What is hypnotherapy and can it help with fear of flying? We posed these questions – and more – to Laura Alexander, a London-based clinical integrative hypnotherapist and member of the Hypnotherapy Directory.
In the latest edition of our Expert Insights series, we get a genuine insight into the hypnotherapy process from a trained professional.
Laura, what is hypnotherapy, and how does it work?
Hypnosis is an altered state of mind. This simply means it’s a changed state from what we think of as our normal waking state, like the hazy moments between awake and asleep, or when you’re completely absorbed in something and don’t notice anything else going on around you.
While hypnosis occurs naturally, it can also be induced for the purpose of therapy – hypnotherapy. In hypnotherapy you enter a very relaxed state, which allows your unconscious mind to become more open to the changes you want to achieve.
Some people are surprised to learn that hypnotherapy is arguably the oldest talking therapy in the world, and that there are many thousands of studies demonstrating its effectiveness.
How can hypnotherapy help someone with a fear of flying?
I had hypnotherapy for a phobia myself and so I know first hand how life-changing it can be to leave a limiting fear behind. Helping people with phobias and fears is very satisfying work.
Existential anxiety such as phobias reside in the subconscious and this is why hypnotherapy can be such a powerful tool.
There are a number of ways that hypnotherapy can help people with a fear of flying. What’s great about all of them is that the ‘exposure’ or the ‘suggestions’ are all happening within your own imaginal world, which means you control the pace of therapy. Paradoxically, this means that hypnotherapy can be a swift way to alleviate fears and phobias.
I generally favour a technique known as ‘hypno-desensitisation’ which is a gentle and controlled approach to imaging the elements that are frightening to you, after you have achieved a wonderful state of relaxation and safety. You then control the pace and signal when you are ready to proceed. This is combined with guided imagery, reframing, and mentally rehearsing the ideal future outcome.
Why do some people respond well to hypnotherapy for anxiety?
Hypnotherapy soothes anxiety on both a physiological level and a psychological level.
Hypnosis guides you into a deeply relaxed state which in itself soothes the autonomic nervous system – the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response. Often people’s stomach starts rumbling in hypnotherapy because they are so relaxed and enter the ‘rest and digest’ state.
At the same time, your subconscious mind is more receptive to positive suggestions and new ways of thinking.
I think nearly everyone can benefit from hypnotherapy for anxiety. The people who benefit most are motivated, curious and believe that change is possible.
What happens during a typical hypnotherapy session?
A typical session begins with finding out about you, your background and your goals, and building a non-judgmental, supportive therapeutic relationship.
Your hypnotherapist should explain what hypnosis is and how it might help you specifically. Hypnosis itself will usually be introduced from the very first session, tailored to your symptoms and goals.
You’ll be sitting, reclining or lying down, depending on the consulting room and whichever feels most comfortable. Most people find hypnosis very relaxing and pleasant. At the end of the session, your hypnotherapist should discuss next steps with you.
Is hypnotherapy about losing control, or is that a myth?
It’s a myth. You cannot be hypnotised against your will. If you wanted to resist, you simply wouldn’t go under. You have to actively choose and consent to hypnotherapy. In that sense, hypnosis is really a form of self-hypnosis.
People assume it’s about being ‘suggestible’, whereas in fact it’s about being cognitively flexible.
Learn to tackle your fear of flying
To learn more about turbulence and how it relates to fear of flying, check out our guides. You can also find information on fear of flying from qualified professionals in our Expert Insights.
If you’re flying soon, check out the Help Desk and download the Calm Flight Toolkit today.
If you want a comprehensive strategy to tackle flight anxiety, use our four-step plan.
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