A Fear of Flying
Taking off with Confidence
Jane was an adult female with a fear of flying. This fear was particularly around experiencing turbulence when flying. If she had to fly, in the run up to the flight, she would experience extreme anxiety and can think of little else. She was also worried that she would pass on this fear of flying to her children. She had been experiencing this anxiety for approximately 3 years.
Jane attended two sessions at XRT’s studio where we replicated all the aspects of flying, from waiting in the lounge to the boarding procedures, the takeoff and the landing. We were also able to gradually introduce levels of turbulence with seatbelt alert sounds and associated announcements.
During the sessions Jane said she particularly feared travelling during the night, so we were able to add a night function to the scene where the lights went dim on the plane. She was able to work through these scenes over the two sessions and gradually tolerate more turbulence. Six weeks after she finished treatment, she completed the post-treatment assessment forms. She described her outcome as a definite improvement as she had even been able to take a flight since her treatment.
During the trip she remembered and practiced the breathing and relaxation techniques she had been taught in the studio. Her family were able to support her with this. She has booked a longer flight for the family for next summer and has described herself as looking forward to it whereas in the past she wouldn’t have been able to discuss it as a possibility.
*** when referring to our clients, we use the names Jane and John, these are not their real names, we do this to protect their identity and privacy.