Fear of Spiders

[OooErr]

Hi, I have a really terrible fear of spiders and want to try to overcome it. Someone mentioned to me about the Friendly Spider Programme which helps you with this fear, has anyone done this programme and if so what did you think? Or has anyone overcome their fear of spiders in another way, if so what did you do? Many thanks.

[Eve]

Try this...http://www.zsl.org/london-zoo/news/friendly-sp ider-programme,216,NS.html

[lynneylou]

I dont know where you live but in shropshire there is a guy who runs an exotic pets shop and you can hire him for parties etc, he educates you and helps to banish the fear. I hated spiders but after hiring him for my daughter's birthday last year, I held a terantula and it was so lovely. I know this guy travels???

[vivandorron]

As a young boy (I'm now an old man ) I came across a couplet which read " If you want to live and thrive, let a spider run alive."

Be assured they are all harmless creatures in the U.K. and this time of year they come indoors for the winter months ahead. Try letting a very small one run onto your hand; after that you'll become less afraid of the big house spiders.

[vivandorron]

Old wives tales are often proved to be true. However, I would rather we forget about things which could involve William the Conkerer( just trying to be funny...sorry ). Do by all means try the conkers, they may give off an odour which spiders don't like. However, it would be great if you could get over your fear of the eight legged creatures, and love them as I do. After all they eat flies which I hate and, if that's not a good reason, what is.?

[steviep165]

the friendly spider programme??
never heard of it but its an excellent name for a group of its purpose.
is it all spiders you're afraid of. even the tiny little money spiders? when you see one in the house, put a glass over the top of it and just watch it. thats how my sister got over her phobia. she caught one and just watched and examined it closely.
good luck anyway.xx

[OooErr]

I can cope with money spiders, it's any spider over the size of about a 20 pence piece. I wouldn't be able to get close enough to one to put a glass over it at the moment, although that does sound like a good idea. I think i will try and get on the F.S.P. (and in the meantime get hold of some conkers!) as i have a baby son and don't want to pass on my fear to him. Thanks for all your help and suggestions x

[OooErr]

For any that are interested i took part in the Friendly Spider Programme yesterday and actually held a tarantula. I never ever thought I would be able to do that! I also caught a house spider in a plastic beaker! I would recommend this course to anyone who is afraid of spiders, the people who run it are lovely and the other people on the course are all in the same boat.