Gina P. Ross | Clinical Hypnotherapist in Rickmansworth & Online
Does This Sound Familiar?
Fear of flying can show up in different ways.
You might:
- feel anxious for days or weeks before a flight
- dread take-off or turbulence
- worry about having a panic attack on the plane
- hate feeling trapped or unable to leave
- feel uncomfortable when you are not in control
- avoid flying altogether
- rely on reassurance, distraction or alcohol to get through a flight
You may know logically that flying is safe, but your body still reacts as though you are in danger.
That is the response we work on changing.
How Hypnotherapy Can Help
Fear of flying is often driven by an automatic anxiety response. Even when you know rationally that flying is safe, your body can still react with fear, tension or panic.
Hypnotherapy can help you practise responding differently to the thoughts, sensations and situations that trigger that fear. I also use practical, DBT-informed techniques to help you feel calmer and more in control.
Sessions may help you:
- reduce anticipatory anxiety before a flight
- feel calmer during take-off and turbulence
- manage panic symptoms more effectively
- feel less trapped or out of control
- build confidence around flying
- develop techniques you can use before and during your journey
The aim is not to force yourself to “just be brave”, but to help your mind and body learn a calmer response to flying.
What Happens in a Session?
We start by talking about what specifically makes flying difficult for you. For some people it is turbulence or take-off. For others it is feeling trapped, losing control or worrying about having a panic attack.
I then tailor the session around your particular triggers and the way your anxiety shows up.
We may use:
- clinical hypnotherapy
- calming and nervous-system regulation techniques
- visualisation and mental rehearsal
- practical strategies for the airport and flight
- personalised recordings to use between sessions, where appropriate
You remain aware and in control throughout. The aim is to help flying begin to feel more manageable, familiar and calm.