Filipe couldn’t have been more understanding and helpful. I not only feel able to face my phobia (which is now behind me), but has given me tools to use in daily life - Christina
You really are the best at what you do and have already recommended you to a lot of my friends and random people 😊- Katrina
Filipe was very understanding, open, approachable, full of knowledge and had a warm, authentic way about him - Sam
My fear has had such a negative impact on my life, so to have finally overcome this is amazing and I’m very proud! - Kerry
Filipe was extremely credible, knowledgeable as well as being kind and compassionate – would thoroughly recommend.- Victoria
I have moved on from the past and left all my bad experiences where they should be - Lucy
Conquering my fear has opened up a world of opportunities for me and I’m so incredibly grateful to Filipe for this - Leah
Filipe talks you through the full process from beginning to end so you fully understand what and how it happens and I am truly thankful - Hayley
Thanks to the deliver of the treatment by Filipe, he is patient considerate and makes the session about you and no one else - Stella
I highly recommend anyone who has a phobia to work with Filipe, you will not regret taking the steps needed to create a positive future. Amazing work Filipe, thank you - Lucy
Filipe was a great help in treating my lifelong phobia of dogs - Joelle
The treatment was excellent! A phobia I had been suffering from for decades, getting progressively worse, was neutralised after 2 sessions - Victoria
Thank you Filipe for your help on my heights phobia, I feel the sessions covered so much more, not just on my phobia of heights but also on everyday situations and on how to handle them - Michelle
Arachnophobia Treatment
Spider Phobia Treatment – Overcome Your Fear in as Few as 3 Sessions
Arachnophobia is one of the most common phobias, but also one of the most treatable. Through personalised one to one online sessions, I help clients overcome their fear of spiders in a structured yet comfortable way.
Unlike traditional methods, my approach doesn’t require you to uncover the root cause of your fear or face forced exposure. Instead, we work with the subconscious mind using hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). This allows for lasting change in a calm and natural way.
No matter your location, you can access effective, structured therapy for arachnophobia through online sessions with The Phobia Specialist. With isolated phobias like arachnophobia, significant progress is genrally made in just three sessions.
Expert Support with Hypnotherapy for Arachnophobia (Fear of Spiders)
Every phobia is personal, which is why the path forward should be too. I use a personalised, integrative approach, drawing on several therapeutic methods:
Hypnosis – to work directly with the subconscious mind where the fear response is held.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) – to reframe unhelpful thought patterns and reduce emotional intensity.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) – to build on existing strengths and create a positive vision of life without the phobia.
With years of experience in treating phobias, I offer therapy that is efficient, safe, and effective. Our sessions are professional, highly informative, and engaging, giving you a clear understanding of what drives irrational fear, and more importantly, how to eliminate it quickly and comfortably. The focus is on psychological readiness, not forced exposure. This means when exposure does occur, whether spontaneously or planned, you are already set up for success, experiencing it with greater calm and confidence.
Through the course of the treatment, what begins as dread often starts to feel more like opportunity. A spider becomes a stepping stone to liberation, and that’s something to be embraced rather than feared.
Ready to put arachnophobia behind you?
Most clients with an isolated spider phobia see strong progress in three structured sessions, no forced exposure, just calm, targeted work that fits your schedule.
Arachnophobia can impact people in very different ways, for some it’s mild avoidance, for others it’s overwhelming panic. Whatever the severity, if you are here, then it’s likely your fear interferes with daily life and limits what you feel able to do. That’s why treatment is designed to be flexible and to help anyone who:
Avoids situations or activities due to their fear of spiders
Worries excessively about coming into contact with a spider
Panics when a spider is spotted
Has tried to overcome their fear before but still struggles
Arachnophobia Treatment: What to Expect in Sessions
I’m passionate about helping my clients overcome their fear of spiders. With motivation and my guidance, progress often comes faster than expected.
Fast results: For isolated phobias like arachnophobia, progress is typically achieved in just three sessions.
Tailored support: Treatment is personalised, structured yet flexible, and paced to suit you.
Practical tools: You’ll receive resources, recordings, and exercises to support progress both during and after sessions.
Lasting change: No medication, no forced exposure.
Accessible: Sessions are held online via video call, from the comfort of your own home.
