CBT for Arachnophobia

CBT for Arachnophobia is a highly effective way of overcoming the symptoms and emotional distress caused by this phobia.

Arachnophobia, is the fear of Spiders or sometimes other crawling insects.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960’s who recognised that people’s inner-thoughts were often more significant than the things that they said out loud during therapy sessions.

He called these inner-thoughts cognition and argued that the way that people think about their experiences links directly to the emotions that they feel.

In other words our emotional experiences are the outcomes of what we think and believe rather than being caused by external events.

These ideas form the central concept of CBT which states that:

The way people think determines the way that they feel.

In the case of Arachnophobia the fear and anxiety that we feel are the direct result of what we think or believe our experiences mean.

Arachnophobia Symptoms & Behaviours

All phobias, including Arachnophobia, create feelings of anxiety because phobic objects or situations are always perceived as a threat.

Consequently, the symptoms of Arachnophobia are both specific and generic and may include:

• Avoidance of Spiders.
• Hyper-vigilance.
• An elevated heart rate.
• A sense of dread about what might happen.
• Worrying that you might pass out.
• Feeling dizzy or disoriented.
• Heart palpitations.
• Dry or Sticky mouth.
• Hot sweats.
• Stress.
• Difficulty breathing easily.
• Feelings of panic.

You may have all, some or even different symptoms to these listed here and this is due to the subjective nature of Arachnophobia.

How does CBT for Arachnophobia work?

Normally a programme of CBT for Arachnophobia takes place over a period of 10 to 20 weeks with an hour long session once per week.

Firstly, because the way you think about your day-to-day experiences is determined by your core beliefs, the early sessions of CBT for Arachnophobia involve exploring and measuring these beliefs.

Secondly, once you are able to uncover your core beliefs, your thoughts about certain experiences will make more sense.

Thirdly, by understanding how you have made sense of your experiences in the past you can then begin to make changes to your thoughts and beliefs in order to create new, and more useful, emotional outcomes.

CBT for Arachnophobia builds upon the 5 core CBT principles developed by Aaron Beck and are used extensively in our CORE Programme.

How many sessions of CBT will I need?

Whilst this is a difficult question to be precise about, most people will be able to overcome their Arachnophobia problems in around 10 sessions.

However, because CBT for Arachnophobia is always tailored to your own individual needs and circumstances, getting the outcome that you want may sometimes require more sessions.

If you have been suffering Arachnophobia problems for many years then in all likelihood, you can reasonably expect to take a bit longer to get where you want to be.

Our CBT for Arachnophobia programme is based on 10 sessions delivered over 10 weeks.

The programme uses an online learning platform for you to develop greater self-awareness and knowledge in the days between sessions.

Find out more about CBT for Arachnophobia.

If you’d like to find out more about our CBT for Arachnophobia programme, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We offer all prospective clients FREE initial consultations at the clinic (as well as online) so that you can find out more about our services as well as get the opportunity to discuss your Arachnophobia related problems before having to commit to any sessions with us.