Brian (Flying)
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Austin, TX
I have had a fear of flying for the last five years, but it got pretty intense over the last year and a half. I just wouldn't get on a plane. I was unable to get on an airplane to travel even though I had previously done it hundreds of times. I had to drive everywhere I wanted to go, which limited where I could go. It was a source of anxiety for me almost every day even when I wasn't flying. It got so bad that I missed a work conference because I couldn't get on a plane. I felt angry with myself and although my wife was trying to be understanding, I could tell that she was frustrated with me. I felt out of control. I thought that I could do it, but when it got right down to it, I couldn't.
I went to a psychiatrist a few times and he prescribed medication, but we didn't really talk about my specific fear. I think he was more used to seeing people who have general anxiety, so it didn't solve my problem. Taking Xanax before flights didn't work for me either.
I heard about A New Day hypnosis from Dr. Beverly Alexander. I didn't know what to expect, but I was at the point where I was willing to try anything. I've known people who stopped smoking with hypnosis and I felt like if it had worked for them, I should give it a try. I noticed results after my second session. I felt more relaxed when I thought about flying. Overall, it's been fairly easy for me. I just haven't been worried about it. I feel more in control now and when I have negative thoughts, I realize that they are irrational and put them out of my head. I feel more confident. When people talk about planning a trip, I think 'Oh, that's a good idea.' instead of 'Oh, that's a good idea except that we have to fly there.' I have more freedom and I can do all the things that I want to do without worrying about flying or letting that hold me back.
I went on a flight recently and it went well. I'm already planning flights in the near future and I would recommend A New Day Hypnosis because so far, so good. It's definitely much better than other methods that I have tried. I'm confident that I have overcome my fear of flying because I've already done it and I felt really good about it.