Any kind of phobia whether it's a fear of dogs, enclosed spaces, or heights can be absolutely debilitating if you're put in a situation where you have no choice but to deal with it, or miss out on experiences that you really value. Take a fear of flying. What if you're job description comes hand in hand with business travel, or you've got loved ones overseas that you'll never see unless you take that plunge and get on that plane. What's your alternative?

It's amazing to think that an estimated 7 billion people worldwide will be travelling by air by the year 2020, and to couple this with the ever increasing chance that someone you know that has concerns about flying, and may require some form of help in overcoming those worries about travelling by plane. In fact, around 15% of the population have this fear.

Travelling for domestic and leisure purposes - family holidays  to increasingly exotic destinations, adventure and luxury trips, all are even easier and safer as increasing numbers of airports upgrade their facilities and technologies, and new destinations open up with improved accessibility. But all of these sadly remain out of reach for those with a fear of flying.

The fears aren't about the aeroplane itself however. They fall into two categories, both centering around a loss of control. So one group of people are afraid they will lose control of themselves if they are overwhelmed by anxiety, and perhaps become hysterical, throw up, look foolish, or even try opening the door in their panic to escape. The other group worries about a loss of external control - something happening to the plane, where there's nothing they can do about it. Heights, turbulence, terrorism, human error, and the plane malfunctioning all fall into this group.

Many people already have a highly charged imagination, which needs little assistance in coming up with further reasons why 'not to fly'. Research shows that the problem can be overcome for the vast majority of people who take up professional help. An individual tailored 2 day course over 2 weekends this coming Autumn in Monaco with Freedom to Fly might be just the answer to combat those fears and turn them around so that you can have the freedom to live your life as you choose, not one that is dictated by fear.

So if you or anyone you know is having a problem with air travel and needs help in overcoming the fear of flying, contact Elaine Iljon Foreman (pictured above) at Freedom to Fly for details of the Monaco Autumn Course on +44 208 459 3428. You may also email Elaine or visit the Freedom to Fly website for further information.

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