Who this is for
- You avoid flying, or turn down trips and work travel because of it
- You fly, but white-knuckle every minute
- You've had a panic attack on a plane and fear the next one
- The dread starts days or weeks before the trip
- Turbulence, closed cabin doors, heights, or feeling out of control set you off
Why facts alone don't fix it
Most anxious flyers already know flying is safe. The fear persists anyway, because it's driven less by information than by what anxiety has learned: that flying is dangerous and that you need checking, reassurance, or distraction to get through it.
Treatment targets that learning directly. Read more on why reassurance stops working.
How treatment works
- Pin down the fear. Crashing, panicking, being trapped, and turbulence each call for a different plan.
- Build in-flight skills. ACT skills for handling sensations and "what if" thoughts without fighting them.
- Cut back safety behaviors. Gradually drop the checking and reassurance that keep the fear alive.
- Practice before you fly. A graded plan: videos, imagery, the airport, then real flights.
- Plan the actual trip. We prepare for your specific flight, from the days before to landing.
Timeline
Most clients build solid foundational tools within the first three sessions. Typically, about eight sessions gives you what you need to keep flying on your own.
For more free material, see Float On Counseling's fear of flying resources.
Common questions
How many sessions does fear of flying treatment take?
Most people have solid foundational tools within the first three sessions. Typically, about eight sessions gives you the tools you need to keep going on your own.
I have a flight coming up soon. Can you still help?
Yes. Tell me your travel date when you book. Even a few sessions before a flight can give you a clear plan for the day.
Can fear of flying therapy be done online?
Yes. Sessions work well over secure video for anyone in South Carolina or Florida.
Do I need medication to fly?
Not necessarily. Some people use medication prescribed by their doctor; therapy works with or without it. Any medication questions should go to your prescriber.