Fear of Flying (aerophobia or aviophobia) is very common. As many as 30 million Americans describe themselves as “anxious”flyers. Most people with a fear of flying have read all the statistics and know that flying is statistically safer than riding in an automobile or that more people die each year falling in the bathroom than on airplanes. Knowing these statistics and “rational reasons”has not helped them have an easier time flying. Fear of flying is based on the subconscious and the emotions,not rationality.
The reason for fear of flying is as individual as the person. Internalization of a prior bad experience or media coverage of airline disasters (especially after 9/11),fear of losing control,fear of heights,or the fear of closed in spaces all can be a part of a fear of flying. The fear is as real and as powerful as the fear and panic in the face of a genuine threat.
Fear can manifest in a range of ways from mild psychological discomfort to severe anxiety to a wide range of physical symptoms –sweaty palms,fast heartbeat,dizziness,nausea,shallow breathing or hyperventilating.
Hypnosis and other mind body techniques can help you to reduce your fears and increase your ability to fly comfortably. You can learn to control fearful thoughts as well as some of the uncomfortable physical reactions that are associated with those fearful thoughts. So much of fear involves anticipating a future catastrophe and then reacting as if the catastrophe is happening now and is real at this moment. Hypnosis can help you anticipate a pleasant and easy flight instead of the catastrophe.
A typical approach is help the client achieve deep relaxation and to rehearse the process of arriving at an airport and taking a flight and remaining relaxed throughout the process.. Hypnotherapy can also teach you to change the way you talk to yourself about the experience of flying. Our language has a powerful impact on our physical and emotional state. These relaxation and language skills are processed by the subconscious mind to form a new association with the idea of flying. The more these skills are practiced the more accessible they are when you are under stress.
Carol and Karen believe in helping you find the techniques that work for you to help overcome your fears and fly comfortably. Contact us for more information.