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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BeARdEdLaDY on May 18, 2002, at 6:45:05
Anyone done this? I'm about to start and want it to work. My four-year-old daughter and I are headed to Utah--a five hour flight. I'm afraid of flying (never used to be, only since I had my daughter!).
beardy : )>
Posted by IsoM on May 18, 2002, at 21:00:13
In reply to Desensitization Therapy for flying?, posted by BeARdEdLaDY on May 18, 2002, at 6:45:05
I'd recommend hubby applies soft rubber, lead-filled pallet to right temple just before you board & then carries you to seat with daughter in tow.
How about a tranquiliser for the trip instead? If you had to fly frequently, I could see desensitisation therapy but not for one round trip. Is it worth it for just this trip? It does take a while before it works.
Posted by BeARdEdLaDY on May 19, 2002, at 4:51:32
In reply to Re: Desensitization Therapy for flying? » BeARdEdLaDY, posted by IsoM on May 18, 2002, at 21:00:13
Doc said it'd take four sessions--about a month before we go. Hubby's not flying with--just me and kid, meeting him in Vegas or somesuch hell. Then we'll all drive happily in the truck to Utah, and then we'll all drive home. (I'm not looking forward to that, either, but at least we'll be on the ground.)
A tranquilizer sounds nice in theory, but I don't want to be groggy while traveling with my girl. I've used beer in the past. Mostly it's the anxiety before a trip that kills me. I'm also a squeezer. If there's turbulence in the aircraft, I'll squeeze someone's arm until it's over or the arm bleeds.
beardy : )>
Posted by IsoM on May 19, 2002, at 13:24:18
In reply to Re: Desensitization Therapy for flying? » IsoM, posted by BeARdEdLaDY on May 19, 2002, at 4:51:32
Still think a benzo is the better way to go - I'd take them for a few days leading up to flight. That way, you won't feel so stressed out, you'll get decent sleep before you leave, & any initial grogginess will have worn off & you'll only have the calming effect.
Bleeding arms - hmmm, isn't that what the flight attendants are for? Why do you think they wear long-sleeved tops? To cover all the bruises & scars from previous passengers!
I'm surprised only 4 sessions! Therapy sounds like it's come a long ways. It used to take much more as I remember it. Enjoy your holiday! If it was some place exotic & warm, I'd ask you to take me - but Vegas & Utah? Naww - I'd rather sit at home with my cats & garden.
Posted by BeARdEdLaDY on May 19, 2002, at 14:30:15
In reply to Re: Desensitization Therapy for flying? » BeARdEdLaDY, posted by IsoM on May 19, 2002, at 13:24:18
Posted by Fi on June 5, 2002, at 7:45:07
In reply to Re: Desensitization Therapy for flying? » BeARdEdLaDY, posted by IsoM on May 19, 2002, at 13:24:18
I've heard about one day courses (run by British Airways, so I realise these actual ones arent convenient for you). The couple of times there have been TV programmes about them, the course seemed to help many of the participants. A small minority were just too terrified, even after the talk and preparation, to get into the plane. Doesnt look like you would be in that category, tho, as you *can* get on a plane (drink and squeezing aside!)
Having had a quick look on PubMed, there are some good results reported more scientifically eg:
'Twenty-eight patients with flying phobia, fulfilling the DSM-IV criteria for specific phobia, were assessed with behavioral, and self-report measures. They were randomly assigned to two treatment conditions: (1) 1-session, or (2) 5-sessions of exposure and cognitive restructuring. The first condition consisted of a single 3 hr session of massed treatment, and the second condition of 6 hr of gradual treatment. Treatment was done individually by very experienced therapists. The results showed that the two treatment conditions did equally well and there were no differences between them. At post-treatment 93% of the 1-session group and 79% of the 5-session group managed to take an unaccompanied return fight.'
If you want a look at more references, go to PubMed at http://pubmed.gov and type in the search box
desensitization AND flyingGood luck with the trip, whatever you decide.
Fi
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