Afraid of Flying?

Emily, the head of a non-profit mental health organization, had instituted some innovative practices to maintain the level of client service within the constraints of managed care. Because of the success of her programs, she was invited to consult with other organizations around the country. 

She was delighted to have this role, but agonized over an upcoming flight and wishing she didn't "need" a tranquilizer to make the trip possible.

I walked her through a visualization (it only takes five or six minutes) and then we moved on to other matters. 

When we met again two weeks later, I asked her how the flight had gone.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Well, did you need a tranquilizer?"

"Wow," she said. "I didn't even think of it. In fact, now that I review the flight, the only time I was even remotely nervous was when we hit a bit of turbulence before landing and the woman next to me grabbed the arm rests. I said to myself at the time, 'I certainly understand that. I used to be like that,' and then my attention went right back to the upcoming consultation."