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What about other phobias? I have been told by many individuals with other phobias (in addition to the fear of flying) that their fear of flying was not the "main problem" - but rather a symptom of another phobia. From this perspective, the individual feels that if he or she could solve the other phobia, the fear of flying would dissolve by itself. The truth is, I have worked with many individuals who have used their work in the area of the fear of flying to overcome many other phobias. The three main phobias that this applies to most are: claustrophobia (the fear of enclosed spaces); agoraphobia (the fear of being too far from home); and acrophobia (the fear of heights). The reason that efforts to overcome the fear of flying have generalized to other phobias relates directly to the skills you master while overcoming the fear of flying. The mechanisms of fear and its control are exactly the same, regardless of the context in which the fear occurs. The only difference between the mastery of the fear of flying and resolving other phobias is the time spent learning about the flight environment itself. All of the other learning processes (e.g. self analysis, fear control knowledge, "active" muscle relaxation and breathing control) are identical when it comes to therapeutic work on behalf of the other phobias. In fear of flying treatment, as with all other phobias, fear control techniques are introduced early in therapy. Take a look at lesson one in this web site. Ask yourself if the principles that you learn there apply to your own personal experience with fear. I think the answer will be a resounding "yes". The truth is, treating people with the fear of flying has yielded much valuable information about the treatment of other phobias as well. During hundreds of hours with fearful flyers I have repeatedly witnessed diminishing anxiety reactions in the face of controlled breathing and "active" muscle relaxation - often to the delighted amazement of the anxious individual. These individuals have then applied the same skills to riding in elevators, crossing bridges, and driving far away from home - all with the same positive result! Also, contrary to what you have been reading on the other web sites that deal with the fear of flying, self knowledge does have a positive therapeutic benefit. Clinically I believe that while insight alone is not sufficient for anxiety resolution, it is a necessary part of any therapeutic program. The program, Flying in the Comfort Zone, teaches self analysis and helps you focus on eleven internal sources of fear and anxiety that are most common to not only the fear of flying, but other phobias as well. Before leaving here, take a few minutes and explore the material on claustrophobia, agoraphobia and acrophobia. If you still have time, or in another session, visit lesson one, and then visit the material labeled "related subjects" on the home page. You will find a wealth of information relating directly to your specific phobia. Above all, never quit trying to solve your specific problem. Giving in to a phobia can have devastating consequences to your life. Solving a phobia can save your life!
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