The Phobia Specialist Reviews
Over the years, many clients have shared their experiences of working with The Phobia Specialist. These reviews highlight the effectiveness of Filipe’s treatment, the supportive and professional approach, and the lasting changes people achieve in overcoming their fears. Reading their feedback can give you a clearer sense of what to expect and the confidence that you’re in safe hands.
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Anonymous
I was not in a good place. I have had a phobia of heights as far back as I can remember and avoided going to places where I would be high. However now my anxiety levels became even worse by effecting my driving on motorways becoming anxious and having to stop often.
After one session with Filipe and listening to audio book my driving has got back to normal and no longer feel anxious about driving on motorway. After further sessions & therapy can now go up mountains to the top and enjoy the view and being in control.
Amazing work thank you so much. Really appreciate the help and support
Claire H.
I realised I had a problem with house spiders when I would freeze, sob and effectively ask strangers to come into my house to remove them. If there was one in the bathroom, I had to barricade it and go without until someone could come (despite having a second bathroom, however I wouldn't go in it incase of spiders). It was really starting to get in the way of my daily life, especially now it is autumn and 'spider season'. I'd find my mind being consumed with worry about coming to home to one. I knew it was really bad when one was on my stairs and I genuinely considered going out the window.
I really enjoyed the sessions and found them informative, relaxing and so helpful. Filipe was so supportive, thorough and helped me recognise and celebrate my successes. I never thought I'd be able to live a life without extreme fear of spiders and be able to be free of the worry about coming home to them. After my sessions finished, I have actually faced a house spider twice and was able to catch it in a glass on both occasions. The work Filipe did with me made it so I could actually rationally think and take the steps to remove it myself and I am really proud. I'm really pleased I invested the money into Felipe's service and would recommend anyone with a phobia to give it a try. I don't love spiders, but I am able to think straight and take steps to remove it. I feel so much more free and independent and feel like I could deal with a larger one if I had to.
Thank you Filippe. I feel much more confident now about being in situations that would have previously triggered my phobia. I am much more positive now and better able to embrace change. I don’t feel the need to avoid certain situations anymore. Even if I still feel anxiety at times, I know it’s nothing to be afraid of anymore and it won’t balloon into full blown panic.
I came to Filipe for treatment for emetophobia which had started to affect me badly in the last year. I’ve been to many talking therapists throughout my life and felt a bit burnt out from it all, so I went into this with a sceptical mindset. I was pleasantly surprised, however. I found the sessions informative, engaging and relaxing. Since completing the sessions, I have noticed that when the thought I might be getting sick pops into my head, I don’t panic and the world doesn’t feel like it’s falling apart like it used to. I can move past the initial anxiety and carry on with life.
I really loved my sessions with Filipe. He was very patient and didn’t think my phobia was silly at all (even at times when I did) he was very understanding and really made me feel like he had a lot of time for me. It’s nice when you feel like someone genuinely really wants to help you. The tactics he gave me along with the science based facts about the brain and the subconscious, really made me think a different way. I feel so much more relaxed. Spiders won’t be my best friend any time soon but at least I can love living again without fear. Thank you! P.s. I even managed to ignore one in my house a week after my first session – that’s results!
The treatment was simple, effective and easy to apply. You just have to do the work. Highly recommended.
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Book Your Arachnophobia Treatment Online
A fear of spiders can seriously get in the way of daily life. If you find yourself unable to enjoy your own home, avoiding activities like camping or travelling because of anxiety, you’re not alone. The good news is that arachnophobia is treatable. With The Phobia Specialist, you can overcome your fear of spiders through safe, structured online sessions, all from the comfort of your own home.
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What others have to say
Victoria F.
Reviewer
5/5
Thank you Filippe. I feel much more confident now about being in situations that would have previously triggered my phobia. I am much more positive now and better able to embrace change. I don't feel the need to avoid certain situations anymore. Even... Show More
if I still feel anxiety at times, I know it's nothing to be afraid of anymore and it won't balloon into full blown panic. Show Less
I came to Filipe for treatment for emetophobia which had started to affect me badly in the last year. I've been to many talking therapists throughout my life and felt a bit burnt out from it all, so I went into this with a sceptical mindset. I was pl... Show More
easantly surprised, however. I found the sessions informative, engaging and relaxing. Since completing the sessions, I have noticed that when the thought I might be getting sick pops into my head, I don't panic and the world doesn't feel like it's falling apart like it used to. I can move past the initial anxiety and carry on with life. Show Less
I really loved my sessions with Filipe. He was very patient and didn’t think my phobia was silly at all (even at times when I did) he was very understanding and really made me feel like he had a lot of time for me. It’s nice when you feel like someon... Show More
e genuinely really wants to help you. The tactics he gave me along with the science based facts about the brain and the subconscious, really made me think a different way. I feel so much more relaxed. Spiders won’t be my best friend any time soon but at least I can love living again without fear. Thank you! P.s. I even managed to ignore one in my house a week after my first session - that’s results! Show Less
Filipe was great to work with…I really was very skeptical…it seemed to good to be true.
