There are more than 2,500 known spider species in Australia.

Research indicates that arachnophobia is probably the most common phobia in Western societies, with about 10% of Australian men and up to 50% of Australian women feeling fear of spiders to some degree.

This dread of spiders is in most cases quite unnecessary, according to Melbourne Zoo’s Invertebrate Specialist, Patrick Honan, who explains that only two Australian spider species can give a fatal bite.

However, arachnophobia can be very distressing to the sufferers, and some of them have been calling Melbourne Zoo for help, so the Zoos Victoria Learning Experiences team has developed an afternoon program called ’Spiders and You – from fear to fascination’. 

Consultant psychologist Merryn Snare will collaborate with Patrick Honan to present the new program, which will include group discussion, solution-oriented counseling, and the deep relaxation of hypnotherapy to explore problems and solutions.

The half-day program will include discussion of what to do if there is a spider in the house, with opportunities to see and potentially touch spiders.

Patrick Honan explains that ‘participants will decide for themselves whether they feel comfortable getting close to a spider, or perhaps holding one. 

‘They will be able to leave the seminar without even seeing a spider if that’s their choice.  The whole process will be at the pace each individual wants to take.’

While there can be no guarantee that phobias can be cured on the day, the program will aim to help the participants feel more in control of their environment.

The seminar will be held in the Zoo’s Boardroom, and the participants who feel empowered to visit the World of Bugs afterwards may meet spiders such as the Orb-weaving Spider and see a variety of other spider species.

There will be a maximum of 20 participants in each seminar, with a minimum age of 18.  Bookings are required, and the cost of the seminar will be $250 per participant.  

The first seminar will be held on July 19th.  Subsequent seminars will be held on August 16th, September 13th, and October 11th.  Bookings can be made by calling Dianne Gordon on 5957 2857 or emailing dgordon@zoo.org.au

For full details of the program including registration forms follow this link