Erica* is a 34-year-old woman living with multiple chronic health conditions, including a
connective tissue disorder.
These conditions affected her nervous system and often caused fainting and palpitations—both
during stressful events and medical procedures. Her severe fear of needles remained a major
barrier to care. She avoided routine pathology tests and delayed essential investigations
required for pregnancy planning and management of her chronic illnesses.
Challenges Erica’s fear of venepuncture had deep childhood roots, originating from a traumatic
experience where she was physically restrained for a blood test.
Over the years, she sought help from several psychologists and completed multiple therapy
programs, with limited success.Her physiological reactions—including dizziness, muscle
tension, and shortness of breath—complicated exposure therapy and made progress difficult.
Her goal was clear: to be able to have a standard blood test from her arm and tolerate a
cannula insertion, both necessary steps toward a healthy pregnancy.
Erica engaged in a tailored desensitisation program that integrated NeedleCalm as part of a
multi-modal approach. Treatment began with gradual tactile exposure on the arms, using
simulated medical equipment such as alcohol wipes, blunt needles, and syringes. Over time,
exposure intensity increased to include realistic role-plays, clinical sounds, and the sensation of
IV insertion.
The NeedleCalm™ device was introduced to help regulate her sensory response during simulated
and live procedures. The device’s pressure and cooling sensations provided physical grounding
and distraction, helping her tolerate needle contact for longer periods without distress.
Progress and Outcomes Across several months, Erica achieved significant milestones:
● She advanced from tolerating contact with blunt needles to completing simulated cannulation
procedures.
● She successfully underwent a real cannula insertion, managing both discomfort and emotional
response with controlled breathing and NeedleCalm support.
● She attended a pathology clinic, completed necessary blood draws, and remained calm
throughout the process—something she had been unable to do for over a decade.
These achievements enabled Erica to complete her fertility investigations and medical reviews
in preparation for conception. In 2025, Erica successfully underwent a planned caesarean
section, a major personal and therapeutic milestone. She was able to remain calm during
cannulation and anaesthetic preparation, applying the same techniques and sensory regulation
strategies practiced during her exposure sessions.
Erica’s case highlights the value of combining psychological therapy
with sensory modulation and realistic simulation. For patients with co-existing medical conditions
or trauma histories, traditional cognitive-based approaches may not be sufficient. The
integration of NeedleCalm™ provided both physical comfort and psychological reassurance,
making desensitisation more tolerable and effective.
This case demonstrates how collaboration between clinicians—and the right therapeutic tools—can restore confidence, autonomy, and
access to essential healthcare for patients living with needle fear.
Need help navigating needle fear?
Our team offers a free 15-minute consult to help you explore calm, compassionate options for upcoming procedures.
