ABSTRACT
Flying phobia, also called aviophobia, may be the specific phobia that causes the greatest number of clients to seek treatment. Unwillingness to fly limits clients’ educational options, job opportunities, ability to see family and friends, and vacation choices. Every area of clients’ lives can be impacted. The good news is that flying phobia can be treated, and virtual reality (VR) facilitates treatment. VR offers the valuable ability to practice flying during sessions. This chapter guides readers through understanding flying phobia and structuring treatment using a flexible, comprehensive model of the anxiety cycle (explained in Chapter 2). Common anxiety triggers, sensations, fears, and fear-based actions are reviewed. After taking readers through the process of making a differential diagnosis and discussing common comorbidities, the chapter presents the various ways that VR can be used in treatment. Pros and cons of various VR options are explored. The process of providing virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is described along with ways to monitor client response and progress and optimize virtual exposure. Guidance is given on self-guided virtual exposure between sessions. Two case examples vividly illustrate successful VRT for flying phobia, after which the chapter closes with a brief review of the research.
