Fear of Flying Phobia
This case study describes how EMDR therapy helped John resolve his fear of flying phobia.
John is a 28-year-old man who had a severe fear of flying. He had to travel frequently for work and personal reasons but found it increasingly difficult to board a plane due to his fear of flying. His anxiety would start building up weeks before the flight, and he would often have panic attacks while on the plane. John’s fear had escalated to the point where he was considering giving up his job to avoid flying altogether.
Assessment
John sought treatment for his fear of flying and was referred to an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 2.0 therapy specialist. During the initial assessment, the therapist gathered information about John’s fear of flying phobia and the impact it had on his daily life. They discussed John’s history with flying and identified some traumatic events that had contributed to the development of his fear.
Treatment Plan for John’s Fear of Flying Phobia
Based on John’s assessment, the therapist developed a treatment plan that incorporated the Flashforward protocol of EMDR 2.0 therapy. The goal of the therapy was to help John visualise a positive outcome of his upcoming flights and counteract his anxiety and negative thoughts.
EMDR 2.0 and Flashforward
The Flashforward protocol is a technique used in to help clients overcome anxiety related to future events or situations. It involves visualising a positive outcome of an upcoming situation to counteract anxiety and negative thoughts.
During the Flashforward protocol, the therapist guides the client to imagine themselves in the future, experiencing the event or situation that causes them anxiety. The therapist helps the client to visualise positive outcomes and sensations associated with the future event, such as feeling relaxed, calm, and in control.
The therapy uses different sensory stimuli, such as eye movements, tapping, or tones, to help the client process their anxiety and negative thoughts related to the future event. Through repeated exposure to the positive visualisation and the sensory stimuli, the client learns to rewire their negative associations and beliefs about the future event, leading to a reduction in anxiety and an increase in confidence and coping skills.
The Flashforward protocol is often used in conjunction with other EMDR techniques and is tailored to the individual needs and goals of the client. It can be a highly effective treatment for a range of anxiety disorders and phobias, including fear of flying, public speaking, and social anxiety.
The therapist began the EMDR 2.0 sessions by guiding John through a relaxation exercise to help him feel more comfortable and relaxed. Then John visualised his upcoming flight, starting from the time he arrived at the airport to the time he landed at his destination. John focused on positive outcomes and sensations associated with the flight, such as feeling relaxed, safe, and in control.
The therapist used a variety of techniques, including eye movements, tapping, and tones, to help John process his fears and negative thoughts related to flying. The therapist also helped John identify triggers that would cause anxiety and develop coping strategies to manage them.
John experienced a reduction in the intensity of his fear response. He reported feeling more relaxed and confident about flying and was able to board a plane without experiencing severe anxiety or panic. He also reported feeling more in control of his thoughts and emotions and had a better understanding of his triggers and coping strategies.
Outcome
After completing several sessions of EMDR 2.0 therapy, John was able to overcome his fear of flying. He felt more comfortable and relaxed during flights and was able to focus on positive outcomes and sensations associated with the flight. John expressed his gratitude for the therapy and felt that it had significantly improved his quality of life.
Conclusion
The Flashforward protocol of EMDR 2.0 therapy can be an effective treatment for clients with phobias. By visualising positive outcomes of future events and counteracting negative thoughts and anxiety, clients can learn to manage their fears and improve their overall quality of life.
This case study demonstrates the potential benefits of EMDR 2.0 therapy for clients with fear of flying phobia in particular, but really for most forms of phobias. It highlights the importance of seeking professional treatment to overcome fears and anxieties.
References
Treatment of a Woman With Emetophobia: A Trauma Focused Approach
