs and thought patterns and learn coping skills and techniques to manage their anxiety.
Exposure therapy is another popular form of therapy for phobias. This approach gradually exposes individuals to their feared stimulus in a controlled and safe environment. This helps individuals gradually overcome their fear by facing it and learning to cope with their anxiety. Exposure therapy can be conducted in real-life situations or through virtual reality technology.
Exposure therapy is another popular form of therapy for phobias. This approach gradually exposes individuals to their feared stimulus in a controlled and safe environment. This helps individuals gradually overcome their fear by facing it and learning to cope with their anxiety. Exposure therapy can be conducted in real-life situations or through virtual reality technology.
Anti-anxiety medication and antidepressants could be also prescribed to help patients overcome phobic symptoms. They can reduce anxiety and make it easier for patients to participate in therapy and other forms of treatment.
Medication, such as anti-anxiety medication and antidepressants, may also be prescribed to help individuals manage the symptoms of phobias. Medication can help reduce anxiety and make it easier for individuals to participate in therapy and other forms of treatment.
CBT and Its Long-Term Effectiveness
CBT and Its Long-Term Effectiveness
At PsyTech VR, we provide virtual reality solutions for individuals. mental health professionals, educational institutions, and HRs. Our focus is developing and delivering virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) software for treating anxiety disorders and phobias, including amaxophobia or the fear of driving.
The therapy aims to help individuals identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors contributing to their emotional and psychological distress. CBT has been proven effective in treating various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders.
A structured and goal-oriented approach is one of the key features of CBT. A standard CBT session involves a client and a therapist working together in order to locate and challenge negative thoughts in order to replace them with more realistic and positive ones. Practical activities are also often included in the therapy processes, along with homework assignments that reinforce techniques and skills learned in therapy.
The effects of CBT as a therapeutic approach has been researched extensively, with a lot of evidence pointing toward its effectiveness in numerous studies. According to NICE’s (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) meta-analysis of over 400 studies, CBT effectively deals with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and several other mental health conditions. Additionally, the advantages of CBT have shown themselves effective in the long-term, over years and even decades after the therapy has ended.
CBT is a well-established psychotherapy approach that has shown itself effective against a range of mental health conditions. Its advantages have been studied and monitored over the last several decades, and all of them have shown CBT as a valuable method for individuals that are looking into improving their well-being on a psychological and emotional level.
The therapy aims to help individuals identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors contributing to their emotional and psychological distress. CBT has been proven effective in treating various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders.
A structured and goal-oriented approach is one of the key features of CBT. A standard CBT session involves a client and a therapist working together in order to locate and challenge negative thoughts in order to replace them with more realistic and positive ones. Practical activities are also often included in the therapy processes, along with homework assignments that reinforce techniques and skills learned in therapy.
The effects of CBT as a therapeutic approach has been researched extensively, with a lot of evidence pointing toward its effectiveness in numerous studies. According to NICE’s (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) meta-analysis of over 400 studies, CBT effectively deals with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and several other mental health conditions. Additionally, the advantages of CBT have shown themselves effective in the long-term, over years and even decades after the therapy has ended.
CBT is a well-established psychotherapy approach that has shown itself effective against a range of mental health conditions. Its advantages have been studied and monitored over the last several decades, and all of them have shown CBT as a valuable method for individuals that are looking into improving their well-being on a psychological and emotional level.
One of the key features of CBT is its structured and goal-oriented approach. CBT sessions typically involve the therapist and client working together to identify and challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more positive and realistic ones. The therapy also involves practical activities and homework assignments to reinforce the skills and techniques learned in therapy.
CBT has been extensively researched, and the evidence for its effectiveness has been consistently demonstrated in numerous studies. A meta-analysis of over 400 studies conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) found that CBT effectively reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Furthermore, the benefits of CBT have been shown to last for an extended period of time, often several decades, after the therapy has ended.
In conclusion, CBT is a well-established and evidence-based psychotherapy approach that has been shown to treat a range of mental health conditions effectively. The benefits of CBT have been shown to last for several decades, making it a valuable tool for individuals seeking to improve their emotional and psychological well-being.
CBT has been extensively researched, and the evidence for its effectiveness has been consistently demonstrated in numerous studies. A meta-analysis of over 400 studies conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) found that CBT effectively reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Furthermore, the benefits of CBT have been shown to last for an extended period of time, often several decades, after the therapy has ended.
In conclusion, CBT is a well-established and evidence-based psychotherapy approach that has been shown to treat a range of mental health conditions effectively. The benefits of CBT have been shown to last for several decades, making it a valuable tool for individuals seeking to improve their emotional and psychological well-being.
CBT is effective! But what do CBT specialists think of VRET?
CBT is effective! But what do CBT specialists think of VRET?
However, with the advent of new technology, Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) has emerged as a new and innovative form of treatment.
VRET uses virtual reality technology to immerse patients in simulations of real-life scenarios that trigger their anxiety or phobia. The therapy aims to help individuals confront their fears and anxiety in a controlled and safe environment, thereby reducing their symptoms.
