Counseling for dental anxiety in Tacoma, WA

You’re afraid of the dentist. Like, not a little afraid…but really, really afraid and maybe a bit embarrassed or even ashamed. When you have to go to the dentist —or even think about going to the dentist— you get sweaty palms, upset stomach, you may even hyperventilate or pass out. You thought you might outgrow it, but your fear just keeps getting worse.

It’s stopped you from getting regular cleanings and check ups. It’s caused you some minor discomforts like bad breath or sensitive gums. You have tooth pain but have avoided getting dental work because you’re frozen with fear when you think about going in for your appointment. It’s getting more serious.

You think you might have dentophobia.

It used to just be embarrassing or annoying, but now its starting to affect your health. You have mouth pain or tooth aches, or sensitive gums or teeth, or you really need to address those cavities or cracked tooth, but you’re too scared to even go in for a check up. You may have even heard how oral hygiene is related to overall health and wellbeing. Like, how well you take care of your teeth can impact your heart, mind, and body!

You can overcome your fear of the dentist.

Hi I’m Katie, and I’m a relationship and trauma therapist in Tacoma, WA. I love helping my clients heal emotionally from traumatic dental experiences. Therapy for dental anxiety -odontophobia or dentophobia- can be very effective.

In counseling I’ll work with you to understand the phobia and how it effects your life and wellbeing. We will work together to identify your triggers, notice your bodily responses, and practice proven techniques for calming your mind and body. Together we address your symptoms so that you can actually show up to the dentist without sweaty palms, upset stomach, and hyperventilating.

In therapy I guide you through somatic (body) and trauma-informed approaches that gently offer you space to revisit any traumatic dental experiences so that your brain and body can process any trauma stored inside. With this gentle exposure therapy my clients often report that past traumatic experiences and memories no longer feel as intense. You may also notice that you do not feel as anxious or scared when you think of going to the dentist. You will be given tools that you can use to help calm your anxiety in the future at the dentist, doctor, or in any other situation where anxiety or fear may show up. You may even notice that what was once a dreaded experience now has an element of relaxation and comfort.

Start healing your dental anxiety today.

You don’t have to live your life being afraid of the dentist. Targeted psychotherapy for phobias, fears, and anxiety can help you to feel more calm and confident. Addressing your dental anxiety may be your next step to having a brighter smile, a holistically healthy body, calm mind, and less dental care overall.

Contact me today to learn how I can help!

I’d love to help you. Click here to schedule your free 15- minute phone consultation for anxiety & trauma counseling in Tacoma or online in Washington. My other specialties include trauma and relationship counseling, sex and intimacy therapy, and Lifespan Integration.