Phobia to Freedom
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Stop spider phobia controlling your life. Feel calm at home again, even in spider season, with 4 private online sessions.

  • No exposure therapy. You're never asked to look at or go near a spider in your sessions.
  • Feel calm and in control again, even if you've had this fear since childhood.
  • Risk nothing. Feel the difference from your first session or get your money back.

House spiders, the bedroom, the bath, the garden, the shed and the car

Clients reach out when…

  • The nights draw in, the house spiders appear and the dread of another autumn starts
  • They've spent one too many evenings out of a room, waiting for someone to come and deal with it
  • They've moved house, or now live alone, and there's nobody else to remove them
  • They see their children starting to copy their fear
  • They're tired of something smaller than a coin deciding how they feel in their own home

Spider phobia rarely stays in one room

It starts with one spider and quietly spreads through the house. Clients tell me about:

  • A jolt of panic the moment something moves in the corner of their eye
  • A racing heart, freezing on the spot or bolting from the room
  • Checking the bed, the bath, their shoes and every corner before they can relax
  • Needing someone else to remove it, or shutting the door on that room for days
  • Lying awake after seeing one, knowing it's "still in here somewhere"

What it stops you doing

  • Opening the windows on a warm evening
  • Using the garden, shed, garage or loft
  • Camping, cabins and holidays in the countryside
  • Relaxing at home when you're on your own

It isn't really about the spider

You know a house spider can't hurt you. What you're reacting to is the jolt of alarm in your body and the thoughts that follow it, and that reaction is automatic. That's why telling yourself "it can't hurt me" doesn't help. Each time you leave the room or get someone else to deal with it, your mind learns you escaped danger, and the fear grows a little stronger.

That is what we work on together. Once those thoughts and feelings are under control, you can see a spider, take a breath and calmly deal with it.

Phobia Practitioner

You're not being silly and you're not alone

Lewis McDonnell

I know how embarrassing spider phobia can feel. From the outside it looks like a small thing. On the inside it shapes how you sleep, where you sit and how safe you feel in your own home.

My approach is calm and respectful. I'll never push you into the situations you fear. Instead we work on why your mind reacts the way it does, so the fear loses its grip.

View all testimonials
View screenshot testimonials
Today Hi Lewis! Hope you're well. I'm so sorry to do this so last minute, but figured I'd let you know. I don't think I'm going to need the top up session today, I feel like a new woman, I saw a big spider in the house last night and didn't bother me. My partner got rid of it but in time I think I can do it myself, and after I just went about my usual bed time routine without searching. Which is such a win for me. 🥳 Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

Today Hi Lewis! Hope you're well. I'm so sorry to do this so last minute, but figured I'd let you know. I don't think I'm going to need the top up session today, I feel like a new woman, I saw a big spider in the house last night and didn't bother me. My partner got rid of it but in time I think I can do it myself, and after I just went about my usual bed time routine without searching. Which is such a win for me. 🥳
Tuesday, 12 September Just killed another spider! A big one but a skinny one. Daddy long legs type. Just used a tissue and squished it and then flushed it With no phobic response. I can't believe it!! Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

Tuesday, 12 September Just killed another spider! A big one but a skinny one. Daddy long legs type. Just used a tissue and squished it and then flushed it With no phobic response. I can't believe it!!
Wednesday, 13 September Hi Lewis I've been able to open my windows for fresh air which I avoided doing due to fear of spiders coming in. This is amazing. Thank you! Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

Wednesday, 13 September Hi Lewis I've been able to open my windows for fresh air which I avoided doing due to fear of spiders coming in. This is amazing. Thank you!
Mon, Aug 11, 8:20 AM (9 days ago) I wanted to let you know I had a relatively large spider in one of our bedrooms last night and I was fine ! No paralysis of fear and panic! Just calm ! I really think we may have cracked it! Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

Mon, Aug 11, 8:20 AM (9 days ago) I wanted to let you know I had a relatively large spider in one of our bedrooms last night and I was fine ! No paralysis of fear and panic! Just calm ! I really think we may have cracked it!
Sat, 10 Oct 2020 20:16 Hiya Lewis, I'm so sorry to disturb you on a Saturday evening but I got a little bit of that feedback from life we spoke about and I just have to tell you because I'm so overwhelmed!!! My daughter spotted a spider in her room as I was putting her to bed and I just sorted it out and I honestly can't thank you enough for how life changing this is for me (and her)!! I'm so happy because she asked me after if I was scared and I said no and then she said 'we're not scared of spiders are we mummy' 😩😩 I can't believe the transformation you have helped me with, this was such an impossibility to me just a few weeks ago, Thank you so so much 🙏 Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 20:16 Hiya Lewis, I'm so sorry to disturb you on a Saturday evening but I got a little bit of that feedback from life we spoke about and I just have to tell you because I'm so overwhelmed!!! My daughter spotted a spider in her room as I was putting her to bed and I just sorted it out and I honestly can't thank you enough for how life changing this is for me (and her)!! I'm so happy because she asked me after if I was scared and I said no and then she said 'we're not scared of spiders are we mummy' 😩😩 I can't believe the transformation you have helped me with, this was such an impossibility to me just a few weeks ago, Thank you so so much 🙏
Vanessa [surname hidden] recommends Phobia to Freedom. 13 December 2023 I have just completed the Phobia to Freedom course with Lewis, and it was TRANSFORMATIONAL. Lewis is excellent and highly highly skilled. I have lived with a spider phobia for 35 years and I can finally say that working with Lewis it has helped diminish that phobia and the fear is no longer there. Incredible! I wish I had found him sooner. I highly highly recommend. I can finally start living my life free of phobia and focusing on new creative beginnings with an entire new perspective. Wonderful! Truly liberating! Enlarge screenshot

