Imagine an opportunity presents itself to land the big client, to finally meet with the CEO of a fortune 500 company and get a signature on a career making contract and all you have to do is fly to the city where the corporate office is located. It is too far a drive to be there by deadline, just hop on a plane and your career hits the big time! Maybe your favorite niece is getting married at an exotic resort and you are invited to attend, you just have to fly there. A group of your golfing buddies are going to play one of the most exclusive courses and make a weekend out of it. There is even a corporate jet provided to get you there. Just climb on board and join the fun.

Or not. What if you are one of the many who suffer from a fear of flying?

It has been said that as many as 1 out of every 3 adults suffers from a fear of flying. It is said to be a learned fear. The reasons vary as much as the individuals who suffer from it. There are those who feel claustrophobic (fear of enclosed spaces), others suffer from acrophobia (fear of heights), while others may fear not being in control or may have developed a fear as a result of a horrific accident they saw in the news. Still, there are those who have had experiences that set them into a fearful state. Regardless of the reason, the fear can prevent the sufferer from enjoying one of the safest modes of transportation and the opportunities that are available as a result of the freedom flying brings.

  • The first thing I work with a client on is understanding the fear. When and why did it develop? What aspects of flying are the ones that are bothersome. Understanding the the anatomy of the fear is important.
  • Next, we discuss the rigorous physical tests and classes that the pilots and crew must go through as well as the maintenance of the plane and the crew that maintains the plane.
  • Learning breathing techniques for relaxation are an important part of the process. Deep relaxing breathes, help to calm the body and the mind. (Avoid caffeine prior to flying!)
  • Finally, we regress to the initial sensitizing event and work on changing the perception of what occurred. Proof of the individuals safety is sometimes as simple as the fact that they are sitting right there in my office, not hospitalized or worse from the event.
  • I give a relaxing hypnotic audio to listen to prior to flight time and one to listen to on the plane. My clients report back that they not only survive the flights, they actually enjoy them!