Conquer your fear of flying

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Fear of flying, also known as acrophobia, can significantly limit your life by causing missed career opportunities, family events, vacations, and exciting adventures. Even if you manage to "tough it out," intense fear during air travel can overshadow the joy and memories of your trips. At ActiveMind Counseling in Chicago, we offer specialized Exposure Therapy (ERP) and other proven, evidence-based treatments designed to help you overcome your fear of flying. Take control of your mind and reclaim a fulfilling, travel-rich life with our expert support.

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Start Your Journey
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How Severe Is My Phobia?

Answer questions below to see the severity of your phobia.

Specific Phobia Assessment

Severity Measure for Specific Phobia—Adult

Please select the situation that makes you most anxious:

Phobia Treatments Available from ActiveMind Counseling

  • Close-up of hands manipulating a Rubik's Cube with red, blue, and yellow sides against a blue background.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for phobias is an effective treatment that focuses on breaking the cycle of fear through structured and practical approaches. In CBT, clients learn to identify the irrational thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their phobias. By gradually exposing themselves to the feared object or situation in a controlled and safe environment, they can challenge and modify these negative thought patterns. This process not only helps individuals gain a more realistic perspective of their fears but also equips them with coping strategies to manage anxiety. The emphasis on active participation and skill-building empowers clients to face their phobias with increased confidence, ultimately leading to greater emotional resilience and improved quality of life.

  • Silhouette of a person standing beneath a colorful, star-filled night sky and the Milky Way.

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a unique and effective framework for treating phobias by promoting acceptance of fear-based thoughts and feelings rather than striving to eliminate them. In ACT, clients learn to observe their fears without letting them dictate their behavior. By cultivating mindfulness, individuals can create space between themselves and their phobias, reducing the power these fears hold over them. The therapy emphasizes understanding personal values and encourages clients to take constructive actions that align with those values, even when fear is present. This approach enables individuals to face their phobias with a sense of courage and commitment, leading to greater psychological flexibility and a more satisfying life.

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    Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

    Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a therapeutic approach specifically designed to help individuals confront and manage their phobias. This method involves gradually and systematically exposing you to the feared object or situation in a safe and controlled environment, allowing you to build resilience and reduce anxiety over time. By learning to tolerate the feelings of fear without resorting to avoidance behaviors, you can reclaim control over your life and diminish the impact of your phobia. Our skilled therapists at ActiveMind Counseling are here to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring a supportive experience as you work towards lasting change.

Meet Your Therapist

BRIAN PELLETIER, LCPC, NCC

“Hi, I’m Brian. Like you, I used to have an intense fear of flying. I would feel so miserable and exhausted after flying because I was not only super alert during the flight, I would clench my jaw (headaches), and feeling hungry and dehydrated from having an anxious stomach.

After confronting my fears, I was able to earn a Pilot’s License and later work as an international Flight Attendant. Trust me, if I can conquer my fears. You can, too.

BRIAN PELLETIER, LCPC in a dark suit with a patterned shirt standing against a colorful, neon-lit background.
BRIAN PELLETIER working as a flight attendant taking a selfie inside an airplane cabin, wearing a gray suit and a maroon tie with pink accents.
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Schedule An Appointment

Questions? Contact us

Example Treatment Plan for Phobias

Approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure Therapy (ERP)
Duration: 11 Sessions (2x Week - 6 Weeks)

Session 1: Assessment & Psychoeducation

Goals:
- Learn about phobias and how we develop them.
- Learn about anxiety and the brain.
- Learn about the treatment process.

Session 2: Hierarchy Creation & Values

Goals:
 – Build an exposure hierarchy
- Identify values to guide you through exposures

Session 3: Imaginal Exposures

Session 4: Imaginal Exposures

Session 5: Intro to Scripting

Session 6: Continued Scripting

Session 7: Interoceptive Exposures

Session 8: Interoceptive Exposures

Session 7: In-Vivo Exposures

Session 8: In-Vivo Exposures

Session 9: Consolidation

Session 10: Relapse Prevention

Session 11: Termination

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Example Treatment Plan Cost Estimate*:

Private Pay Rate:
$150/Individual session (sliding scale available)

11 sessions x 150 = $1650
Private Pay Package Price (Paid In Advance) $1150

*Note: This example is provided for informational purposes. Each treatment plan is customized to your unique needs. Treatment time and session content may vary. Cost will vary depending on insurance coverage and client needs. We will make reasonable effort to notify you if anticipated costs will be more than the estimated cost.

If you have insurance, we will be happy to run a benefits check to help you estimate costs so that we can limit surprises.

Get the skills you need to change your relationship with your fears.

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