Other

How should I tell the girl I like about my needle phobia?

So, I have a severe needle phobia. On the level that I can start shivering if needles are talked about in my vicinity for too long. In November I will have gone 16 years without needles. (Medical ones, I have no problem with sewing needles.) And now it happens that there is a girl who I am interested in, and who clearly has some kind of interest in me as well. And she is a nurse.

And I am wondering how I shall tell her about this phobia. Because I really want to tell her, I really want her to know this before she decides on whether to start a relationship with me. My plan is to, next time I see her, try to steer our conversation near this subject, then ask to hold her hand as I am going to tell her something heavy, and then just openly, honestly and vulnerably confess, while making it clear that it has nothing to do with her or her profession choice, and that I consider her and other healthcare professionals to be guardians of life.

I hope and think she will understand and react in a non-judgemental manner, as most friends I have told (none of them are medical professionals though) have reacted that way, and she is generally very kind, caring and full of empathy. But I am of course also nervous about if she would judge me, but in such a case a relationship likely would not last anyway.

Any advice for how to do this? Feedback on my plan?

P. S. Please nothing about "get over your fear" or "confront it" or something along those lines. This sadly sits too deep and with too much associated pain.

Thank you in advance!

Updates
10 mo
Update: We were watching a series about the 1800s, and they brought up how vaccines were invented around that time. I then looked away and just said: "I don't think I've told you this, but I have a very strong needle phobia." She then just took my hand and held it for support.
Updates
10 mo
Later that night we were eating some pie we had made, and I thanked her for reacting so well to my reveal. She said that many people have this fear and asked some more questions, and was overall very supportive and non-judgemental. The next day, however, I found out through texting with a common friend that she has a boyfriend. But we can still be friends I guess.
How should I tell the girl I like about my needle phobia?
Post Opinion