Shark Week 2026

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

Dr. D'Arienzo on Shark Week. Discovery Channel

Treating Shark Phobia on Shark Week 2026 Discovery Channel

Tune in to Discovery Channel’s Shark Week on July 31, 2026 and see me, Dr. D’Arienzo, successfully treat someone suffering from Galeophobia (shark phobia) through systematic desensitization and prolonged exposure. It was an experience of a lifetime going to Marathon Key and Islamorada with Shark Week producers to be part of this series. It’s important for the public to understand that shark phobias among other phobias are common and treatable. Physical and emotional rewiring occurs with prolonged exposure coupled with acquiring the right skills (diaphragmatic breathing, positive self talk, and suspending judgement) and with the right guidance (a psychologist-led process). What an honor it was to assist in helping this individual gain the ability to now comfortably bring his family to the beach for beach vacations and to resolve his greatest fear. It was three days of intensely committed work for both of us and it was a success!

I have attached some of my pictures from Aquarian Encounters in Marathon Key, and the dock at Lazy Days and shark encounter area at Theatre by the Sea, both in Islamorada, and then at the Miami Airport as I was heading home. What a great time this was!

Episode: My Strange Shark Addiction 

Find out more information about treating shark phobia and other phobia’s here