Overwhelming apprehension about air travel led the individual to believe a crash was imminent.
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In the August 2025 issue of woman&home magazine, software sales manager Sara Shine from Hertfordshire shared her experience of overcoming a debilitating fear of flying. Her story offers valuable insights into managing this common phobia.
Sara's fear of flying began after a few distressing flight experiences. As her phobia worsened, she started avoiding travel and making excuses to cancel plans. The fear became particularly pronounced when friends were jetting off on holidays.
Seeking help, Sara turned to Dr Bonita Rayner-Jones, a registered hypnotherapist on Harley Street. Dr Rayner-Jones recorded a tailored hypnotherapy session for Sara to help with her phobia.
The hypnotherapy session put Sara into a deep state of hypnosis and introduced techniques to reframe her fears. One technique involved Sara imagining a colour that represented calm and a relaxing scene, which she set up as a risk-free space in her head.
Facing her fear directly was crucial for Sara. By confronting her fear head-on, she became desensitized to it over time. This approach is similar to exposure therapy, a common method used to treat phobias.
Understanding the phobia's origins is also essential. Recognizing what triggered the fear allowed Sara to target specific anxieties. The hypnotherapy session planted seeds of safety where panic was deep-seated in Sara's unconscious.
While not explicitly mentioned in Sara's story, gradual exposure to flying scenarios can be beneficial. This gradual exposure can help build confidence and reduce anxiety. For instance, watching planes take off, being in the airport, or taking short flights could be steps towards overcoming the fear.
Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in anxiety disorders is often recommended. Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be very effective in managing phobias.
Establishing coping mechanisms during flights can also help manage panic levels. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to calming music can all be beneficial.
Sara's flight experience to Barcelona was significantly different after the hypnotherapy session. She felt relaxed and even walked around on the plane. However, the hypnotherapy tools were not an overnight fix. Sara still listens to the recording before and during flights to reinforce the changes made in her thinking.
In summary, overcoming a fear of flying often involves a combination of facing the fear directly, understanding its origins, and seeking professional help if needed. While Sara's personal experience provides insight into her journey, these additional methods can complement her story and offer broader advice for those struggling with similar anxieties.
The NHS estimates that 10 million people in the UK have a phobia, making it the most common type of anxiety disorder. If you or someone you know is struggling with a fear of flying, consider these approaches to help manage the fear and embrace new adventures.
- Sara's success story in overcoming her fear of flying, as highlighted in the August 2025 issue of health-and-wellness magazine 'woman&home', serves as an inspiring example for those facing mental-health challenges related to traveling.
- However, it's important to remember that every individual's journey to conquer their phobias, such as Sara's fear of flying, might require various approaches and tactics, like selecting calming music or practicing deep breathing exercises at home for improved health and beauty during flights.
- In fact, seeking professional help, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) from a registered therapist or counselor, can help individuals build healthier family relationships by eliminating the impact of a debilitating phobia on one's life and wellness.
- Similarly, implementing science-backed strategies, like exposure therapy and gradual exposure to flying scenarios, can enhance one's mental health over time, while fostering a sense of wellness and inner peace within the home environment.
