I saw the first spider of the spider season this morning, in the bathroom, clinging to the shower screen. I don’t have a problem with spiders, but there are plenty who do. Arachnophobia is defined as an inordinate fear of spiders and is the world’s biggest phobia, second in the UK (after public speaking).

This phobia can often be triggered by the thought of or sometimes even a picture of a spider. A serious case of arachnophobia is much different than someone who just doesn't like spiders. Many people who are afraid of spiders have feelings of panic entering into a situation where spiders may be present, the old fight or flight system kicking in again. It’s not usually the spider that creates this feeling, but the way they move and scurry around.

I helped a Greater Manchester based friend, last year, using hypnotherapy to overcome her fear of spiders. She was literally petrified of the little creatures, the thought of them made her skin crawl; she would have to ask her seven year old son to remove them from the house.

This brings up a side issue, a big side issue, in that in my experience phobias are often picked up from Mum or Dad. When you see a parent getting anxious about a spider, a dog, or when flying, this can become a learned behaviour.

So it is a good idea to get the fear resolved before it gets contagious. Back to my friend with the spider issues, after the hypnotherapy her fear of spiders had gone, and she was actually able to pick them up and take them outside, quite a significant change.

The powerful effectiveness of hypnotherapy for any phobia never ceases to amaze me. If you can learn to be scared of spiders, you can quickly learn to be calm around them. This also applies to other animals including insects and snakes.

If you have a fear of spiders and you live in Cheshire, Stockport or Greater Manchester why not find out how easily it can be resolved here at Calm Minds?