Overcoming the fear of flying with Hypnotherapy & Counselling
If you have a fear of flying, stop for a few moments and imagine a world where going to the airport and getting on a plane doesn’t trigger a cascade of anxiety. Because flying is a safe and accessible form of transport for everyone.
However, for many people I have met in my practice, the idea of flying can at first feel like a distant dream or a trigger for panic. But with help, they learn that dreams can come true as anything is possible if you really want it.
Free 30 Minute Consultation
Contact Linda to arrange your first free consultation.
Understanding the Fear of Flying
Aerophobia, the fear of flying, affects about 2.5% to 40% of the general population (Van Gerwen et al., 1999), making it a common phobia. Often, it arises from a traumatic event. For example, a person may have experienced bad turbulence in the past. It is a situational anxiety. What is debilitating about this fear is that it can significantly impact personal and professional life, limiting opportunities for travel and exploration.
There are different types of fears and phobias. The fear of flying is a simple phobia. Still, it can also become complex, often rooted in fears like claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), acrophobia (fear of heights), or control-related anxieties. The focus of the fear might be around the airport terminal, the process of getting on the plane, or the actual flight. Sometimes, fear incorporates all aspects of the journey.
So, a fear of flying is intertwined with several psychological elements. People with a fear of flying might experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, sweating, rapid heartbeat, nausea, trembling, inability to concentrate or think clearly, believing in doom and gloom and severe anxiety, which can become a panic attack.
Overcoming Your Fear of Flying
Every client I see is different. In response to this complex issue, I aim to offer targeted hypnotherapy and counselling services tailored to address and alleviate the fear of flying. My approach is grounded in understanding the multifaceted nature of aerophobia and providing practical, personalised solutions.
Depending on the client’s choice and following an assessment, I usually suggest hypnotherapy, which can incorporate relaxation, systematic desensitisation, and imaginative exposure therapy. These are ways that hypnotherapy is a proven method in the treatment of various phobias, including aerophobia. Accessing the subconscious mind aims to assist in changing negative thought patterns associated with flying. Studies show that hypnotherapy can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and phobia (Oakes & Bor, 2010), making it an effective tool for overcoming aerophobia.
As a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), I may also choose to offer only CBT sessions or a combination of counselling approaches with CBT designed to complement hypnotherapy. During counselling, I provide a supportive environment where individuals can discuss and understand their fears. This understanding is crucial, as it helps develop coping strategies tailored to each person’s unique experience with the phobia.
Research suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in treating phobias. CBT works by changing the way people think and behave in response to their fears, and its efficacy in treating various anxiety disorders, including phobias, is well-documented (Hofmann et al., 2012).
In addition, as a coach, I believe that the goal is to fly without fear and embrace the opportunities and experiences that come with it. Overcoming aerophobia can open doors to new destinations, experiences, and connections. It’s about reclaiming control over your life and no longer being held back by fear. I help you to discover what you want and plan.
If you fear flying, are you ready to change your life? If you have planned a trip or are prepared to experience flying, isn’t it time to take action? It’s easy to book your free initial consultation and find out more. I am here to guide you through every step of this transformative journey.
References:
Van Gerwen, L. J., Spinhoven, P., Van Dyck, R., & Diekstra, R. F. (1999). People who are afraid to fly: Psychological features. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, 70(3), 273-281.
Oakes, M., & Bor, R. (2010). The psychology of fear of flying (part I): A critical evaluation of current perspectives on the nature, prevalence, and etiology of fear of flying. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8(6), 327-338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmaid.2010.10.001
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
Free 30 Minute Consultation
Contact Linda to arrange your first free consultation.
Hypnotherapy Prices
Bronze
Hypnotherapy session of up to one hour in duration- One hynotherapy session of up to one-hour duration.
- Plus:
- A hypnotic relaxation audio recording (MP3) download
- Excludes stop smoking
Silver
Programme of 3 hypnotherapy sessions- Save £60
- Each session lasts up to one hour in duration
- Plus:
- A hypnotic relaxation audio recording (MP3) download
- Handouts and worksheets If required
Gold
Programme of 4 hypnotherapy sessions- Save £90
- The most popular hypnotherapy programme
- Each session lasts up to one hour in duration
- Plus:
- A hypnotic relaxation audio recording (MP3) download
- Handouts and worksheets if required
- E-book- Tips and Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Platinum
Programme of 5 hypnotherapy sessions- Save £120
- Each session lasts up to one hour in duration
- Plus:
- One or more hypnotic audio recordings (MP3) download
- Handouts and worksheets if required
- E-book- Tips and Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
NB All payments to be made online before the session or programme or on the day only if in person in my office.
How to Book
Unlike some therapists, I want to make sure you get the right therapy before you buy.
I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can get to know each other first.
Hypnotherapy Sessions at My Practice
If you live in or around the Bournemouth area, you may prefer to visit my practice for your hypnotherapy sessions.
I provide a safe, relaxing and calm environment where we can start to overcome your anxiety. The practice is easy to find, and plenty of free parking is available, as well as being on local bus routes.
However, your first free consultation will always be online, and many of my clients find this works better for them.
Online Hypnotherapy
Online hypnotherapy is worth considering, especially if you find it hard to travel or live outside the Bournemouth area.
I have been trained in providing online hypnotherapy and have clients from around the world. Providing you have access to a private internet connection and webcam; there is no reason why this wouldn't work for you.
Online hypnosis has many benefits, which include cost-effectiveness, comfort and practicality.
