Hypnotherapy has been a complete game changer for me.
I found my therapist in the directory.
She listened first and asked why I might be frightened (previous poor experience, turbulence etc).
There was nothing particular in my past, yes I’d had rough flights but I was scared before those, but during our discussion, we talked wider and came up with this being more about control or a lack of it, than just being in the air. The fact that flying relies on others like the pilot and engineers, trusting others and that I cannot just make a decision to get off, even if it isn’t going well.
I had loads of advice about drinking or taking medication but this fits with me never wanting to take medication to fly, not drinking before or during a flight (and actually even on a night out as I am scared to be out of control). The same applies when I travel by ferry. I’d rather be awake the whole night as take something to help me sleep whilst I’m in that tiny cabin.
It fits with other parts of my life, too, orderly, planned, difficulty making decisions, perfectionist (sometimes!)
During our sessions we talked generally about how I wanted to be when I fly. I wanted to be like others, to not be dreading my holiday as I book, dreading the days getting closer as I countdown. I wanted to relax, enjoy the free time in a busy life, read, and eat my sweets! (When do any of us ever get three hours to do just that!)
With the hypnotherapist, i had one hypnotherapy relaxation session where, for the first time ever, I slept for 13 hours straight afterwards! Unheard of and I would pay again just for that!
The next two sessions were focused on the full countdown, with the therapist talking through the entire process of flying, and anchoring positive thoughts into my mind. After those sessions, my next flight was great!
A year later, before my next flight, I had three more sessions. Now, I just use the audio recording the therapist gave me, supported by a couple of techniques I can use if needed. An interesting slant is that I choose to be scared, so I can be in control and I can use my control to make things how I want them to be.
I no longer say I am scared of flying because I am retraining my thoughts.
On the flight, I read, I eat, I listen to music or chat. I enjoy the free time, just as I had wanted.
The transformation completely amazed me, but also my partner!
For our first flight post hypnotherapy, I was shopping and casually said, ‘I will get some sweets and a book for my flight’. As I said it, it felt like an out of body experience: ME, FLIGHT, SWEETS, BOOK!
As we took off, I could feel my partner glancing over at me. Afterwards, he said: ‘I thought I was sitting next to someone else. I didn’t dare talk to you in case I broke the spell! 😊😉😂
That is my story, about my underlying fears. It will be different for everyone but important to analyse individually and address as the key to change.
https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/