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!
I’m glad this has never been a fear of mine…maybe because my parents took me on planes when I was very young…so I sort of grew up flying…to me, it was exciting…at least back then…now it’s more of a pain…especially if you have to ride coach…which I try to avoid whenever possible…
It’s not so much a fear, though I am claustrophobic but I just don’t like to fly. I hadn’t flown in over 30 years when back in 2005 my friend was going to be performing and living in Hong Kong for 4 months. I wanted to go visit so off to Hong Kong I went. My first time out of the country. I got on the plane and was ok until I heard the engines. I started to sweat, I couldn’t breathe and finally told myself don’t be an idiot you can’t get off now anyway. Long story short it was a 14 hour flight with turbulence and I got through it fine to a point where I went back this year in March.
I don’t think the fear ever goes away. I remember my first flight — 1970! I loved it. After that it was Army, career– and lot’s of flying. I gradually liked it less and less. I don’t fly much anymore, and I’m glad about that. The anxiety never leaves, but has remained tolerable. What I really hate are AIRPORTS…..