Get over a fear of flying
As the holiday season gets underway, millions of Brits are preparing to jet off on foreign holidays.
Yet according to a survey by British Airways, one in four of us is uncomfortable in some way about flying.
Aviophobia – or fear of flying - can range from a mild anxiety, especially during take off and landing, to a full- blown terror that in extreme cases can prevent people from flying altogether.
Causes of aviophobia are varied - ranging from anxiety at the noises and sudden movements an aeroplane makes, perceived loss of control and claustrophobia, to re- living a previous traumatic flight, disorientation or just simply anxiety brought on my your body’s response to the oxygen and pressure changes that happen during a flight.
As more and more of us decide to go abroad each year, overcoming this fear can be a necessity for many. Naomi Hill, lead clinical hypnotherapist at West Coast Hypnosis in Ayr, explains why hypnotherapy can be an important strategy in overcoming phobias of all kinds.
“Unless we travel frequently, many of us are able to ignore aviophobia for most of the year, but it will surface around the time plans start being made for holidays.,” Naomi says. “Those affected may find themselves missing out on visiting family, attending weddings or even avoiding holidays with their family or friends. It could also cause career problems if faced with a business trip that requires air travel by plane. We definitely see a huge increase in the numbers of clients seeking help from us at this time of year.”
Hypnotherapy is widely known to be an excellent way to deal with a fear of flying, especially if self help methods have not improved matters. “We regularly deal with fear of flying here at the Ayr practice during the summer”, says Naomi. “Whatever the phobia being faced, whether it’s flying, dogs, heights, driving or needles, we have plenty of experience in helping clients to reach the point where they feel much calmer and better able to cope in future situations. With hypnotherapy, fears can simply diminish and then disappear.”
Naomi goes on to explain why it’s so important to do some research first. “We are fully registered with the National Council for Hypnotherapy, and with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council ( CNHC).
“The CNHC not only regulates hypnotherapists, but all complementary health practitioners. It is seen as the Quality Mark of the profession, and that is why the Department of Health and many GPs, will recommend that you should only consult with someone who is CNHC registered.
“In what is not currently a compulsorily regulated industry, it’s of paramount importance that you do your homework first to satisfy yourself of the therapist’s credentials before embarking on any treatment plan. For more help on this, or any issue, get in touch.”
For help with aviophobia, or any problem related to fear or anxiety, contact Naomi at West Coast Hypnosis on 07941 106921, through the company website at www. west coast hypnosis. co.uk, or by email at enquiries@westcoasthypnosis.co.uk.
Those affected may find themselves missing out on visiting family, attending weddings or avoiding holidays