But a phobia I have had for most of my life has gone in 3 sessions! It’s very straightforward and not a painful process at all. He is passionate about what he doe... Show More
s and it shows, he clearly knows his area of expertise well and is a great therapist.
I can’t recommend him enough. Show Less
I finally feel like I can breathe again. This treatment is so clever, it’s great to understand the way your brain works and overall that you have control of it. As someone who’s never experienced therapy before I had no idea what to expect, but Filip... Show More
e made me feel instantly comfortable within seconds of our first consultation. For just 3 sessions it was really effective and informative, I felt as if Filipe was invested in my personal journey, he was always very responsive and reassuring.
I have just had my first experience with a big spider since treatment and whilst I still find them unpleasant, I’m now aware that this is very common and the goal was never to love them- but to be able to cope and rationalise in what used to be an extremely triggering situation. I realised that I was putting a lot of pressure on myself previously to catch it in a glass, so instead I just hoovered it up, this time I felt as if I had an opportunity to think and logically create a comfortable solution.
The main differences I’ve noticed since completing the course are:
•I don’t feel the need to constantly check the around me for spiders
•The word itself and the idea of them doesn’t send me into panic mode unnecessarily
•I feel comfortable to go about my day after seeing one because it doesn’t play on my mind
And most of all my general anxiety has subsided which is a huge bonus. I feel much calmer and all of these changes are happening so naturally, my friends/family have picked up on it before I have. I couldn’t recommend Filipe enough- thank you for all your help! Show Less
I've recently completed a course of therapy with Filipe in order to cure my arachnophobia.
From the initial conversation, all the way through to the final session, Filipe made me feel completely at ease, he explained everything in great detail, and... Show More
guided me through every step of the process. I'm an extremely anxious and awkward person, but I honestly felt comfortable from minute one.
I won't deny that I was sceptical before starting, and I genuinely didn't think that this would work for me, but thought "well, it won't hurt ". After my second session I encountered a spider, I initially jumped (like I always used to do), but rather than fleeing, or panicking, or getting stressed, I literally just said to myself "it's completely fine" and then proceeded to deal with the spider with ease and get on with my day.
I'm yet to encounter a really large spider (which is mainly my issue), so I'm not yet sure how I'll deal with that, but I am feeling incredibly confident. Obviously I can't say that it will 100% work for anyone else, but it seemingly has worked wonders for me, and I would recommend it to anybody who is struggling.
Filipe has not only helped with my arachnophobia, but he's also provided me with the tools to boost my confidence and help with my anxiety in general. Show Less
The treatment from Filipe has helped me to overcome my fear of driving, particularly on motorways, and has boosted by confidence in other areas too (an unexpected consequence!).
If you've got a fear of something that's spoiling your enjoyment of l... Show More
ife book an appointment now - you won't regret it! Show Less
Fear of water. For 3 years I tried group swimming lessons, then 1:1 lessons, but just couldn't shake the gut wrenching fear of swimming independently in the water.
I decided to try another approach, and found The Phobia Specialist.
Filipe's friendly... Show More
, no-nonsense approach has been great. From explaining what was going on in my subconscious to guiding me through the process of recategorising the danger.
I have felt more calm in my everyday life, and the swimming instructor even noticed how much more relaxed I was in the water. I am finally looking forward to getting in the pool and swimming properly by myself. Show Less
When I first came to Filipe, I couldn't even think about spiders without anxiety. I was constantly checking corners of rooms and living in fear of encountering them. Now, I’ve just successfully removed a medium-sized spider, and I was able to look at... Show More
it calmly! The change has been incredible for me. I've gone from irrational fear to being empowered, and I’m not dreading spider season at all.