Vanessa H.

Vanessa [surname hidden] recommends Phobia to Freedom. 13 December 2023 I have just completed the Phobia to Freedom course with Lewis, and it was TRANSFORMATIONAL. Lewis is excellent and highly highly skilled. I have lived with a spider phobia for 35 years and I can finally say that working with Lewis it has helped diminish that phobia and the fear is no longer there. Incredible! I wish I had found him sooner. I highly highly recommend. I can finally start living my life free of phobia and focusing on new creative beginnings with an entire new perspective. Wonderful! Truly liberating!
Diane [surname hidden] 26 mins I felt compelled to leave a review following my recent experience of counselling with Lewis. I have had a tremendous phobia of spiders for as long as I could remember, but over the last few years it had begun to take over my life in the " spider months" of October to December. I contacted Lewis a couple of months ago after searching the internet for some sort of help- I couldn't carry on as I was. I read Lewis's reviews and have to say I was somewhat sceptical- I thought the woman that had testified couldn't possibly have been REALLY scared of spiders, not like I was! But I decided to give it a go- at least I wouldn't be more scared than I was, that wasn't possible. Straight from the outset, I felt completely at ease with Lewis. We initially talked on the phone for about half an hour, and we arranged a zoom call for the following week. Over the next few weeks we spoke several times on zoom, I had the utmost confidence in Lewis even after the first phone call. My progress was swift, and although I know I'll never be fond of spiders, the phobia no longer rules my life as it has done for many years. I can now easily remove the little critters from my home, and I'm well on the way to helping my granddaughter feel the same way ( only right considering I probably made her that way to start with!) I have my life back again! So, thank you once again Lewis, and I would recommend anyone thinking of embarking on a programme with him to jump in with both feet- you won't be disappointed. Good luck! Diane [surname hidden] 16/11/21 Enlarge screenshot

Diane E.

Diane [surname hidden] 26 mins I felt compelled to leave a review following my recent experience of counselling with Lewis. I have had a tremendous phobia of spiders for as long as I could remember, but over the last few years it had begun to take over my life in the " spider months" of October to December. I contacted Lewis a couple of months ago after searching the internet for some sort of help- I couldn't carry on as I was. I read Lewis's reviews and have to say I was somewhat sceptical- I thought the woman that had testified couldn't possibly have been REALLY scared of spiders, not like I was! But I decided to give it a go- at least I wouldn't be more scared than I was, that wasn't possible. Straight from the outset, I felt completely at ease with Lewis. We initially talked on the phone for about half an hour, and we arranged a zoom call for the following week. Over the next few weeks we spoke several times on zoom, I had the utmost confidence in Lewis even after the first phone call. My progress was swift, and although I know I'll never be fond of spiders, the phobia no longer rules my life as it has done for many years. I can now easily remove the little critters from my home, and I'm well on the way to helping my granddaughter feel the same way ( only right considering I probably made her that way to start with!) I have my life back again! So, thank you once again Lewis, and I would recommend anyone thinking of embarking on a programme with him to jump in with both feet- you won't be disappointed. Good luck! Diane [surname hidden] 16/11/21
Testimonial, i found difficult to express how ell this has worked for me in a language that would relate to others. "Lewis Made me feel comfortable from the very beginning he was willing to listen to listen if it was what I required, but also did not probe into things unnecessarily. We worked through learnt behaviors and coping mechanisms and Lewis taught me to acknowledge them for what they were and my mind and body's reaction to them. It is hard to find the words that do justice to how effective this way of working together is. I am now free from unneeded, counterproductive coping mechanisms that I was barely aware of and feel free to move forward with my life in a positive and assertive way. I have also learnt to let go of things that I didn't even realize were bothering me and holding me back." Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

