Exposure-Based CBT for Youth With Blood and Injection Phobia and Chronic Illness

This intervention is an exposure-based CBT program developed for children with blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia and a co-occurring somatic illness. The treatment includes a structured home training kit with medical materials (e.g., syringes, swabs) related to the child's fear, enabling frequent and realistic exposure exercises at home between sessions, guided by parents. This allows for higher treatment intensity and continuity. The intervention is tailored to children who require regular medical procedures and whose phobia interferes with essential care. Unlike previous studies, this model integrates both clinical sessions and structured home practice to increase adherence and reduce fear in medical settings.