You know that feeling — the racing heart, sweaty palms, and the overwhelming dread that kicks in just thinking about boarding a plane. For some, it’s a mild discomfort. For others, it’s a full-blown panic response that makes travel feel impossible. If you’ve ever searched for an ADHD and anxiety therapist near me hoping to finally break free from this fear, you’re not alone — and you’re not weak. You’re human.
Fear of flying is more common than most people realize. And the good news? It’s treatable.
What Fear of Flying Really Feels Like
It’s not just “nerves.” It’s the mental spiral that starts days before the flight. The obsessive checking of weather reports. The fear of losing control. The physical symptoms — nausea, dizziness, chest tightness — that make you feel like you’re in danger, even when you’re perfectly safe.
For many, this fear is tied to deeper anxiety patterns or past trauma. And for those with ADHD, the inability to regulate thoughts and emotions can amplify the panic. You’re not just afraid of flying — you’re afraid of what your mind does when you feel trapped.
Why Therapy Works (And What It Actually Looks Like)
Therapy isn’t about being told to “just calm down.” It’s about understanding the root of your fear and retraining your brain to respond differently.
Here’s how a qualified therapist can help:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):Learn to challenge irrational thoughts and replace them with grounded, calming beliefs.
- Exposure Therapy:Gradual, controlled exposure to flight-related triggers to reduce sensitivity over time.
- Mindfulness & Breathing Techniques:Tools to manage panic in real time and reconnect with your body.
- ADHD-Informed Support:For those with ADHD, therapy can help regulate emotional responses and reduce overstimulation.
Dr. Bruce Hoffman is a psychotherapist near me who specializes in anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergent conditions like ADHD. His approach is compassionate, practical, and tailored to each client’s unique experience — whether you’re dealing with flying phobia, generalized anxiety, or emotional dysregulation.
You Don’t Have to Miss Out Anymore
Fear of flying doesn’t just keep you off planes. It keeps you from weddings, reunions, vacations, career opportunities — from life. And every time you avoid a flight, the fear grows stronger.
But therapy can change that. It can give you back your freedom, your confidence, and your ability to say “yes” to the things that matter.
Ready to Take Off — On Your Terms
You don’t have to conquer your fear overnight. You just have to start. Whether you’re looking for an ADHD psychiatrist, a mental health counselor near you, or someone who truly understands the layers behind your anxiety — help is available.
And once you begin, you’ll realize: the scariest part wasn’t flying. It was believing you had to face it alone.
