Author Background
Stefani M. Cohen
Stefanicohenlcsw@gmail.com | 914-261-4924
• Author of Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs
• Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in private practice.
Main focus: Parent Coaching and Education, specializing in anxiety in children with a sub-specialty in helping children overcome their fear of dogs.
• B.A. in Sociology | William Smith College, Geneva, N.Y.
• Master of Social Work | New York University, NY, N.Y.
As a parenting expert, I have over thirty years of experience working with parents to help them develop and implement positive parenting strategies to maximize their children’s social and emotional development. I also work individually with children to help them learn to cope more effectively with “big” feelings, such as worry, fear and anger. I have created and facilitated numerous parenting support groups and workshops. Topics have included: anxiety in children, parenting special needs children, positive limit setting and sibling rivalry. In addition, I have presented many teacher training sessions on recognizing developmental red flags and behavioral issues in children.
I have developed a niche of helping children who are afraid of dogs overcome their fear through exposure therapy using a live dog. Together with my canine assistants, we have done presentations for school children and scout troops on humane education, kindness to animals and bite prevention. We have also visited professional associations, such as the Rotary Clubs, Assisted Living Facilities etc.
My love of animals, especially dogs, developed when I was a young child. Dogs have always been an integral part of my life. When I realized that my daughter Becky was afraid of dogs I began to develop and implement the Overcoming the Fear of Dogs Protocol (OFOD). Since then I have perfected this method and have helped many children to feel safe and comfortable around dogs. This book is the culmination of my efforts. It was also born out of my wish and need for guidance when I needed help and support to help my daughter overcome her fear of dogs.
Online presence
• Overcomefearofdogs.com
• Facebook –Overcome Fear of Dogs
• Instagram – Overcomefearofdogs
• Linked In- Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW
I live in New Rochelle, N.Y. with my husband Gerry and our dog Winnie. I have four grandchildren - all of whom, I am happy to say, love dogs!
