Erica is 34 and lives with multiple chronic health conditions, including a connective tissue disorder that affects her nervous system. Managing her health requires regular blood tests and investigations — but a childhood experience of being physically restrained for a needle left her with a deep, lasting fear. For years, she avoided routine pathology and delayed tests needed for pregnancy planning and ongoing care.
Erica had worked with several psychologists and completed multiple therapy programs, with limited results. Her fear triggered real physical responses — dizziness, muscle tension, shortness of breath — which made standard exposure approaches difficult. Working alongside her healthcare team, she began EMDR therapy and introduced NeedleCalm as a non-pharmacological tool to help manage her sensory experience at the needle site.
What changed
- Completed a standard venepuncture for the first time in years
- Tolerated a cannula insertion — a significant milestone for her ongoing health management
- Reported reduced anticipatory anxiety when using NeedleCalm alongside her other strategies
- Able to access investigations needed for pregnancy planning
*Name changed to protect privacy. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. ARTG ID 344731 · NeedleCalm Pty Ltd ABN 52 613 505 712
