Fear of flying course

[familyissues12345]

Probably not in the right section, but couldn't find anything suitable?!

Has anyone done a fear of flying course, and done it because they have Cleithrophobia or Claustrophobia and not because they are actually scared of planes/turbulence etc?

If so, did it work for you?

I need to be able to fly this year, haven't flown for several years. We have a few big celebrations etc this year and I'd love to be able to book trips to celebrate.

I've had hypnotherapy which has helped with getting me onto trains/tubes. I'm ok, but still slightly convinced I need to get on the stopper train in case I need to get off (which I never do!)

My predominant issue is not being able to escape and in particular a fear of not being able to get fresh air (I've convinced myself it's essential!!)

So, back to my original question. Has anyone done this course and found it beneficial? I've read the spiel and it does touch on claustrophobia, but talks mainly about noises/turbulence/take off etc which don't phase me.

Thanks in advance!

I went on the BA flying with confidence course at Heathrow. First session was basically a lecture on how safe it is with pilots etc telling us all about the checks etc they do. In the afternoon there's a flight with lots of BA staff to 'hold your hand'.

I couldn't get on the plane! I think it was because I'd been worrying about it all day. However I heard of others who've done it and it was a success.

I did the Virgin course at Manchester about 10 years ago. There were about 100 people there divided onto tables of 8-10 including a leader. We started by saying what we were afraid of and I was surprised at the range of fears. Some of them seemed completely irrational to me, which made me realise that mine probably were to some of them. Several people cited claustrophobia.

Lots of talk about the safety of flying, but also how different things work - angles of take off, air circulation systems, safety and security etc

We then were given a range of techniques to calm/reassure ourselves, and told to find the ones that worked for us. Then we had the flight (where I gave myself a nasty welt from the rubber band technique).

I thought it was a good course and acknowledged the range of fears.

Ah brilliant, thank you both! I've been thinking about doing it for years but had written it off as I don't have a fear of flying as such, so felt it wouldn't work. Will have a look into it now!

I did the Easy Jet one and it ended up with me running off the plane in tears just before the doors closed.