The Use of Hypnosis for Airplane Phobia With an Obsessive Character

Abstract

This is a single-case study of a middle-aged woman with specific phobia and panic symptoms associated with airplanes. Treatment was brief and supportive in nature, using hypnosis for both exposure purposes and as a self-regulatory tool for anxiety management. The patient’s identified target symptom (readiness to fly) was tracked using daily subjective, self-report measures over the 12-session treatment. Simulation modeling analysis for time-series was used to evaluate the level change across baseline, treatment, and follow-up phases. The patient’s self-assessed readiness to fly increased significantly over the course of treatment, and she successfully engaged in a “practice flight” toward the end of her treatment. However, this patient required a drastic shift in treatment modality, after which progress was made. Theoretical rationale for this shift and ultimate success is discussed.