Not big fans of the new KCI: Counselor offers advice for people facing a fear of flying

Now that the Kansas City International Airport has a new terminal, many want to see it.However, a fear of flying might keep some proud Kansas Citians away from KCI.Doctors say it’s a very common phobia but one you can get over.For more than 17 years, University Health counselor Shawn Hollands has been talking to clients about their fear of flying.”I think it’s rooted more in anxiety,” Hollands said. Hollands says that anxiety triggers irrational thinking.He says it starts with the fear of control.“Don’t have control of the vehicle if something happens,” Hollands said. This is how his conversations with nervous fliers start.”It’s probable that something could happen to the plane. But you know, how likely is it?” Hollands said.The counselor says the fear of flying is widespread.”Everyone I know that struggles with anxiety has a fear of flying,” Hollands said. So, what can you do about it?”I always recommend people to, you know, distract themselves. Listen to the flight attendant giving instructions all that, and then, if you have headphones or earbuds, use that,” Hollands said. He adds that music is also a good idea.“Watch a movie, listen to music, zone out,” Hollands said. He says it always helps to talk to someone.“Challenging negative thoughts. Train people to not be so fixated on that and to challenge the thoughts,” Hollands said. Hollands has more advice for those who are claustrophobic when they get on a plane. “Focus on breathing. Breathing techniques help with that and help calm yourself.” Hollands said. Hollands admits it does take a lot of practice, but over time the fear of flying can be overcome.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —

Now that the Kansas City International Airport has a new terminal, many want to see it.

However, a fear of flying might keep some proud Kansas Citians away from KCI.

Doctors say it’s a very common phobia but one you can get over.

For more than 17 years, University Health counselor Shawn Hollands has been talking to clients about their fear of flying.

“I think it’s rooted more in anxiety,” Hollands said.

Hollands says that anxiety triggers irrational thinking.

He says it starts with the fear of control.

“Don’t have control of the vehicle if something happens,” Hollands said.

This is how his conversations with nervous fliers start.

“It’s probable that something could happen to the plane. But you know, how likely is it?” Hollands said.

The counselor says the fear of flying is widespread.

“Everyone I know that struggles with anxiety has a fear of flying,” Hollands said.

So, what can you do about it?

“I always recommend people to, you know, distract themselves. Listen to the flight attendant giving instructions all that, and then, if you have headphones or earbuds, use that,” Hollands said.

He adds that music is also a good idea.

“Watch a movie, listen to music, zone out,” Hollands said.

He says it always helps to talk to someone.

“Challenging negative thoughts. Train people to not be so fixated on that and to challenge the thoughts,” Hollands said.

Hollands has more advice for those who are claustrophobic when they get on a plane.

“Focus on breathing. Breathing techniques help with that and help calm yourself.” Hollands said.

Hollands admits it does take a lot of practice, but over time the fear of flying can be overcome.