Being scared of spiders is quite common all over the world. An intense fear of spiders is called arachnophobia. Thos who suffer from this condition know that the fear is irrational, yet their symptoms are very real. They break out in a sweat, feel they cannot breathe and have chest pains. Being scared of spiders affects where people live and where they work. Sometimes this fear is so intense that a picture of a spider or even the thought of one can bring on a panic attack.

Counseling for arachnophobia helps people become better able to cope with the spiders in their backyards. Through counselling, people are gradually introduced to spiders to desensitize them and learn to relax when spiders are around. This treatment is called vivo exposure and involves being exposed to spiders little by little until the person no longer perceives a threat. Counseling of this sort also works with cognitive therapy where the patient learns to replace the negative thoughts about spiders with positive ones.

A fear of spiders can be treated through the use of medications such as those that help a person to relax. Relaxation techniques to help those who are scared of spiders can also be achieved through hypnosis. Trained professional help many people overcome their fear of spiders through hypnosis sessions or self hypnosis tapes and CDs can be used. These aids contain relaxing music and talk sessions that help the patient learn how to deal with fears, know when a panic attack is coming on and how to prevent it. A fear of spiders does not have to ruin your life. Enjoy the outdoors without being scared of spiders.