Has anyone managed to overcome a fear of spiders?

[AbsentmindedWoman]

So frustrated with myself on this. I know they can't hurt me, and I'm fine with them if I see them outside etc so I'm not as phobic as some people. I'm also fine with tiny or very spindly ones and not scared at all of tarantulas. It's the average or large house spiders when they suddenly appear or run fast.

Seeing them in my flat makes me shaky and a little nauseated if I'm about to eat. To the point if they're running and I'm taken by surprise, I'd be worried I'd drop my laptop or cup of tea/ plate of food as my reflex to jump away is so strong. I cannot afford to drop my new MacBook!

Has anyone overcome this degree of fear?

Having a cat might help. They love munching on them.

Aah, my people. I am very badly phobic. It affects my day to day life. I check rooms before I can settle down, i check the sun visor in my car before I get in, my bedding and curtains have to be plain so I don't miss a spider amongst a pattern. In autumn I am a nervous wreck and often have to increase my anxiety medication.
I'm desperate to do the spider course but I'm actually terrified to try it. I had a recent wake up call when my 3 year old got hysterical when a spider ran over her arm and I realised I am handing this down to my kids. Gotta do something!

You can get referred for NHS psychological therapy if it is bad enough to be interfering with your life. You usually need a GP referral but can maybe go through IAPT.

fattyfatcakes ‘its every person for themself’ honestly led here rolling round in tears that cracked me up so much!
Im also terrified to the point of wanting to vomit. My mums got better over the years as had to catch mine often when i was little.... doesn’t come round to my house to do it now though pretty rude to be fair

I’ve had a different phobia treated by a hypnotist, although she didn’t hypnotise me, she used a face tapping technique that she thought would be quicker. I do recommend taking action, including spending money. The freedom is unbelievable and well worth the price of a summer frock, or even a winter coat.

I have a friend who did hypnotherapy and she's not 100% ok with spiders but it seriously helped her overcome her fear of spiders.

I've always been very scared of house spiders but my DP is far more scared so now I am chief spider catcher. It's strange but because of this im much better now, i look at them in the glass and inspect them. I made my DP get one recently, he was shaking, took him an hour to put the glass on it but oh the joy and pride when he got the spider! He was dancing after, so proud of himself. I would say face the fear and keep doing it!

A friend of mine did a spider fear course at London Zoo, it was really helpful for her. She was truly petrified of them beforehand - she's not the biggest fan now but she's not paralysed by fear every time she sees one.

2 things helped me. First was this something like this:

www.argos.co.uk/product/3579057?cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59156|acid:444-797-0832|cid:189934285|agid:18091942645|tid:aud-484139256461:pla-145085872405|crid:77627769685|nw:g|rnd:4459306836860934469|dvc:m|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:1007144&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7sDlBRC9ARIsAD-pDFqHNL2G4R07M1llNRljWbd4e_HgmgvhOWeHk4XNUPL5HQBlAzD2TwUaArLWEALw_wcB

They make it so easy to catch spiders and release them kindly. Just having it near me makes me calmer.

Second was going on a course at Bristol Zoo which was brilliant and I'd really recommend it.

No. Done the London zoo course (twice!) Maybe has helped a bit but definitely not cured!

.no I hate them. I lived abroad for 6 years and we had giant huntsmen and even small ones freak me out. Luckily I have had none in my house for 2 years. I have no idea why as it's an old house.

Total arachnophobic. WTF one in your eye socket!! No just no. Urghh and no way would I ever attend a course.

Being a single mum and not having anyone else to rely on for this sort of thing sorted me out pretty much overnight tbh. Not that I’m suggesting it as a great way to proceed 😂

I am terrified of them but have found a spider catcher has really helped me! I feel more in control of the situation, I don’t have to get near them and can get them out of the smallest spaces and then put them out totally unharmed. Best £10 I have ever spent, it has bristles on the end of a long pole, you should try one.

Winecheesesleep - yes that’s what I’ve got! Just having it in the house calms me down. Absolute game changer.

How do the bristles work?! Does the spider not just wriggle out?

I live in a first floor flat - would it be securely caught in the bristles for long enough to go down a flight of stairs and fling it into the garden?

Education. I read about them, watched YouTube videos of people with pet taratulas they love, and started admiring them as animals rather than fearing them. Lots of people commenting on YouTube said they were afraid until they found the channels. Worth a go!

@AbsentmindedWoman yes it would be fine with that, it holds them really securely. They're really good for catching daddy long legs and other bugs too.

London zoo course here as well.
Was terrified, still not my favourite things but completely manageable now.

OK I’m totally getting one of those catchers. Been considering it for ages.

I think it’s just that I am actually a bit frightened of touching them even with the catcher - my fear is the scuttling and the suddenness, so I worry that they’ll just run at me as I am tentatively approaching them with the bristles

But. I should try it. I WILL try it.

London zoo course totally cured me about 15 years ago and I was really bad, life affecting, irrationally bad. I actually cried during the course as I was convinced it hadn't worked but I love them now and can pick them up in my bare hands if necessary even the huge ones. 100% recommend it - totally changed my life for the better

I have just ordered myself one of those catchers-not for my use,because it's 65cm length is still far too close for comfort for me-but for my kids to come to my rescue with. I youtubed it before buying and they actually look rather fun to use for someone who's fear of spiders is not too great.So hopefully the kids will be fighting to rid the house of any unwelcome critters. Fingers crossed.

Yes, on the whole. I used to be a stand on the sofa type of person but last year I held a black velvet tarantula. I was so tempted to post a photo but....well, I'm not that evil....much!

I am not as scared as I used to be. My dad loves insects. I think having ds helped cure me of my fear.