Filipe is really kind and understood what I was going through. His techniques and the support pack he provided have been invaluable. I feel so much more relaxed in my home, and I can't recommend this treatment enough. Thanks Filipe! Show Less
I came across Filipe when looking online for ways to overcome performance anxiety (specifically singing solos in my choir). I knew that the fear response I experienced at the mere thought of doing a solo was far greater than ‘normal nerves’ and that ... Show More
despite being good at positive visualisation and trying to normalise the event in my mind, I just couldn’t stop the physical fear response from taking over. I have tried putting myself forward for solos in the past to force myself to ‘face the fear’, only to pull out nearer the time as I couldn’t deal with the extreme anxiety (I am otherwise a confident person and don’t suffer with anxiety). I committed myself to a solo in our summer concert this year that I really wanted to do and so was determined to find a solution!
I had 3 sessions with Filipe and they were all super helpful in different ways. In the first session he explained about the conscious and subconscious brains and what’s happening when there’s a phobia. He was very understanding about my problem and reassured me it was very common and this helped me to not feel silly about it. He explained the methods he uses and the structure of the next sessions. In the second session we did a series of exercises which were aimed at reducing the hypersensitivity around solo performance - they were really simple but very effective (it was cool how different I felt about the idea of solo performing after the exercises, compared to before). And we did a similar exercise in the third session plus a short hypnosis. I also had an audio file to listen to each night.
I’m sure the format of the excercises is likely similar for any phobia, but I felt that Filipe tailored them and the language he used to be relevant to my specific problem and that he really understood what it meant for me. I came away feeling hopeful and better equipped to go through with my performance.
My choir concert was a couple of days ago and although I had a bit of panic a few days before and felt a little shakey in our run through, when it came to my solo I only felt ‘normal nerves’ which went as soon as I started singing and then I felt very relaxed and amazingly did not have any panic/anxiety or fear response at all! And I enjoyed it!
I’m so glad I decided to have these sessions with Felipe and I’m grateful for his help getting me there. I now feel confident that I can do more solos without experiencing utter panic! 😀
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend working with Felipe. Show Less
Quick, simple, and stress-free booking. Check Filipe’s live availability and book your one-to-one session instantly. Your confirmation and meeting invite will arrive in your inbox within a minute.
Filipe receives high praise for his expertise in guiding individuals through their phobia treatment. Clients commend his kindness, patience, and effective techniques in addressing fears such as heights, needles, driving, vomit, flying, dogs, spiders, public speaking, and more. Many express life-changing results, newfound freedom, and gratitude for Filipe’s empathetic and effective approach. Clients consistently recommend his services, emphasising the profound transformations many achieve.
Your Journey Starts Here
Experience: 16+ Years
Speciality: Phobias
Qualifications: Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (NCFE Level 4) and Diploma in Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy
An NVQ level 4 qualification. This is the only qualification to be verified by the National Council for Hypnotherapy and awarded by NCFE. The NCFE is the UK’s longest-established awarding body. They are recognised by qualification regulators in the UK and respected for professionalism & quality.
Diploma in Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy
The combined study of clinical hypnotherapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Accredited by: Association of Professional Hypnosis & Psychotherapy; National Council of Hypnotherapy; Hypnotherapy Society; National Council of Psychotherapists; The General Hypnotherapy Standards Council.
NCH Membership
The UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy Professional Association, promoting and protecting the practice of hypnotherapy in the UK. Originally called The Hypnotherapy Register that was formed in 1973 before being renamed.
Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council
The CNHC was set up by the government to protect the public. This is achieved through an independent UK register of complementary healthcare practitioners. Protection of the public is our sole purpose of the CNCH.
Accreditations: UK government’s Complimentary & Natural Healthcare Council and National Council for Hypnotherapy
Merry Christmas! Book a free consultation before Christmas and get 20% off your treatment costs.
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Arachnophobia Treatment FAQs
Does arachnophobia hypnotherapy really work?
Yes, hypnotherapy in combination with Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is effective for arachnophobia. Sessions use hypnosis with brief, targeted techniques to calm the automatic fear response and build confidence. Clients with arachnophobia tend to respond very well to the treatment.
How many sessions do I need for spider phobia treatment?