VRET uses virtual reality technology to immerse patients in simulations of real-life scenarios that trigger their anxiety or phobia. The therapy aims to help individuals confront their fears and anxiety in a controlled and safe environment, thereby reducing their symptoms.
CBT specialists are divided in their opinions about VRET. Some CBT specialists see VRET as a complementary tool to traditional CBT, and believe that it can provide patients with a more immersive and engaging experience. They also see VRET as a way to reach more people who may need access to traditional CBT, due to geographical, financial, or other barriers.
CBT specialists have differing opinions on VRET, but overall, they recognize its potential as a new and innovative treatment.
CBT specialists have differing opinions on VRET, but overall, they recognize its potential as a new and innovative treatment.
Why is VRET more immersive than Imaginal Exposure and other instruments?
Why is VRET more immersive than Imaginal Exposure and other instruments?
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is a form of psychotherapy that uses virtual reality technology to help individuals confront their fears and anxieties in a controlled and safe environment. VRET has gained attention in recent years as a promising and innovative approach to treating various mental health conditions, including phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
VRET is considered more immersive than other exposure-based therapies, such as Imaginal Exposure, due to its use of virtual reality technology. In Imaginal Exposure, patients are asked to imagine or visualize scenarios that trigger their fears, while in VRET, patients are immersed in a virtual environment that closely resembles real life. This immersion provides patients with a more vivid and realistic experience, which can help them better process their emotions and reduce their symptoms.
VRET is considered more immersive than other exposure-based therapies, such as Imaginal Exposure, due to its use of virtual reality technology. In Imaginal Exposure, patients are asked to imagine or visualize scenarios that trigger their fears, while in VRET, patients are immersed in a virtual environment that closely resembles real life. This immersion provides patients with a more vivid and realistic experience, which can help them better process their emotions and reduce their symptoms.
Additionally, VRET allows for a greater level of control and safety compared to real-life exposure therapy. For example, patients with a fear of flying can experience a virtual flight without leaving the safety of the therapy room. The virtual environment can also be tailored to the individual's specific needs and fear triggers, making the therapy more personalized and effective.
VRET also offers a level of engagement and interactivity that traditional exposure-based therapies lack. The virtual environment can be adjusted in real-time based on the patient's reactions and behavior, providing a more dynamic and responsive experience.
VRET also offers a level of engagement and interactivity that traditional exposure-based therapies lack. The virtual environment can be adjusted in real-time based on the patient's reactions and behavior, providing a more dynamic and responsive experience.
In conclusion, VRET is more immersive than other exposure-based therapies, such as Imaginal Exposure, due to its use of virtual reality technology. This immersion provides patients with a more vivid and realistic experience, greater control and safety, and higher engagement and interactivity.
Try PsyTech VR! CBT with now accessible Virtual Reality
Try PsyTech VR! CBT with now accessible Virtual Reality
PsyTech VR is a virtual reality-based technology that provides mental health and wellness solutions. Our main focus is providing VR exposure therapy for individuals with phobias and anxiety disorders.
We use VR simulations to help individuals confront and overcome their anxieties in a controlled and safe environment. The therapy involves gradually exposing the individual to progressively more challenging scenarios, allowing them to process and overcome their emotions gradually and effectively.
One of the advantages of PsyTech VR is that it can be done in the comfort of the individual's home, providing convenience and privacy. Additionally, We offer self-guided VR exposure therapy, allowing individuals to complete therapy sessions at their own pace and convenience.
We use VR simulations to help individuals confront and overcome their anxieties in a controlled and safe environment. The therapy involves gradually exposing the individual to progressively more challenging scenarios, allowing them to process and overcome their emotions gradually and effectively.
One of the advantages of PsyTech VR is that it can be done in the comfort of the individual's home, providing convenience and privacy. Additionally, We offer self-guided VR exposure therapy, allowing individuals to complete therapy sessions at their own pace and convenience.
Our system is not just a scary game with playable environments to overcome phobias but a complete system with an academic approach to overcoming anxieties and other mental disorders.
Self-guided virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy with PsyTech VR can be a convenient and accessible option for individuals seeking to treat phobias in their homes. This type of therapy involves using VR technology to simulate real-life scenarios that trigger a person's fear or anxiety, allowing them to confront and process their emotions in a controlled and safe environment. The pros of self-guided VR exposure therapy are the ability to complete therapy sessions at home, eliminate the need for travel, and provide privacy and comfort. It also allows individuals to schedule therapy sessions conveniently and conveniently.
You can train in VR using self-guiding courses from the comfort of your home
OR
with a specialist - the doctor will have access to your training in real time and guide you through all the VR training!
OR
with a specialist - the doctor will have access to your training in real time and guide you through all the VR training!
However, if someone does not feel that self-guided training is enough, we can offer a VR therapy marketplace where individuals can find therapy specialists that use VR exposure therapy in the counseling process.
Mental health specialists, such as therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, can use PsyTech VR as a tool in their practice to provide virtual reality exposure therapy for individuals with phobias and anxiety disorders.
