Is Fear of Flying Keeping You Grounded? We Can Help

Aviophobia, or the fear of flying, affects about 40% of the population to some extent. While some people experience mild generalized anxiety at the thought of boarding a plane, others are almost entirely incapable of flying. If your fear of flying keeps you from taking vacations, traveling for work, or visiting loved ones, you might benefit from therapy.

At Thriving Mind Psychology in Midtown, New York City, NY, and Soho, our psychologists and licensed therapists can help you tackle your aviophobia. You don’t need to let anxiety or panic attacks keep you from travel and living a fun life.

What Is Aviophobia?

Fear of flying is a “specific phobia” that originates from a mental image of tragedy occurring at high altitudes. People with various levels of aviophobia often associate this mental image with fears with takeoff or landing. The anxiety can also be more generalized, meaning that it can manifest at the mere mention of flying. Some people with aviophobia might also have acrophobia (fear of heights) or claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces). 

Aviophobia is not just mental or psychological; it also comes with physical symptoms:

• Lightheadedness

• Heart palpitations and the feeling you’re having a heart attack

• Nausea

• Shaking

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating

Fortunately, aviophobia is treatable. Imagine being able to fly without taking pills or having to get “liquid courage” at an airport lounge.

Aviophobia Treatment

The Thriving Center of Psychology practitioners can treat your aviophobia with a plan tailored to your specific needs. Your treatment will be personalized so that you can progress at your pace. Your provider will work with you until you can get on a plane without fear or anxiety. In addition to group therapy and psychotherapy (talk therapy), our doctors might recommend one or more of the following:

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn specific strategies to apply to thinking about flying and before and during flight. For example, you can learn to visualize talking back to and shutting down negative thoughts about flying. You can also control your breathing when fear starts to surface. You’ll even be able to handle any anxiety that comes up while you are on a flight. 

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) lets you go through the experience of flying in a safe, controlled setting. VRET can take you through all the steps of a commercial flight, such as reserving a ticket, going through security, and sitting in your seat while at high altitudes. The simulation will help desensitize you to flying, increase your confidence, and reduce your fear.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback or biofeedback captures your brain waves, which represent your brain activity during stress. By learning what your brain waves mean, you can learn to control how you respond to anxiety or fear. Neurofeedback teaches you relaxation techniques for maintaining a more relaxed state. The strategies you learn from neurofeedback can keep you calm when you think about or engage in an activity that would otherwise cause you fear.

If you’re ready to overcome your aviophobia, call Thriving Center of Psychology at 917-725-2456 or go online to schedule a session today.