Testimonial, i found difficult to express how ell this has worked for me in a language that would relate to others. "Lewis Made me feel comfortable from the very beginning he was willing to listen to listen if it was what I required, but also did not probe into things unnecessarily. We worked through learnt behaviors and coping mechanisms and Lewis taught me to acknowledge them for what they were and my mind and body's reaction to them. It is hard to find the words that do justice to how effective this way of working together is. I am now free from unneeded, counterproductive coping mechanisms that I was barely aware of and feel free to move forward with my life in a positive and assertive way. I have also learnt to let go of things that I didn't even realize were bothering me and holding me back."
TODAY Hey Lewis, I hope you are having a great day. I just wanted to send you a message to say thank you soooo much for the session last night. As soon as we finished I felt like a very dark cloud had lifted and I just felt like my old self again. No fear, no anxiety and nothing holding me back. It's like I found my confidence again and the way I had been thinking was completely gone. 🎉🙌 Honestly, I am feeling so good and so exited to continue working with you. I cannot thank you enough and I know we have only touched the surface. THANK YOU 🙏🙏🙏 14:29 Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

TODAY Hey Lewis, I hope you are having a great day. I just wanted to send you a message to say thank you soooo much for the session last night. As soon as we finished I felt like a very dark cloud had lifted and I just felt like my old self again. No fear, no anxiety and nothing holding me back. It's like I found my confidence again and the way I had been thinking was completely gone. 🎉🙌 Honestly, I am feeling so good and so exited to continue working with you. I cannot thank you enough and I know we have only touched the surface. THANK YOU 🙏🙏🙏 14:29
I feel I must leave a review to let other people know what I have experienced during my sessions with Lewis. I am so elated to have overcome my childhood phobia. Lewis has changed my life and there are no words to describe how fantastic that feels. Lewis is exceptionally talented and professional and he works with you as a team. He is reassuring, calm and kind and is a genuinely nice person. I can highly recommend Lewis. 21:19 Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

I feel I must leave a review to let other people know what I have experienced during my sessions with Lewis. I am so elated to have overcome my childhood phobia. Lewis has changed my life and there are no words to describe how fantastic that feels. Lewis is exceptionally talented and professional and he works with you as a team. He is reassuring, calm and kind and is a genuinely nice person. I can highly recommend Lewis. 21:19

Individual experiences. Results vary from person to person.

What does freedom look like to you?

For my clients, freedom is…

  • Opening the windows without a second thought
  • Seeing a spider, taking a breath and calmly putting it outside
  • Going to bed without checking every corner first
  • Enjoying autumn instead of counting down to the end of it
  • Using the garden, the shed and the loft on their own
  • Feeling at home in their own home again

The Phobia to Freedom Programme

A calm, private programme to change how your mind responds to spiders, from the comfort of home.

  • 4 private 90-minute sessions with Lewis so that you can go at your own pace without feeling rushed or judged
  • Understanding your pattern so that you know when and why your spider phobia shows up and it stops feeling random
  • Clinical hypnotherapy and NLP to change the automatic panic response, so that a spider in the room stops setting off the alarm
  • Mental rehearsal so that you've already felt calm in the situations you dread before you face them in real life
  • Practical tools so that you know what to do the moment you see one, in the bedroom, the bath or the car
  • A 3-hour video course to watch between sessions so that your progress keeps building
  • Everything online so that you never have to travel to a clinic
  • No exposure therapy so that you can start without facing the thing that frightens you

Our guarantee

Feel the difference from your first session or get your money back.

Is spider season the hardest time for you? Tell me on your free call and we'll plan around it. Sessions are online, so we can usually start soon, while the season is still going, and you'll be ready well before next autumn.

You can feel calm around spiders…

  • Even if you've had this fear for as long as you can remember
  • Even if you've tried to "just face it" and it made things worse
  • Even if past therapy hasn't helped
  • Even if you've never talked to anyone about it before

FAQs

Do I have to see or touch a spider during the sessions?

No. Everything happens online from somewhere you feel comfortable.

Spider season has already started. Can you help now?

Often, yes. Tell me on your free call what's happening at home and we'll plan around it.

I've had this fear since childhood. Is it too late?

Not at all. Many people who get in touch have lived with it for most of their lives.

Will I end up liking spiders?

You don't need to. The aim is to feel calm and in control when you see one, not to become fond of them.

Is it all done online?

Yes. Sessions are one to one over video, so you can join from anywhere in the UK.

How long does the programme take?

The programme is 4 sessions of 90 minutes each.

What if it isn't right for me?

Feel the difference from your first session or get your money back.

Ready to feel calm at home again?

  1. Book a time that suits you. It's a relaxed, no-pressure call.

  2. Tell me about your spider phobia. What it stops you doing and what you'd love to be able to do.

  3. Find out if the programme is right for you. Honest advice either way.

£150 per session. Most people work with me over 4–6 sessions. Your first consultation is free.

Imagine opening the windows without a second thought

You don't have to keep checking every room before you can relax. Your freedom starts with one conversation.

Talk to Lewis about your spider phobia

This does not submit an enquiry or confirm a booking. Choose a time and complete your booking on Calendly.

Privacy policy

Results may vary from person to person. Phobia to Freedom provides hypnotherapy and NLP. It is not a substitute for medical care. If you have any health concerns, please speak to your GP.