CREEPY crawlies make lots of us shiver, but for people who have arachnophobia - an intense fear of spiders - it can have a big impact on their everyday lives.

Some people can't even sleep if a spider is in their bedroom and can feel dizzy, nauseous and become panic-stricken.

A cognitive behavioural therapist from Middlewich is helping people to conquer all sorts of phobias and fears.

Hannah Paskin, who has worked in mental health therapy for 11 years, quit the NHS to set up her own business,Awareness In Mind Limited.

"I wanted to do the job how it is intended to be done without NHS pressures," said Hannah, 34."I want to see people when they need to be seen for as long as they need to get to recovery.

Northwich Guardian:

Cognitive behavioural therapist Hannah Paskin is passionate about helping people to conquer their fears and phobias

"I am passionate about supporting people to find a new way forward. I want to help people to gain insight into their emotions, learn new strategies and create lifelong changes."

Hannah specialises in helping people who have experienced symptoms for a long time, may face complex difficulties or have had previously unsuccessful therapy.

Northwich Guardian:

Gently does it as Hannah helps people conquer their fear of spiders

"I offer a mix of warmth, compassion, straight-talking and humour," said Hannah. "I explain things in a way you can understand and remember.

"Lots of people have tried alternative options and got nowhere."

Phobias can have a devastating effect.

"People underestimate the massive impact phobias can have on people's lives," said Hannah. "A fear of vomiting causes massive difficulties for women who want to get pregnant. Phobias can limit the way you live your life."

Hannah has helped motorists unable to drive after serious accidents get back behind the wheel and people frightened of flying travel abroad on holiday.

"Most phobias are curable," she said. "It's about building up trust and taking it one step at a time."

Conquering a fear of spiders takes determination, understanding and patience.

Northwich Guardian:

"Some people can't even look at a picture of a money spider," said Hannah. "They won't be able to go into a bedroom or fall asleep because they are frightened of a spider crawling over them."

Little by little, Hannah helps people to combat their fears.

Northwich Guardian:

"I give them homework to watch video clips every day of spiders," she said. "I then bring spiders into the session in glass containers where they are safe and secure so they can see how they behave.

"Then they watch me handling a spider. I help them to nudge it with a pencil and might briefly put it onto their hand from my hand."

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The recovery is often incredible!

Northwich Guardian:

"I give them a spider to take home on the last couple of sessions and they look after it like a pet," said Hannah.

"It is very rewarding. When I was trained I was told that my job was to make myself redundant, to teach a client what they need to continue without me and that has always been my approach.

Northwich Guardian:

"To help people understand symptoms better, learn what things help and hinder their emotional wellbeing and recognise what chances need to be made to progress long term."