Spiderphobia Courses

2010 Spider phobia course dates: 14 Jan, 24 March, 30 June and 22 Sept.

'Living with spiders' is a course run at Bristol Zoo Gardens for people suffering from spider phobia

Many people find spiders fascinating, others regard them as a little scary. For some a fear of spiders can seriously affect their lives. Our culture does nothing to dispel the myths, with spider television programmes often accompanied by sinister music and gothic lighting.

At Bristol Zoo Gardens we have responded to the demand for people wanting to get over their fear of spiders by offering courses, called 'Living with spiders'. These seminars take place in the Zoo's Conservation Education Centre, and are led by Mary Ison, a counsellor and hypnotherapist at the Clifton Counselling Clinic. These seminars are small and personal, with up to ten participants enjoying a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The three and a half hour session includes a variety of approaches, since different people benefit from different 'therapies', and nobody is asked to do anything that they don't want to do.

Questions, discussion and sharing of experiences and knowledge are all welcome throughout.

The emphasis in the course is on changing the balance of control, from spiders being in control of people's lives to people being in control of themselves and their environment.

'Living with Spiders' has been filmed by the BBC, Granada and National Geographic television, as well as being featured on Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live. The courses have also attracted coverage on radio and television networks abroad.

The timetable is flexible and the sessions are relaxed and largely informal. A rough itinerary of a typical evening session is as follows:

- Arrival at the Conservation Education Centre entrance in Guthrie Road, Clifton, opposite Clifton College.
- Introduction and a talk on phobias.
- Group discussion on how the phobia affects you.
- Relaxation.
- A member of the Invertebrate House staff gives a fascinating talk about the realities of the world of spiders: the diversity, beauty and importance of the planet's many spider species.
- Tea/coffee break
- Discussion and information about hypnosis.
- Hypnotherapy.
- Optional meeting with friendly spiders. The spiders are in tanks and pots so that they can be examined and passed around without damage to the spiders.
- Presentation of certificate of attendance, and close.

The evening costs £85.00 and places are strictly limited to ten people. During relaxation and hypnosis sessions, you will normally be lying on the floor and will need to be comfortable. We provide mats and pillows, but you are welcome to bring your own, or call us to discuss any other arrangements. If you prefer not to lie on the floor for any reason, please let us know in advance and we will make arrangements as necessary.

If you are interested in a place on the 'Living with spiders' course, or require any further information, please call: 0117 974 7369 or email education [at] bristolzoo [dot] org [dot] uk