When flying anxiety begins before the airport
For some people, the worry begins as soon as a trip is mentioned. For others, it is the journey to the airport, waiting to board or the thought of being on a plane. Plans can become organised around avoiding a flight, even when travelling would mean seeing family, taking a holiday or accepting an opportunity at work.
In my work with fear of flying, I start by listening to that individual experience. I would like to understand which moments feel difficult, what you find yourself anticipating and what you would like to feel able to do.
Take-off, turbulence and feeling out of control
Flying anxiety does not look the same for everyone. The concern might centre on take-off, turbulence, unfamiliar sounds, feeling enclosed or being unable to step away from a situation. Sometimes the worry is about how you might feel during a flight, or how other people might respond.
Rohan’s account is one example of why that detail matters. His family initially described a fear of flying, but our conversations focused on a more specific concern about feeling sick and the smell of airline food. Leah’s family describe a different starting point: a frightening experience of turbulence. Their accounts are linked below.
A personal approach to fear of flying
I bring more than 35 years of experience to my work with adults, young people and families. My approach begins with the person: your experiences, your questions and the journeys that matter to you. We can discuss the patterns around flying, confidence and how you approach situations that currently feel difficult.
You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or a perfectly formed explanation. Nor do you need to minimise a concern because somebody else enjoys flying. A private conversation is a useful place to begin understanding what support could involve.
