about Stefani
Hi – I’m Stefani
Hi…
I’m Stefani, a dog phobia therapist Who’s Lived This Fear from Both Sides
I know from personal and professional experience that a fear of dogs impacts daily life. It can cause major stress for the person afraid, and for the entire family around them. With thoughtful, supportive help, that fear can be overcome. While I hope everyone eventually learns to enjoy dogs, my real goal is simpler: for people to be near a dog without feeling panicked.
As a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and parenting consultant in New York, I’ve worked with hundreds of families over more than 25 years. I grew up in Connecticut and was lucky to share my life with animals of every kind, dogs, cats, horses and guinea pigs. So, when my daughter, Becky, then age 5, announced one day that she was afraid of dogs, I was surprised, confused, and honestly a little lost on how to help her.
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Intuitively, my sister, Cathy Malkin, and I began working with Cathy’s wonderful dog, KC, using gentle, gradual exposure. Becky learned to feel safe around dogs again. She could go on playdates, visit relatives, and move through her day without constantly worrying whether she’d run into a dog.
Truthfully, my own stress eased too. Becky had felt ashamed of her fear and didn’t want me telling anyone about it. I no longer had to invent excuses for why she wouldn’t go somewhere.
When my parenting clients discovered I was a dog lover with a wonderful therapy dog of my own, they started asking me to bring him to sessions. That’s how I began informally helping clients with the support of Mugsy, and later Fozzie, both registered therapy dogs. Today, Winnie carries on that work with me.
Over time, I saw how consistently this approach worked, so I formalized it into what’s now the OFOD protocol and put it into writing, resulting in two books, one for parents and one for kids. I also share what I’ve learned through articles, podcasts, and direct client work. As a therapist who specializes in fear of dogs, I provide LCSW cynophobia treatment in New York and serve as a resource for families and clinicians alike.
In essence, I’ve combined my three roles, psychotherapist, parent, and dog lover, into one mission: helping people face their fear of dogs and come out the other side feeling free.
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Hi, i’m stefani!
As a social worker and parenting consultant, Stefani has worked with hundreds of families and has over 20 years of experience. Her specialty is working with parents and children from birth to age 10. Some of these children may present with learning differences and special needs, while others may be strong-willed or are having difficulty in school and are a challenge for their parents. Many people find it helpful to discuss their parenting concerns in a “judgment-free zone” and to be able to have a sounding board. Individual counseling for adults is also available.
In addition to counseling, Stefani provides animal-assisted therapy and humane education programs and helps people overcome their fear of dogs. Stefani is assisted by well-behaved and dependable dogs, including her Keeshond Winnie.
As a child, Stefani was fortunate to share her life with dogs, cats, horses, and guinea pigs. Stefani enjoys sharing this love of animals with the people she meets. Stefani uses her personal and professional experience in many different ways. It might be helping a family decide if they are ready for a pet or suggesting some rituals to help a grieving family after the death of a beloved pet.
Stefani received a BA in sociology from William Smith College and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from NYU. She is a member of NASW and the Association of Professional Humane Educators as well as Dog Gone Safe.
“Your book is BRILLIANT! I’m on page 132 and I’ve learned SO much. You cover everything so beautifully, with so much detail about why you should help your child and what you shouldn’t do. I love the real-life stories of the children you’ve worked with.
We’ve been using your affirmations, “I am brave,” “I can do this.” So much of your book resonated with me deeply, and you really get it. Your work is amazing and I want to follow exactly everything you suggest.
Thank you so much for writing your amazing book, and for explaining your experiences with such detailed, step-by-step advice. People like me really need it!”
