Fear of flying, aka “aviophobia,” impacts people around the world. This intense anxiety can prevent individuals from traveling for work or leisure, significantly impacting their lives. Fortunately, exposure therapy is a highly effective treatment that can help individuals overcome this fear. In this article, we will explore what exposure therapy is, how it works, and how it can specifically help individuals in the Greater Boston area who are struggling with a fear of flying.
Understanding Fear of Flying
Fear of flying is one example of a phobia, experienced as an intense, irrational fear of air travel. Symptoms may include sweating, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, catastrophic thoughts, and even panic attacks when thinking about or engaging in air travel. While some people experience anxiety only during takeoff or turbulence, others may avoid flying altogether, limiting their personal and professional lives (Oakes & Bor, 2010).
What Is Exposure Therapy?
Exposure therapy has roots in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and helps individuals confront and reduce their fears by gradually exposing them to their phobia in a controlled and systematic way. The goal is to desensitize the individual to the source of their fear, ultimately helping them manage and overcome it (McLean et al., 2011).
Exposure therapy typically involves three stages:
Education and Preparation: The therapist works with the individual to understand the nature of their fear and how exposure therapy can help. This stage may involve relaxation techniques and cognitive restructuring to prepare the individual for exposure (Foa & Kozak, 1986).
Gradual or Massed Exposure: In gradual exposure, the therapist introduces the individual to the feared situation in a controlled manner. This may start with imagining flying, looking at pictures of airplanes, or visiting an airport, or using virtual reality technology. Over time, the individual progresses to more direct exposures, such as boarding a plane or taking short flights (McNally, 2007).
In massed exposure, the therapist accompanies the individual on each step of the flight. The treatment consists of pre-flight preparation to ensure the individual can benefit from the massed exposures, followed by the actual flight with the therapist. During each step of the flight–arriving at the airport, checking in, going through security, boarding the flight, flying, landing–the therapist is working directly with the individual to help them overcome each and every stimulus keeping them stuck in a state of fear of flying. At MCG, we are the only providers who currently offer this intensive treatment option, called One-session Treatment for Specific Phobias.Response Prevention: Throughout the exposure process, the therapist helps the individual avoid engaging in avoidance behaviors or safety rituals that reinforce the fear. This step is crucial for reducing the anxiety associated with flying (Rachman, 2004).
How Exposure Therapy Helps Overcome Fear of Flying
Exposure therapy is effective because it directly targets the fear response. By gradually and repeatedly exposing individuals to the feared situation without the feared consequences occurring, the brain begins to associate flying with safety rather than danger. This process is known as habituation, where the anxiety response diminishes over time (Craske et al., 2008).
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of exposure therapy for fear of flying. For example, a study by Wiederhold et al. (2002) found that virtual reality exposure therapy, where individuals are exposed to simulated flying experiences, significantly reduced anxiety levels in participants with a fear of flying. Another study by Rothbaum et al. (2000) showed that exposure therapy led to long-term reductions in fear and avoidance behaviors, with many participants able to fly without significant anxiety after treatment.
The Role of Virtual Reality in Exposure Therapy
One innovative approach to exposure therapy for fear of flying is the use of virtual reality (VR). VR allows individuals to experience a simulated flight environment in a controlled and safe setting. This technology can be especially useful for those who are too anxious to engage in real-life exposures early in treatment (Powers & Emmelkamp, 2008).
In the Greater Boston area, some therapy centers, including MCG, have integrated VR technology into their exposure therapy programs. This allows clients to immerse themselves in a realistic flying experience, helping them gradually build confidence and reduce their fear before transitioning to real-world flights.
Finding Exposure Therapy in Boston
For residents of Boston and the surrounding areas, finding a qualified therapist who specializes in exposure therapy is crucial for effectively addressing the fear of flying. MCG offers comprehensive exposure therapy programs, including the option to use VR, tailored to each client’s unique needs. Their experienced therapists work closely with clients to develop a personalized treatment plan, helping them overcome their fear of flying and regain control over their travel experiences.
Conclusion
Fear of flying can be a debilitating condition, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Exposure therapy is a proven and effective treatment that can help you confront and overcome this fear. Whether through gradual or massed real-life exposures or innovative VR simulations, this therapy offers a path to freedom from aviophobia. If you’re in the Greater Boston area and struggling with a fear of flying, consider reaching out to MCG to explore how exposure therapy can help you take to the skies with confidence.
References
Craske, M. G., Kircanski, K., Zelikowsky, M., Mystkowski, J., Chowdhury, N., & Baker, A. (2008). Optimizing inhibitory learning during exposure therapy. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(1), 5-27.
Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986). Emotional processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information. Psychological Bulletin, 99(1), 20-35.
McLean, C. P., Asnaani, A., Litz, B. T., & Hofmann, S. G. (2011). Gender differences in anxiety disorders: Prevalence, course of illness, comorbidity and burden of illness. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 45(8), 1027-1035.
McNally, R. J. (2007). Mechanisms of exposure therapy: How neuroscience can improve psychological treatments for anxiety disorders. Clinical Psychology Review, 27(6), 750-759.
Oakes, M., & Bor, R. (2010). The psychology of fear of flying (part I): A critical evaluation of current perspectives on the nature, prevalence and etiology of fear of flying. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8(6), 327-338.
Powers, M. B., & Emmelkamp, P. M. (2008). Virtual reality exposure therapy for anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 22(3), 561-569.
Rachman, S. (2004). Anxiety (2nd ed.). Psychology Press.
Rothbaum, B. O., Hodges, L., Smith, S., Lee, J. H., & Price, L. (2000). A controlled study of virtual reality exposure therapy for the fear of flying. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(6), 1020-1026.
Wiederhold, B. K., Davis, R., & Wiederhold, M. D. (2002). The effects of immersiveness on physiology. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 85, 373-378.