Overcoming the Fear of Flying
Susan came to see me for her fear of flying. She was in a business where traveling was a part of her job, and the thought of flying was creating anxiety attacks as well as headaches and a feeling of nausea.
We spent the first session discussing all her feelings that were connected to flying: the fact that she preferred flying alone if she did have to fly, what she was most afraid of, and all the time she spent worrying about an upcoming flight. The worrying, she told me, began weeks before the flight.
Another session was spent on how her life would change if she found flying to be enjoyable. What would she do with all the time previously spent worrying about flying? What else would conquering her fear of flying change in her life?
I explained hypnotherapy and made sure that Susan knew she would be in complete control. As she started to breathe deeply, the relaxation response began. Susan relaxed easily and went right into trance. It was good to see her face as well as her whole body relax. I watched Susan's respiration as it changed, and an experienced 'eye' was not necessary to see how she looked totally peaceful.
Then I began talking about flying, and as I helped her to "pack her fears up" and let go of them, she relaxed even further. The more Susan visualized and practiced the various techniques we'd used in session, the more effective her skills would become.
As Susan reoriented herself, I said, "Have a happy, peaceful, enjoyable flight, Susan!"
Recent update on Susan:
Susan has flown ten times in the last eight months. Five flights were for business and the other three were for pleasure and *her* choice. Susan is very happy to be free of her fear of flying. Each time we speak, she tells me she can't believe how well this worked. She and her husband, who have been married for 12 years, took their first vacation by plane recently.
On the way to the airport he said, "Hey! I just realized you are talking and joking around. You used to tell me not to speak to you before a flight!"
Susan said that on the plane he kept looking at her, smiling, and finally said, "You really do enjoy flying now, don't you?"
I am not sure who is happier about this fear being only a memory, Susan or her husband!