How can I overcome my phobia of spiders?

Question

Please don't suggest I research them or something - I am totally aware of the fact that most spiders are harmless, so that isn't what I am afraid of.

Answer 1

Fears of spiders are actually more common than you'd expect. This is hard for you, I know--but believe it or not, as long as nothing else is going on, this is an easy difficulty to have treated.

These type of phobias are actually easily treated by a licensed psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders. Most things you get off the internet (life coaching, EMDR, EFT, and the like) are just rip offs and wastes of time and money, typically put out by those looking to take advantage of desparate people or by those without appropriate training/qualifications, or those who are no where near the mainstream of competent psychological care.

The only scientifically proven way to treat phobias is with exposure and you'll want that done under the care of a trained professional. There typically aren't many complications to this kind of treatment and there certainly aren't any deep or underlying problems that require years of therapy (In other words, ignore suggestions for psychodynamic or psychoanalytic treatment--your fear is not because of the way your mom treated you when you were 2 or some other such nonsense!).

You should expect as little as 3-4 hours of treatment on one end to around 8-10 sessions/hours at the other to see results. Skip psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapy--no proven benefits. Also, medication is NOT recommended for specific phobias and generally won't help with the fear itself. There is no need to use a combination of techniques either. The buzz words to use are that you want either a "behavioral" or a "cognitive-behavioral" psychologist who will use an "empirically supported treatment" (this just means using one of several treatments that have received considerable study and have been found to work the best).

You've got several options. Most universities that have graduate programs in psychology have training centers where the professors supervise care for a significantly reduced price (some as little as 10-15% of community prices!). You can also try ADAA or ABCT's websites and their find a therapist links.

You taken an important step by asking the right questions and realizing the fear is getting in the way of you living your life, now the challenge is to find a qualified professional and keep your motivation to overcome this just a little while longer.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Get a couple of your close friends or relatives to spend half a day out in the field or forest, having a casual picnic while searching for small spiders, esp the fighting ones. Bring some small plastic bags and bottles along. Such exposure in a fun manner will rid you all of any phobia. That's a guarantee. And bring a couple home in a capped jar to watch them now and then.Make small holes in the cover. Best of luck! Have fun. :-))

Answer 3

Date Spiderman!!

All right- All kidding aside. . . .Phobias are very real to those who have them. I would start with therapy first if this phobia is really making life difficult for you. I believe this to be quite a common phobia too. There are therapists who specialize in working with you in dealing with your fears/phobias (whatever they may be) & how to overcome them- or at least learn effective coping skills when encountering what causes you discomfort & fear.

Answer 4

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the best way to overcome phobias such as yours. There is a precise way of doing it through exposure therapy and you can get past the fear.

Answer 5

Number one, where do you live? If you're in the North east or north Midwest, your fear is 100% founded on mistaken beliefs. If you're in the south, southeast, or southwest, yeah, BE AFRAID!

Otherwise, use visualization techniques to help you conquer your fear. Visualize yourself touching and holding a spider. Visualize yourself seeing one and not caring. Visualizing conquering your fears is probably the surest and fastest way to conquering them, and the safest.

Answer 6

i'm afraid of them, and i have no desire to get un afraid. lol.
but the best way is shock treatment. You need to face your fears. You may know in your head they are harmless, but unless you hold them and touch them you'll never know for sure.

Answer 7

I agree with RT(R). There really isn't a way to overcome them unless you hold them and play with them. But I don't see a need to anyway! It's perfectly normal, I wouldn't worry about it. :)

Answer 8

I know how you feel... I think the best way to get over spiders is to name them.. i know it sounds stupid but when things have names you aren't as scared of them.. My friend does this... So next time egnore your bob or harry......