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Does a spider in the room ruin your evening?

Lots of people don't like spiders. When the fear shapes where you go and what you do, it might be a phobia. This free check helps you understand it.

Does any of this sound like you?

  • You check rooms, beds or shoes before you can relax
  • You can't stay in a room until someone else removes the spider
  • You avoid gardens, sheds or holidays because of spiders

No pictures, just words. This is a free service.

Fear or phobia?

Everyone is afraid of something. A fear becomes a phobia when it's much bigger than the danger, it doesn't go away, and it starts to shape your life: the plans you make, the places you avoid, the things you miss.

Phobias are also one of the most treatable problems there are. Most people who finish a course of exposure-based therapy recover, working step by step at a pace they agree.

What you'll be asked

What is it about spiders that you find hard?

  • The way they move
  • The way they look
  • The thought of one touching me
  • Being bitten
  • Not knowing where one is
  • Feeling disgusted

Which situations do you find hard, and how hard is each one?

  • Reading or hearing about them
  • A photo of one
  • Seeing a web
  • One on the other side of a room
  • One in a closed jar
  • One close to me
  • One in the bath or sink
  • Gardening or being outdoors
  • One on my hand

Six quick questions about the last month

  • How much does this affect your day-to-day life?
  • How much do you avoid places, plans or situations because of it?
  • How much does it affect your work, studies or caring for others?
  • How much does it affect your social life, relationships or family?
  • How much does it stop you doing things you want to do?
  • How much distress do you feel when you think about a spider nearby?
What you get at the end

Your result and what it means for everyday life, plus a starting ladder built from your own answers: the steps, easiest first, a therapist would use to help you. It's saved to a free Rephobia account, so you can come back, retake the check and see what changes.

Common questions
Is this a diagnosis?
No. It is a free self-check to help you understand how much this affects your life. Only a qualified professional can assess you properly.
Will I be shown pictures or videos?
No. The check uses words only.
Why do you ask for my email?
Your results are saved to a free account, so you can come back to them, retake the check and see what has changed. You confirm your email with a code, then choose a password.
Who can see my answers?
You can. Rephobia keeps them to show you your results. Nothing is shared with a therapist unless you choose to send a request, and nothing is sold or used for advertising.
How long does it take?
About three minutes.