Well I hope getting over the fear is going well for youI feel the same, I have had enough of being afraid of them! It is such a burden when it starts to get a bit cold and the spiders make their way to your house for the warmth! I dread it haha!
What T's do you reccommed as a starter one. I really like the Mexican Redknee. I know they can kick hairs but I hear that they rarely bite and are extremely docile. I also think they are great looking, and one of the least intimidating out there! Although it seems they need a lot of substrate and burrow and awful lot. Maybe not ideal.