For isolated spider phobia, strong progress is often made in just three sessions. Your therapy is completely tailored to your circumstances.
Is there forced exposure therapy?
No. We prioritise psychological readiness first.
What’s the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is the focused, relaxed state, while hypnotherapy is the structured therapeutic process that uses hypnosis, plus tools like NLP and SFBT, to achieve lasting change.
Can you help if my fear is worse in “spider season”?
Yes. Treatment targets the underlying mechanism so you feel calmer and more in control throughout the year, including autumn when spiders are more prominent.
Book Today
Book Arachnophobia Treatment
Free consultation or structured sessions, simple online booking, see available times.
Why Arachnophobia (Spider Phobia) Feels So Overwhelming
A dislike of spiders is common, but arachnophobia goes further. It is a specific phobia, a persistent, excessive, and irrational fear of spiders. It goes beyond simple dislike or being startled, triggering deep rooted fear responses that can cause intense emotional and physical symptoms, even when no real threat is present.
Many with arachnophobia can rationalise that spiders aren’t dangerous, but that doesn’t stop the body from reacting with panic. This disconnect between what someone knows intellectually and how they respond emotionally and physically is what defines a phobia.
Common Symptoms:
Physical: racing heart, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or faintness.
Cognitive: dread, intrusive thoughts, or hypervigilance at the mere thought of a spider.
Behavioural: avoiding certain rooms, leaving homes, or declining activities such as camping, travelling, or even visiting friends.
For some, the fear shapes daily life, from keeping windows closed in summer, to choosing housing based on spider “safety”. Over time, the constant vigilance and avoidance can be exhausting, affecting confidence, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
People with arachnophobia often go to great lengths to avoid activities or situations where a spider might appear. While this avoidance may offer temporary relief, it ultimately reinforces the phobia and keeps the fear cycle going.
Why Arachnophobia Develops
Although common, a traumatic event is not a prerequisite for the development of a phobia. Society, relationships, and even the media can all play a role, especially in how spiders are portrayed in a negative light.
Cultural and social influences also matter. In the UK, where spiders are rarely dangerous, many feel embarrassed about their fear. In countries with venomous species, people may see their fear as justified, which can delay seeking help.
In children, the mind is still learning what is safe and what is dangerous. Without the full intellect to question things, the subconscious relies heavily on instinct and trusted cues from parents or siblings. For example, if a child sees a parent panic at a spider, their brain may internalise that moment as proof that spiders are dangerous.
In adults, arachnophobia often develops later in life during periods of stress or emotional vulnerability. When someone is already close to their tipping point, even a small negative experience with a spider can feel overwhelming, and the subconscious may lock onto spiders as the source of crisis.
Regardless of age, trauma can play a role, but it isn’t the only factor. Phobias can form from learned behaviour, cultural influence, or heightened stress.
Arachnophobia is one of the most common phobias, but also one of the most treatable. Through personalised one to one online sessions, I help clients overcome their fear of spiders in a structured yet comfortable way.
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Merry Christmas!
Thank you Filippe. I feel much more confident now about being in situations that would have previously triggered my phobia. I am much more positive now and better able to embrace change. I don’t feel the need to avoid certain situations anymore. Even if I still feel anxiety at times, I know it’s nothing to be afraid of anymore and it won’t balloon into full blown panic.
I came to Filipe for treatment for emetophobia which had started to affect me badly in the last year. I’ve been to many talking therapists throughout my life and felt a bit burnt out from it all, so I went into this with a sceptical mindset. I was pleasantly surprised, however. I found the sessions informative, engaging and relaxing. Since completing the sessions, I have noticed that when the thought I might be getting sick pops into my head, I don’t panic and the world doesn’t feel like it’s falling apart like it used to. I can move past the initial anxiety and carry on with life.
I really loved my sessions with Filipe. He was very patient and didn’t think my phobia was silly at all (even at times when I did) he was very understanding and really made me feel like he had a lot of time for me. It’s nice when you feel like someone genuinely really wants to help you. The tactics he gave me along with the science based facts about the brain and the subconscious, really made me think a different way. I feel so much more relaxed. Spiders won’t be my best friend any time soon but at least I can love living again without fear. Thank you! P.s. I even managed to ignore one in my house a week after my first session – that’s results!
The treatment was simple, effective and easy to apply. You just have to do the work. Highly recommended.