Fly Without Fear
 |
Fly Without Fear, a new Macquarie University initiative, aims to help relieve the anxiety of some of the 30 to 40 per cent of Australians who experience a fear of flying.
“Fear of flying ranges from mild concern through to avoiding flying altogether,” says Clinic Director of the Macquarie University Anxiety Research Unit (MUARU) Jonathan Gaston. “Our program aims for people to be able to fly, or those who already fly to do so with less anxiety.”
What causes fear of flying?
Fear of flying can have many causes including:
- claustrophobia or other acute anxiety conditions, including panic attacks
- concerns about not being in control
- a bad experience with turbulence or a traumatic event while flying
- uncertainty and lack of understanding about planes and flying
- accumulated stress
- apprehension about being in an unknown situation
“People from all walks of life and all occupational groups suffer from fear of flying, and men can be as much affected as women,” says Gaston. “Even people who fly frequently may have a fear of flying, but manage to cope - often by using alcohol and other drugs.”
The program
Fly Without Fear has been developed in conjunction with senior counselling psychologist Dr Bryan Burke, who has 16 years experience with the Qantas Fear of Flying Program. The program features the best elements of similar courses run across the world but places particular emphasis on the psychological.
Before people are able to access the program they must participate in a thorough diagnostic assessment which provides trainers with a better understanding of their clients’ anxieties.
The program runs for three full days over two weekends plus one half day on a weeknight between the two weekends. It includes two accompanied practice flights on the final day.
What you will learn
Fly Without Fear focuses on three areas which allows participants to:
- gain an understanding of planes and flying
- develop personal coping skills and new attitudes
- be gradually exposed to planes and flying situations
Participants hear from a pilot, aircraft engineer, and someone from the weather bureau. They also take a tour of the airport and a plane. These elements are designed to help debunk the myths surrounding flying.
“We have used all the typical things you would expect from a fly without fear program but we are also placing focus on the anxiety management skills,” explains Gaston. “We explain how anxiety and panic work and teach management skills such as breathing control, relaxation and realistic thinking.”
The first program was conducted recently with all participants taking a flight to Melbourne and back on the final day. To build their confidence participants have been asked to take one or more flights before the three month follow up session. At this follow-up, participants will deal with any remaining concerns and reinforce the skills learned.
More about MUARU
MUARU was established in 1993 as a specialist clinical unit dedicated to furthering research into the nature and treatment of child, adolescent and adult anxiety disorders. It is affiliated with the Department of Psychology at Macquarie University, and its director Professor Ron Rapee is an internationally-renowned researcher in the area of anxiety disorders. Several other members of staff from the Department of Psychology oversee research at the unit and are members of its steering committee.
In addition to its research, treatment and assessment functions, MUARU is a teaching unit that provides specialist training for clinical psychologists, doctoral students and other related professionals. Its team of clinicians and researchers work together with the goal of better understanding – as well as minimising - the negative impact that anxiety has on the lives of so many children and adults.
For further information on the Fly Without Fear program email Jonathan Gaston jonathan.gaston@mq.edu.au or visit www.flywithoutfear.com.au To find out more about the Macquarie University Anxiety Research Unit visit www.psy.mq.edu.au/MUARU/