I had a huge fear of them, although not near as bad as yours. Now I keep 10
I just decided one day that I was going to tackle the fear full throttle. I researched and purchased my first snake. Now I love them.
My fear of spiders was almost as bad as your fear of snakes. Now I keep a tarantula. Granted I don't handle him, although he is quite docile (not holding him has a little to do with my fear but mainly because he makes me itch, but keeping him has given me new insight to these 8-legged creatures and I have respect and better understanding of them now.
Finding someone who's willing to work with you would be great. However you decide to approach it, I wish you the best of luck! You can do it!