Slightly off topic (or is it?), I used to be terrified of spiders until my lodger (total nutter but wise, you know the type) told me that all spiders are called Candice Marie and you have to dare them to get you. You look the spider square in the eye and say, "Go on then, Candice Marie - GET me!" And what happens? She doesn't get you. So you shrug and walk away "OK, be like that then, I don't care..." She only came in to eat her boyfriend anyway. 
I am no longer afraid of spiders. I do put them out using a glass & postcard though.