Watch My Extreme Animal Phobia
- 2011
- 1 Season
-
6.3 (33)
My Extreme Animal Phobia is a gripping docu-series that aired on Animal Planet in 2011. The show is presented by Robin Zasio, a clinical psychologist specializing in phobia treatment, along with Laura Aguinaga and Seth Margolies, who are trained animal handlers. The show revolves around individuals who suffer from extreme and debilitating phobias related to animals. The phobias range from common fears such as spiders and snakes to more unusual oddities such as cows, birds, and even butterflies. The series follows these individuals as they embark on a journey to overcome their fears and find a way to lead a normal life. Each episode features a new individual with a different type of animal phobia, and the show is structured to show the person's exposure to the animal gradually. The initial stage involves familiarizing the person with the animal through pictures, videos, and even touching stuffed animals that resemble the animal in question. Zasio and her team carefully assess the participant's level of fear and come up with a treatment plan that suits them best. The next phase involves meeting an animal in person, but from a distance. For instance, if the individual is scared of snakes, they may be shown a snake in a glass enclosure, with an expert explaining its anatomy and behavior. This step is designed to help the person overcome the initial fear of being around the animal. The subsequent phase involves getting closer to the animal. The participants are asked to perform tasks such as feeding, holding, and grooming the animal. The team is there to provide emotional support and encouragement to the person. The ultimate goal is to help the individual overcome their phobia by empowering them with knowledge about the animal and demystifying its behavior. One of the advantages of the show is that it educates the public about different animal species and demystifies their behavior. For instance, one episode features an individual who is scared of cows. The team visits a dairy farm and explains the animal's behavior and how to interact with them safely. What sets My Extreme Animal Phobia apart from other phobia shows is the high level of professionalism and care provided to the participants. The team has a solid background in animal handling, and they know how to create a safe and controlled environment for both the person and the animal. Additionally, they offer therapy sessions to help participants deal with any underlying emotional issues related to their phobia. Overall, My Extreme Animal Phobia is an engaging and informative show that teaches empathy, hope, and respect for all animals. The show is not limited to the phobic individual, but also appeals to the larger audience who may not be aware of how to interact safely with some animals. The combination of therapy and expert animal handling makes the show a must-watch for anyone who seeks to overcome their fears and embrace the natural world.