Background  

Jane, a 12-year-old girl from the South coast, was diagnosed with autism and had a significant phobia of dogs. This phobia had been present for several years and had a noticeable impact on her and her family. When we first spoke with Jane and her parents, her fear of dogs was deeply affecting her ability to enjoy outdoor activities with her parents and engage confidently in public spaces where dogs were present. 

Jane’s parents described her intense anxiety whenever they encountered dogs during family outings. They often had to avoid places where dogs were likely to be, such as parks and beaches. This limitation not only restricted Jane’s experiences but also caused stress for her parents, who had to plan around her phobia. Even brief encounters with dogs would result in Jane feeling overwhelmed and anxious, requiring her parents to intervene and calm her down. 

Initial Presentation 

When Jane began therapy via the Boundless remote platform, her phobia had reached a point where it dominated her thoughts when leaving the house. She would often ask her parents in advance if they thought they would see any dogs and would become distressed if a dog came too close. Jane’s fear also had a social impact, as her family’s outings were significantly restricted, leading to a more isolated lifestyle. 

Therapeutic Approach 

Jane engaged in therapy using the Boundless platform, which allowed her to receive treatment from home, a familiar and safe environment. We developed a tailored intervention plan that involved gradual exposure to scenarios involving dogs, ranging from seeing dogs from a distance to being in close proximity to them and also encountering dogs in environments that were familiar to Jane. 

Over 3 sessions, Jane worked with an XRT therapist to confront her fears in a controlled and supportive way. Techniques such as deep breathing and positive reinforcement were employed to help her manage her anxiety during these exposures. Jane’s parents were actively involved in the process and provided additional support outside of sessions, reinforcing the strategies Jane learned during therapy. 

Progress and Outcome 

Two months after the completion of treatment, Jane and her family reported significant improvements. Jane stated that she had been able to “deal with loads of dogs perfectly!” and no longer experienced the intense anxiety that previously accompanied dog encounters. While she remained cautious around dogs, she was able to manage her fear effectively, often taking a moment to calm herself before continuing her day. 

Her parents also noticed a positive change. They expressed how much more relaxed they felt during outings, as they no longer had to constantly avoid areas where dogs might be present. Jane’s newfound confidence allowed the family to enjoy outings together without the same level of anxiety and restriction. 

Hear what Jane’s father had to say about the impact of the treatment below:  

*** when referring to our clients, we use the names Jane and John, these are not their real names, we do this to protect their identity and privacy.