Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify and challenge the irrational thoughts fueling the fear of flying. CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy focused on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It’s especially effective for anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and fear of flying. I tailor CBT to help clients reframe anxious thinking, manage physical symptoms, and feel more in control — whether you're anticipating a flight or already in the air.

 

Example:
A client believes, “If there's turbulence, the plane will crash.”
In CBT, we explore the actual safety of turbulence, replace catastrophic thinking with facts, and practice new ways of thinking that feel more grounded.
We also use exposure exercises, like looking at photos of airplanes, listening to in-flight sounds, or visualizing takeoff, to gradually reduce fear responses.

 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT focuses on managing the emotional intensity that can overwhelm someone with aviophobia.

 

Example:
A client experiences panic before a flight and feels shame about it.
With DBT, we teach distress tolerance skills (like ice diving, paced breathing, grounding), emotion regulation techniques, and self-validation so the person can ride the emotional wave without being consumed by it.

 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps clients make room for anxiety instead of fighting it — and encourages them to live in alignment with their values, even if fear is present.

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Example:
A client wants to visit family overseas but avoids flying out of fear.
With ACT, we help them say: “Yes, fear is here… and so is my desire to connect with loved ones.”
Through mindfulness, values clarification, and committed action, they learn to fly despite discomfort — not by eliminating fear, but by building a new relationship with it.

 

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

PE is effective when the fear of flying is linked to past trauma, such as a turbulent flight, a panic attack on a plane, or witnessing a scary event.

 

Example:
A client had a terrifying flight five years ago and has avoided flying ever since.
In PE, we revisit the memory in a safe, controlled way so the brain can reprocess it, reducing the sense of danger and emotional charge.
We also engage in real-life exposures, like airport visits or sitting in a parked plane, to rebuild safety.

 

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT helps people unpack and shift stuck beliefs that come from traumatic experiences related to flying or losing control.

 

Example:
A client believes: “I’m weak because I panic on planes.”
CPT helps them challenge this belief and reframe it: “I had a normal fear response to a difficult situation — and I’m learning how to respond differently.”

 

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

MBCT teaches how to be present with anxiety without spiraling into avoidance or catastrophizing.

 

Example:
A client dreads flying weeks before a trip.
Through MBCT, they learn body scans, breathwork, and awareness practices to anchor themselves in the moment and reduce anticipatory anxiety.

 

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) (when appropriate)

KAP can help uncover and release deeply rooted fear or trauma stored in the body, especially when traditional talk therapy hasn’t worked.

 

Example:
A client with childhood trauma linked to control and helplessness feels paralyzed when flying.
With ketamine-assisted sessions and integration work, they gain insights, reprocess past pain, and begin to experience flying with new emotional capacity and calm.