bipolarbunny is getting over it
Out of cheers
But so good for you!!
How to get over my Arachnophobia
It made me
AMAZED! 
"Absolutely amazing - the only regret is that I didn't do it sooner! I've walked away feeling free, in control - and with a better understanding of my mind and self."
How I did it: I am so thankful that this course is run in my own city .. many travel interstate or from overseas to participate - and I have to say that would absolutely be worth it! After so many years of people trying to rationalise with me and looking at me in disbeleif saying "It's just a spider .. it's not going to hurt you!" - I felt so releived to be in a room with people that understood my phobia! They understood and what is happening in my mind .. inclusive of the fact that I think I have no control over it.
On the 28th April I went to bed not being able to look at a picture of a spider without freaking out. By 3pm on 29th April I had a communal huntsman crawling up my arm and asking the volunteers at Taronga Zoo what her name was! BTW - it was Hannah.
Lessons & tips: They reccomend not to have any high energy foods of caffeine before the course - other than that all you need is an open mind. Funnily enough I thought that was the only thing I couldn't bring .. everyone thinks that they have the worst phobia and they must be the only exception! Make sure that you listen.. even if you think that it's not going to help, just at least go through the motions and give them the full respect of your attention and a fair chance at being able to help you! There were a few points where I was doubtful - and I did break down a few times .. but staff were ultra patient and persistent.
It's half a day - don't think that you're going to go to work afterwards. I had an awful headache .. initially I thought that it was the caffeine withdrawls and the fact that I had a few teary moments .. but Warrick Angus (the arachnophobe-turned-arachnophile that runs the course) mentioned that alot of participants walk away with one becuase their brain is used to functioning in the same pattern for so many years, teaching it to do something completely different in such an intense manner freaks it out a little (or something similar to that LOL .. my eyes were fixated on a funnel web at the time!)
Resources: I cannot rave about this course enough .. Best spent four and a half hours of my life!
http://www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo/education/community-programs/fearless-at-taronga.aspx
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Comments:
Alexis Sogl ela faz cinema...
The itsy bitsy spider
That’s so great! I don’t even know you but I’m really happy for you :) It sounds like it was an amazing experience!
Congrats!
This is amazing! I am petrified of spiders. I cry and hyperventilate when I see one and I know it is irrational. I literally have no control of my reaction (or so I feel). I wish this course was offered in the US. I’m sure somewhere across these 50 states there is something similar.
Must be an amazing feeling to be free of such a crippling fear!
Congrats! I hope to one day feel that freedom too…
kepi procrastination extraordinaire!
Jae, I know EXACTLY how you feel!
What I found the most frustrating was to not be able to explain to the ones that you love and those that are trying to help you – that you KNOW that it’s not rational .. but seriously, can’t do anything about it.
I certainly don’t miss that feeling of wanting to escape the situation but am just frozen with hysterics .. it made me feel so weak!
I performed another ‘catch & release’ again last week and was reminded about how lucky i am to have my life back. Surely there’s a program somewhere in the US – even if you don’t find it right away, be encouraged that it’s absolutely possible :D
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