In the United States, about a third of the adult population experiences an unreasonable fear of snakes. This fear arises from personal experience, or from misinformation that has been widely disseminated through popular media or culture, but "ofidiophobia" remains one of the most common phobias found in adults.
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Part 1 of 2: Confronting the Fear of Snakes
Step 1. Recognize that there are three main causes of "ofidiophobia"
Fear of snakes can arise if the person himself has felt threatened; have witnessed a threatening event; or have “learned” to fear snakes for whatever reason. This fear can be learned from popular movies and television, books, social media, or even word of mouth. No matter what the reason, this fear is the result of an individual being "conditioned" to feel fear in the presence of snakes. That is, this fear is not natural, but rather, “learned”.
- Most of these fears arise during childhood.
- A therapist will help you to "get over" this fear.
Step 2. Write down everything about snakes that scares you
What makes you afraid? What do you think about it? Try telling it. It could be that you have a misunderstanding about snakes.
Step 3. Identify the type of fear you are feeling
Knowing the specific cause of your fear of snakes will help you better cope with that fear. Have you just received misinformation regarding snake behavior? Do you hate how it looks? Have you ever been bitten?
- A person who has been traumatized by personal experiences may need counseling before seeking any type of exposure therapy.
- Most cases of "ofidiophobia" are caused by misinformation and popular media.
- Knowing exactly why you are afraid of snakes can help overcome your fear.
Step 4. Become an expert
You should learn as much as you can about whatever scares you. In this case, start by making a list, and look up facts about snakes. Are your assumptions correct? Is your fear justified?
If you have learned to be afraid of snakes from the popular media or from people's words, you should forget this fear by gathering information about real facts
Step 5. Watch a video about snakes
Look at photos of snakes and watch documentaries. Try to get used to the "enemy" as best you can by observing how the snake moves, socializes, and acts.
Step 6. Consult a therapist
A specialist will be able to help you further understand your fear of snakes, and will be able to provide specific exercises that will not only address your fear, but also help keep you calm during situations that make you anxious.
Part 2 of 2: Overcoming the Fear of Snakes
Step 1. Consider discussing your fears with a qualified therapist
The therapist will be able to guide you more appropriately to your fear of snakes through your own efforts. This may be done if your fear is caused by personal trauma or a bad experience.
- The therapist will prescribe a series of activities or exercises designed to reverse any "conditioning" you may have been experiencing.
- In extreme cases, a long period of conditioning therapy may be required before starting exposure therapy.
Step 2. Hold the toy snake
At first, this may be very difficult, so be sure to start with the least threatening type of toy snake you can find. Stuffed animals are likely to pose a far less threat to an ophidiophobia than their rubber replicas that resemble real snakes.
Step 3. Feel the texture of the snake skin
Once you're comfortable with holding a toy snake -- and the idea of possibly holding a live snake -- look for clothes made of real snake skin. Run your fingertips over the texture and notice the scales.
- How does the skin feel? Does it feel the way you thought it would?
- Try to imagine a live snake moving on your skin.
Step 4. Observe the live snake
If you have a friend who has a pet snake, this will be easy. If not, try visiting your local pet store to see if they have snakes for sale or not. No, you're not going to buy a snake; but instead you will be watching safely from the other side of the glass. If there is a zoo near you, try visiting the reptile enclosure.
- Watch the snake move.
- If the snake curls up, it may become cold and try to maintain its body temperature.
Step 5. Visit the nature center for a closer look at the snake
At your local nature center, you'll be able to pet the snake without actually holding it. You'll also be able to watch him interact with other snakes in conditions that are more like nature.
- Animal handlers will be able to answer any of your questions about snakes.
- Get ready to see a variety of snakes.
- Approach the snake only when you feel comfortable.
Step 6. Hold the live snake
When you're ready, head back to nature center to hold a snake. While you can do this at your local pet store, the pet store may not specialize in snakes and may not be ready to answer your questions or know how to handle or hold the snake properly.
Tips
- Talk to your local pet shopkeeper, ask about the snake in detail and ask to see some.
- If you know of anyone who has mastered snakes, ask him or her to sit down with you and tell them about your problem; You might like his new perspective on snakes.
- Visit the zoo and let the rangers help you overcome your fears through discussion and from your own observations.
Warning
- Do not make sudden movements in front of the snake. If you see the snake's mouth is open, then immediately withdraw your hand. Don't let your fingers be caught by the snake's mouth. Do not squeeze the snake when you are holding it. Don't drop a snake to the ground out of fear, this is not true.
- Newly hatched chicks are smaller, but more agile. Don't think that because this baby snake is smaller it won't bite/will stay calm. This will not happen.
- Don't make beginners mistake snakes for tame/tame pets. Even domestic snakes are ferocious, and will not hesitate to bite if the snake is bothered and you interfere with its freedom. Snakes are beasts, no matter how dear they are!
- This cannot be said enough. Pet snakes will tolerate touching and handling and such, but don't lure snakes. These snakes may be pets, but snakes don't love their owners the way cats or dogs love their owners. Snakes see their owner as someone who does things for them. The snake will not withstand its attacks just because it is the owner.
- Snakes are never too tame to keep. Careful. But don't give up either – snakes are amazing animals, and very interesting to have as pets. Overcome that fear, and you will open an amazing world to explore.
