Animal phobia courses at city zoo

Bristol Zoo Gardens is holding two course for those afraid of snakes and spiders

Bristol Zoo Gardens is offering people with phobias of spiders or snakes the chance to conquer their fears.

The courses, run by the zoo's education team, will take place in January and the snake course is the first of its kind at the zoo in over two years.

Staff aim to help people with extreme phobias overcome their anxiety through a combination of education, discussion and relaxation.

The spider course takes place on 14 January, the snake on the 21st.

Mary Ison, a local counsellor, hypnotherapist and phobia expert, conducts the sessions, which also include an optional meeting with spiders or snakes at the end of the course.

Simon Garrett, head of learning at the zoo, said: "Many people find spiders and snakes fascinating, but for others they are simply terrifying and can seriously affect their lives.

"At Bristol Zoo Gardens we have responded to the demand for people wanting to get over their fears by offering courses to help them do so.

"On our spider phobia courses, the emphasis 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."

Each course costs £85 per person, including refreshments, and places are limited to nine people.

To book a place on the course, or two find out any more information, call 0117 974 7369 or check out Bristol Zoo Gardens' website.