Conquering spiders with your amazing digital powers
Your gender doesn’t matter when you scream like a little girl. Don’t feel shy about your pounding heart and sweating palms. You share that fear of spiders with 7% of the world’s population, but there’s a new weapon for conquering your phobia, and it’s just a quick download away.
There’s an App for That Arachnophobia
When was the last time you considered downloading something to help you with a little systematic desensitization? This form of phobia therapy has been around for more than 50 years, and the process is much simpler than its fancy name implies. Gradual exposure to something frightening gives you the power to control that irrational reaction and wrestle it into submission. Combine this straightforward approach with a touch of digital magic, and you have Phobia Free. This clever smartphone app is produced by Virtually Free and based on their dedication to universal peace of mind.
Conquering Your Fear With Digital Spiders
It’s time to quit playing with angry birds and embrace an ensemble of virtual arachnids. Phobia Free starts off with a few cartoon spiders that could easily star in a Disney Movie. However, be warned that even these little crawlers move like their real-life cousins. You’re encouraged to touch them and interact with scenes that come straight from the real world. As play progresses, spiders spin around the garden, scurry across the kitchen floor and lurk in the bath. The levels increase until you graduate with a fully articulated tarantula brought to life through augmented reality.
When All Is Webbed and Done
According to Phobia Free’s developers, you can overcome arachnophobia in a matter of hours with constant play. However, they acknowledge that most people spread that joy over several weeks. The last session in the series encourages you to find real spiders and take pictures of them with your smartphone. While that might be asking too much, take comfort in the price. The app costs less than $4 while professional aversion therapy can set you back more than $200. You may never come to love arachnids, but you’ll have fun conquering that fear.
Fighting arachnophobia isn’t a losing battle, but spiders around the house can seem like the ultimate enemy. We don’t have an app that eliminates these bugs, but you can still call us for tips on all kinds of pest control and, when you’re ready, schedule service. Here at ABC Home & Commercial Services of Austin, we’re always on your side.