Using VR simulations, mental health specialists can provide their patients with a controlled and safe environment to confront and overcome their anxieties. PsyTech VR allows for gradually exposing individuals to progressively more challenging scenarios, allowing them to process and overcome their emotions in a gradual and effective manner.
Mental health specialists can also use PsyTech VR to complement other evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and provide a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for their patients. The self-guided aspect of PsyTech VR can provide additional flexibility and convenience for individuals seeking treatment as a home task.
A mental health professional can help to develop a personalized treatment plan and monitor progress, ensuring that the therapy is safe and effective.
Mental health specialists, such as therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, can use PsyTech VR as a tool in their practice to provide virtual reality exposure therapy for individuals with phobias and anxiety disorders.
Using VR simulations, mental health specialists can provide their patients with a controlled and safe environment to confront and overcome their anxieties. PsyTech VR allows for gradually exposing individuals to progressively more challenging scenarios, allowing them to process and overcome their emotions in a gradual and effective manner.
Mental health specialists can also use PsyTech VR to complement other evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and provide a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for their patients. The self-guided aspect of PsyTech VR can provide additional flexibility and convenience for individuals seeking treatment as a home task.
A mental health professional can help to develop a personalized treatment plan and monitor progress, ensuring that the therapy is safe and effective.
Is VR affordable for end users in 2025?
Is VR affordable for end users in 2025?
Virtual Reality as a technology has become far more affordable to end users now than ever before. There are several different reasons on why that happened:
- Advancements in both software and hardware that led to more cost-effective production, reducing the total cost of VR headsets for end users.
- Substantial number of VR companies entering the market, leading to more competition and the reduction in consumer pricing.
- Recent releases of more affordable headsets (Pico 4, Meta Quest 3) made VR even more accessible to consumers, removing the necessity of a high-end gaming PC for VR to work in the first place. The baseline for VR technology now is as low as just a few hundred dollars.
- The rise of subscription-based models in gaming platforms and VR arcades made the technology more accessible, as well, removing the necessity to purchase the VR headset at all. PsyTech VR also provides a subscription-based approach – cheaper than a single visit to a mental health specialist, available for everyday use with no limitations.
What headset should I choose for training with PsyTech VR?
What headset should I choose for training with PsyTech VR?
- Meta Quest 3 is a headset that works in both Virtual and Augmented reality, developed by Meta. It offers a wide FOV and a transparent display with the ability to see the real world and the digital content at the same time.
- Pico 4 is a standalone VR headset for consumers, acting as an all-in-one option with no need for an additional power source in the form of a gaming console or a separate computer.
- HTC Focus 3 is a VR headset from the technology company HTC, offering a standalone VR experience with six degrees of freedom, inside-out tracking, and an abundance of other features.
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Inna Maltzeva
Chief Scientific Officer at PsyTechVR
Inna has a degree in psychology and linguistics, with her education being completed at the Moscow Psychological and Social Institute and the Moscow State Linguistic University. Her expertise was further advanced using specialized training in CBT, EMDR, and psychoanalysis, with credentials from various esteemed institutions: the European EMDR Association and the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Association of Saint Petersburg. The extensive professional experience has shaped her work in a significant manner, including both working as a clinical psychologist at MEDSI Clinical and Diagnostic Center in 2010s and also maintaining a thriving private practice afterward (with in-person and online therapy sessions).
Inna is the Chief Science Officer at PsyTechVR, standing at the forefront of integration between psychotherapeutic sessions and virtual reality environments. She has been invaluable in developing various VR-based technologies to improve the efficiency of emotional and cognitive training, considering the limitations of traditional exposure therapy. Her own research focuses on the utilization of immersive environments that can treat phobias, anxiety disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She also works in tandem with a team of experts in their own fields, designing VR scenarios that can facilitate adaptive coping strategies in order to help each client manage their fears in a supportive and fully controlled environment.
Her own work in PsyTechVR extends far beyond traditional research since she also contributes to the creation of evidence-based therapeutic programs that are tailored to assist with different psychological conditions. She managed to play a substantial role in shaping VR applications in relaxation practices and anxiety disorder therapy, combining cutting-edge technology with various psychological principles.
Inna is the Chief Science Officer at PsyTechVR, standing at the forefront of integration between psychotherapeutic sessions and virtual reality environments. She has been invaluable in developing various VR-based technologies to improve the efficiency of emotional and cognitive training, considering the limitations of traditional exposure therapy. Her own research focuses on the utilization of immersive environments that can treat phobias, anxiety disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She also works in tandem with a team of experts in their own fields, designing VR scenarios that can facilitate adaptive coping strategies in order to help each client manage their fears in a supportive and fully controlled environment.
Her own work in PsyTechVR extends far beyond traditional research since she also contributes to the creation of evidence-based therapeutic programs that are tailored to assist with different psychological conditions. She managed to play a substantial role in shaping VR applications in relaxation practices and anxiety disorder therapy, combining cutting-edge technology with various psychological principles.
Inna Maltseva is a psychologist and psychotherapist with over 18 years of experience in the fields of EMDR and CBT (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, respectively)
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