Fears are very touchy, my wife hates snakes, but understands that I love them so as long as she doesnt have to hold them/touch them she is cool. Funny thing is though she is warming up to them more and more and for some reason likes the idea of a 12' burm she thinks they are very impressive. Work slowly with the fear and dont press to hard the key to remember is we arent born with the fear it was somthing developed over time and takes time to break.