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'Fear of Flying Clinic' helps anxious travelers back into the skies
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'Fear of Flying Clinic' helps anxious travelers back into the skies

#Fear of Flying #Anxiety #San Francisco #Exposure Therapy #Aviation Phobia #Cognitive Behavioral Therapy #NPR #Evan Roberts

📌 Key Takeaways

  • San Francisco-based Fear of Flying Clinic has operated for 50 years
  • The clinic uses supported exposure therapy to treat aviophobia
  • Participants receive professional guidance while gradually confronting their fears
  • Many graduates report reduced anxiety in other areas of life beyond flying
  • The program combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with practical aviation exposure

📖 Full Retelling

For 50 years, a San Francisco-based 'Fear of Flying Clinic' has been helping anxious travelers overcome their fear of air travel through supported exposure therapy, as reported by NPR's Evan Roberts on February 24, 2026. The clinic provides a unique program where fearful flyers can gradually confront their aviation phobia in a safe, structured environment with professional guidance throughout the process. Participants move through various stages of air travel, from airport navigation to actual flight experiences, building confidence at their own pace rather than being thrust into overwhelming situations. This methodical approach has successfully helped countless individuals who previously believed they would never be able to board an airplane again, transforming their lives by opening up new possibilities for business, leisure, and family connections that require air travel.

🏷️ Themes

Mental Health, Aviation, Therapy, Overcoming Fear

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Original Source
Mental Health 'Fear of Flying Clinic' helps anxious travelers back into the skies February 24, 2026 5:29 AM ET By Evan Roberts Fear of Flying clinic helps anxious travelers take off Listen · 4:38 4:38 Transcript Toggle more options Download Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5724217/nx-s1-9659315" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
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