We are always pleased to share the scrapbook in our office filled with postcards from our clients. Here are a few so that you can read for yourself. They are often surprised at how much they've accomplished!
"S" came to us after a very difficult episode of claustrophobia driving through the Holland Tunnel. She felt extremely hot when she panicked. After working with us so that she could make long flights more comfortable, she writes:"I just completed my 2nd airplane trip without needing to ask for ice to cool off even with a 2 hr delay on the tarmac before take-off. In the past, anxiety on an airplane made me panic and overheat. Flight attendants would be kind & get me ice to put on my wrists. It works! But with the relaxation techniques I practiced in my therapy sessions, there has been no need to ask for help. And the techniques worked last week at a Bridge tournament when I began to feel tense and hot. Thinking about my next trip no longer triggers an anxiety episode. I haven't been waking up before the trip in panic. Thanks, Jean! "
Caroline had not flown for many years. After working hard with us, I was delighted to receive her postcard with an enthusiastic Mickey in May: " I am having a great time at my favorite place--Disneyworld! Last year we drove 16 hours down to Disney due to my fear of flying. Now after 9 years of not flying, I have conquered my fear of flying and had a fun and relaxing flight. I finally have my freedom back to take vacations and go places that I have avoided due to the distance. I never thought that I would fly again but with all of your help, I was able to conquer my fears and I am no longer a fearful flyer!" Caroline
LINDA has changed her life so much since she can fly, and we were very moved to hear about this accomplishment: "Dear Jean, I spent the last week of April in Mississippi working with Habitat for Humanity. It was an amazing experience. I flew to New Orleans & drove 2 hours to Gulfport/Ocean Springs. I spent the week with 10 other volunteers building a house for someone who was left homeless after Katrina...I never could have done this if I couldn't fly. Thanks to you and Judith, I was able to fulfill one of my dreams! Love, Linda"
Dear Linda, I hope you'll always keep in touch with us! It's such a pleasure to hear about your continual progress. Jean
Welcome back, "Kate!" You did yourself proud! Kate came to us excited but somewhat terrified of her upcoming safari. She contacted us several months ahead of time determined to make this incredible trip to Africa with her family. Here is some of what she wrote to us after her return in August 2009:" "My fear of planes, both large and especially small, the wild animals, the unprotected sleeping in tents, the potential for snakes, and maybe most of all, the fear that my anxiety would alienate my whole family made this trip almost inconceivable to me with its intergalactic distance from my comfort zone. Now that we are all back safe and sound...having had truly the trip of a lifetime, I want to make sure you know how much I appreciate our work and the ways in which it has changed my life.
For starters, understanding how planes take off and what keeps them up in the air was a major help traveling on 11 different planes, with 14 takeoffs and landings, including a 5-seater (that was hard). The many coping strategies that you suggested and helped me formulate for the trip were invaluable--meditation, imagery, books, music, mantras and desensitization techniques ( a trip to the zoo) beforehand among many others. I am also sure that your calm, understanding, sensitive listening to all my fears was very cathartic and healing for me. You really made me feel like I could do this and then gave me the strategies, both cognitive and behavioral, to make that happen emotionally...
My appreciation is so much deeper because it is clear to me that our work has affected me not just for those two weeks but on a much deeper level. For the first time in my life in a totally new way, I find that I am able to manage my feelings--not just on small planes and with wild animals around but in my daily life, especially dealing with difficult people who have historically tended to upset or intimidate me. My ability to stay calm, composed and in charge of my emotions since I have returned feels extraordinary to me--and for that I can never thank you enough...I thank you for your warmth, your support, and your wisdom in helping me make these profound changes..".Kate
GO, KIM! Kim is now flying so much that she just earned her first free flight on Southwest. Very nice going. With a new nephew in Texas to visit, being able to fly is so important!
Congratulations , DR. Andrew! In his final year as a medical student when he got in touch with us, Andrew's goal was to get back to flying before he graduated medical school. His postcard before graduating May, 2009 reads "One of my goals was to one day have a post card in one of your albums! Flight up to Boston went well, got anxious during take-off but made it through. Having a great time in Boston! ...Can't believe I actually did it!" In a phone message in June, now a doctor about to begin his residency, Andrew reported that he had been able to fly very successfully round trip to a wedding, involving many flights on smaller planes than before. Andrew, we are so pleased for you and hope you'll keep in touch. You're going to be a great cardiologist!
Postcard from Connecticut: "Before I met Jean I felt a sense of hopelessness-the inability to fly permeated every aspect of my life. Jean's 'down to earth' approach and support has opened a new chapter in my life. I am forever thankful" - MNP. And we especially thank him for encouraging us to set up a website. Most fliers now find us through www.travelanxiety.com!
A later card from MNP in Colorado after he ended our program. "Since last August, I have been to Raleigh, Seattle, SF (San Francisco), Atlanta (twice), Boston, Connecticut and now I am in Colorado for a (work) meeting. Just want you to know how much I appreciate all of your help. None of this would have been possible without you. Please say hi to everyone in group."
A year and a half after finishing with our program, MNP returned and received our first award for a graduate of the program who has traveled 100,000 miles. He had joined our program needing to fly for work to get his dream job. Summer 2007, MNP had almost reached 200,000miles when he had a set-back with clautrophobia and came back for a one-session "tune-up" that got him flying again.
Postcard from Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge: "My flight down went very well; the breathing exercises got me through the little turbulence that there was. The photo on the other side is the most beautiful bridge in the world! It connects the Tampa Airport to my Mom's town. xox" - KT
Postcard from Atlanta. This client found the techniques for flying also helped with public speaking: "2 airplane flights, fully booked. 1 impromptu public speaking episode with no slides-no preparation. I commute to airport in crowded van with no air conditioning, 0 nervous breakdown! I think I'm winning the war!" R
Postcard from the Baltimore Harbor: "I just wanted to let you know "I did it - l finally rode on the water taxi. After years and years of saying I wouldn't ever go on it, I surprised myself and determination won again. Thanks for your help" A
Postcard from Hartford: "Our first flight (trial flight with Jean) was like a "dream" Well, today I flew again to Hartford and now I realize it's real. I did it and I'm ready to do it again, hopefully with my family on a fun vacation! Thanks so much" -MS
Postcard from Eastern Europe, client's country of birth ( Her goal was to visit family ): "I am amazed at how well I've done so far... including the trans-Atlantic flight which was the first! Everything we did individually and in group just came together for me and helped me tremendously. I can't wait to tell you about it in detail! Dreams do come true, don't they?" D.
Postcard from Wisconsin: "Made it to MADISON! The entire flight was a PIECE OF CAKE! What have I been torturing myself over all these years! I'm ready to fly to Paris, New Orleans, ETC! ETC! Thank you P.
A later card from P in Paris: "I can’t thank you enough for getting me where I am right now-PARIS! The flight over was great. I was so excited...kept waiting to panic, it never happened! Paris is wonderful, I'm so glad I finally made it! The world is my oyster now!"
