JUSTIN'S LIFELONG FEAR OF HEIGHTS prevented him from flying. He had never flown when he came to us for the first time in Feburary, 2009 when he was hired for a great new job that would require fying several times a year. He now writes to us: "I thought I would never fly in an airplane due to my fear of heights. When my job required me to take a business trip, I was forced to face my fears. In less than ten sessions I overcame my fear and got on the plane.
Meeting with you and talking about my fears and how I can work to overcome them was extremely helpful. The techniques that I found most helpful were the videos of the inside and outside views of a plane and the recording you made me on a recorder with breathing exercises. I listened to the tape before and during the flight to help me calm my nerves. I never thought practicing breathing would be so helpful. I even use the breathing in other activities to overcome my fear of heights and when I just feel I need to be more relaxed. I cannot thank you enough, I could not have done it without you".
LYNN WAS VERY APPREHENSIVE ABOUT AN UPCOMING BIKING TRIP IN FRANCE summer 2009. Flying was no problem for her, but the many bridges she and George would need to bike over as they went from bed and breakfast to the next bed and breakfast was daunting, especially as she remembered her difficulty cycling in 2008 in Austria.
"I realized that my bridge anxiety has taken hold of my life and I had to do something about it...I looked up travel anxiety on the Internet and found Jean (actually I had looked up years before but never did anything about it, thinking it would go away). She worked with me every week going over local bridges in the area. By the time I was ready to leave for France, I went over the Rte. 270 overpass by myself. I was still not convinced that I would be able to cross La Loire but much to George's and my surprise I did...With the suggestion from Jean, we sang Frere Jacque (French kids song) from one end to the other. George went first and I focussed on his walking/cycling and sang (outloud at times). It worked every time. We do not cross a bridge now without breaking out with Frere Jacque!" Lynn is now working on driving parts of 495 that have been too hard to handle in the past, and she is making great progress.
SAMANTHA packed in 3 sessions in the one week that she had in October 2009 between the time she called us and her upcoming flight. It was the first flight for her since two years ago when she felt "hysterical" the whole flight. Her fear was that the plane would drop and crash in turbulence. After her return , she was jubilant and happily reported "I didn't get on the plane crying!...it was actually enjoyable, not two hours of nightmare. I realized that I prefer to look out the window to see what's going on instead of the aisle which I had always preferred." I didn't have tense days beforehand thinking I'd die".
CASSANDRA, a professional writer,came to us several months prior to an upcoming flight which would return her from a cruise out of Baltimore that required a flight home. She wasn't sure that she'd be able to fly back, worried she might need to take the train. She worked hard with us. Here is what she wrote after her flight: "I've always taken pride in my bravery, facing any challenge with the stalwartness of a seasoned soldier.
But 20 years ago, I developed a fear of flying. Although I was able to fly, it wasn't without great anxiety and discomfort. In April 2005, my fear worsened when I experienced an inexplicable panic attack before takeoff. From that point on I was like a wounded bird tossed to Earth, my ability to experience the world everely limited, my sense of self diminished.After two years of unsuccessful therapy, I gave up. But in July 2008, I found Jean Ratner and, after four months of intense work, I took my first flight. I was nearly paralyzed with fear, and at one point almost turned away and headed for the airport's rental car desk. But determination and Jean's supportive expertise got me through. I cried with joy when the plane touched down at my destination. Finally, I have hope that I can overcome my crippling phobia. I can reclaim my fearlessness. My wings, at last, are unfurling." Cassandra, Nov 2008
LEARNING TO RELAX PHYSICALLY as well as mentally: S.B. contacted us shortly before flying to the West Coast. She was extremely pleased with her progress and said enthusiastically," I flew successfully across the country for the first time! I flew without shaking and used many of the breathing and relaxation techniques Jean taught me to accomplish this." S.B. August, 2008
EGYPT: When Jenlene came to our Center in June 2007, she described a lifelong fear of flying. A month later, after making a flight, she sent us a note that she took the medication we recommended to her doctor, and "the flight was a breeze...when I got to the airport, I told the lady at the counter I was on medication and she gave me a pre-boarding pass. I also spoke to both of the pilots. It really made a difference." With that success under her belt, Jenlene accepted tickets for a trip with her boyfriend in November to Egypt. ! POSTCARD FROM EGYPT arrived two weeks after Jenlene arrived back, thrilled with her success and enthusiastic how the freedom to fly will change her life: "Egypt has been quite an interesting adventure. Thanks for all your help and support. Seeing the Nile was unreal"...Jenlene.
LINDA REPORTS GREAT PROGRESS: Her postcard from San Juan reads:" Hi, Jean--Heaving a great time on the cruise! The flight to Ft. Lauderdale was fantastic, I was so non-anxious. I even slept through the movie. I'm sure the flight home will be equally as excellent. We're enjoying sunny warm weather and beautiful beaches". Response from Jean: You'd have to know Linda and how much she hated and avoided flying to understand what incredible progress it is to say she is "non-anxious" and that she even slept on the flight. I'm so glad she stayed with the group even after she started flying again.
Michael, our first flier to achieve 100,000 miles, ( now 200,000) came back in to see us frustrated when he had a setback summer 2007 and found himself unable to fly. His work in the past several years requires extensive travel. One session to figure out what happened and what to do about it got Mike flying again. He writes, " Greetings from Seattle. Once again, your useful techniques were highly effective in overcoming my recent setback. Thanks for the minor "tune up". This flight will push me over 200,000miles on United!" Michael(Jean to Michael: I'm really glad our session helped get you back on track. And thanks again for pushing me years ago to create this website because most people now find us through travelanxiety.com!)
Knowing the Science really helps! Cathie came to us two months before a trip to the West Coast which she dreaded after a bad flight to New Orleans last year. The length of the flight made this trip particularly intimidating. Cathie called in after her arrival once she got to her hotel. She was enthusiastic, reporting it went "world's better". "I was able to use the science that I'd learned to put myself in a logical frame of mind". I wish everyone reading this could have heard the relief in Cathie's voice. Now that's success!
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