Hypnotherapy for Fear of Flying

Traditional fear of flying courses often focus on the fear of a plane crashing. However, with over 22 years of experience using hypnotherapy for the treatment of fear of flying, I have found there are numerous reasons why individuals feel terrified about boarding a plane.

While a conscious fear of crashing may play a role, the underlying issues often stem from hidden subconscious fears.

What can be the hidden subconscious reasons a person has a fear of flying?

1. Claustrophobia:
  For some individuals, the idea of being ‘trapped’ in a confined space for several hours can trigger intense anxiety. This is particularly common in those who already struggle with enclosed spaces in other areas of life.

1. Loss of control:
  Many people who experience flight anxiety dislike the feeling of not being in control. Often, they lead highly structured lives and prefer to drive themselves rather than be a passenger. The inability to influence the situation — like not being able to control the plane — can heighten their sense of vulnerability.

1. Fear of turbulence or physical discomfort:
  Anxiety can also stem from the unpredictability of turbulence. In some cases, this isn’t just about the physical sensation, but the fear of losing control — such as vomiting in public or being unable to reach the toilet in time.

Given how deeply rooted these fears can be in the subconscious mind, overcoming a fear of flying usually requires specialist support tailored to each individual’s unique experiences and emotional triggers.

Given these complexities, overcoming a fear of flying is not a straightforward process and can require specialist therapy.

Fear of flying is generally accepted as one of the most common phobias

Several studies have found that up to 40 percent of people have some degree of anxiety about flying, said Dr. Lucas van Gerwen, an aviation psychologist and professional pilot.

How does the fear of flying affect you?

Several studies have found that up to 40 percent of people have some degree of anxiety about flying, said Dr. Lucas van Gerwen, an aviation psychologist and professional pilot.

Does fear of flying stop you from choosing the holiday that you really want?

Is the fear of flying placing pressure upon your relationship?

Does the fear of flying prevent you from visiting faraway friends and family members?

Are you expected to fly on business as part of your job?

Do you feel anxious at the thought of even planning a trip?

Do you use alcohol or medication to reduce the anxiety when flying?

Have you ever experienced a panic attack whilst flying?

When laying on the beach, are you anxious about the return journey?

How can hypnotherapy help me to get over fear of flying?

Some hypnotherapy techniques involve the therapist making positive suggestions whilst a person is in hypnosis that the fear has disappeared. In my experience this can be a temporary solution only because the root cause of the fear will still be present.

I believe that the only permanent solution is to locate and address the root causes of the fear. Most likely these are lodged in the subconscious mind and have been there since the person was a young child. Sometimes these fears remain un-triggered in the subconscious for years, but a trauma in later life, such as a bad experience on a flight can cause this fear to become triggered and become a major issue. This isn’t a complicated process and can sometimes be treated in only a few sessions.

I am an award winning hypnotherapist with 22+ years of experience in helping people with a fear of flying. Call now to book an initial consultation or just a chat to see how you can finally be free from your fear

“I’ve been terrified of flying all my life, absolutely terrified. When I got this job I knew I’d have to fly, which I hadn’t done for years, but I couldn’t turn it down.

I’ve done every type of therapy, fear of flying courses, in-flight simulators, I’ve had drugs, hypnosis, everything, but then somebody recommended a regressive hypnotherapist called David Samson who I saw for eight sessions over three months. The idea is that your fear is learnt behaviour and that you weren’t born scared of flying. It’s hard to explain to someone who isn’t afraid of flying, but whatever he did, it worked.

Last October I went to Tokyo and when it was bumpy on the return flight I slept all the way back, whereas normally I’d be in physical pain and completely terrified, unable to do anything”

Alexandra Shulman
Former Editor of Vogue

Recognised Expertise in Hypnotherapy

What My Clients Say

“To put it simply, David is the real deal. Our sessions together changed my life!”

“I lived through 40 years with a dreadful phobia. Then I met David Samson and in 5 hours he changed my life. They say life begins at 40, well mine did. Forever grateful.”

“I believe that so many who are suffering today could be helped by this calm, measured man to gain peace of mind and freedom from the ravaging of crippling emotions.”

“I will be forever grateful to David. I can’t recommend him enough.”

“Seeing David was the best thing I did for my mental health. He's incredible and gave me my life back when the future looked so bleak.”

“He is as amazing as everybody tells you he is, and with him it is totally possible to overcome anything.”