Emotional health
Hypnotherapy for fear of flying
Hypnotherapy helps you relieve the anxiety that builds before a flight, so you can board calmer and get to where you want to be.
How hypnotherapy helps with fear of flying
For many people the fear starts weeks before the trip. You imagine the take-off, the turbulence, the closed doors, and your body reacts as if it were already happening. On the day, every noise and bump confirms the alarm. Some people avoid flying altogether and miss holidays, family events and work opportunities as a result.
Fear of flying is, at heart, anxiety, and that is where the evidence for hypnotherapy is strongest. A 2019 review of controlled trials found that people who had hypnosis reduced their anxiety more than about 79% of people in comparison groups (Valentine et al., 2019). A 2024 research review also found that hypnosis reduced people's anxiety in the moment around oral surgery, another situation many people dread (Steenen et al., 2024). There are no trials on fear of flying specifically yet, so we rely on this wider anxiety research.
Under hypnosis you can rehearse the whole journey, from packing to landing, in a calm and relaxed state. Clients often tell Tim that the flight felt familiar by the time they took it.
What we work on
- The anticipatory anxiety in the days and weeks before you travel
- Take-off, turbulence, noises and landing
- Feeling closed in, or not being in control
- Panicky feelings on board (see panic attacks)
- Where the fear began, and easing its emotional charge
- A quick calming technique to use at the airport and in your seat
How sessions work
You start with a free 15–30 minute consultation by phone or video. Sessions are in person at 9 Coldbath Square, Farringdon, or online. If you have a flight booked, tell Tim the date so the sessions can be planned around it. Each session is tailored to you, combining Ericksonian hypnotherapy and NLP, and Tim teaches you self-hypnosis to take with you on the plane.
Why Tim
Tim Dunton has over 20 years' experience, has trained since 2004 and is a member of the General Hypnotherapy Register. He is an Advanced and Ericksonian Hypnotherapist and a Master Practitioner of NLP trained by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. His clients include celebrities, film producers, sportspeople and business leaders.
How far ahead of my flight should I start?
Ideally a few weeks, so there is time for the sessions and to practise self-hypnosis. Get in touch even if your flight is sooner.
Will I be hypnotised on the plane?
No. You will learn self-hypnosis and simple techniques you can use quietly on your own, at the airport or in your seat.
What if I have other fears too?
Fears often overlap. See fears and phobias, or mention them at your consultation.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical course | Usually around five sessions (7 hours) |
| Session length | 1 hour |
| Format | In person in Farringdon, central London, or online |
| First step | Free 15–30 minute consultation |
| Fee | £150 an hour online, £195 in person |
See also anxiety and all psychological problems Tim works with.
Hypnotherapy works alongside medical care. Please see your GP about any medical condition, and keep taking prescribed medication unless your doctor advises otherwise.
The research
- Valentine KE, Milling LS, Clark LJ, Moriarty CL (2019). The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety: a meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 67(3):336–363. PubMed 31251710
- Steenen SA, et al. (2024). Review of hypnosis for anxiety in oral surgery. Journal of Anxiety Disorders 105:102891. PubMed 38945067
Individual experiences vary.
Related treatments
A free, no-obligation 15–30 minute call by phone or video. Or call 07975 653893.