Guest Introduction
Hello, dear readers! Today we have a guest with a unique profession — Alex Gervash, a pilot and psychotherapist who has combined these two fields to combat aerophobia. Alex, how did you come to such an unusual combination of professions?
Hello! It all started with a personal interest in flying and a desire to help people. As a professional pilot, I encountered aerophobia among close associates and decided to apply my knowledge to assist them. Over time, this turned into my main activity.
Psychotherapeutic and Practical Approaches
What are the main methods you use to help your clients?
The foundation of my methodology is a combination of psychotherapeutic sessions and practical flight lessons. I believe that understanding the process of controlling an aircraft and direct contact with aviation help work deeper with the phobia and overcome it more effectively.
Tell us about your approach to working with aerophobia. What do you consider key to overcoming this phobia?
The main thing is building trust and a safe space for the client. Many are afraid not so much of the flight itself but of losing control over the situation. My task is to show that flight can be a safe and controlled process. Using simulators and real flights, we work step by step to reduce fear.
Which cases from your practice are particularly memorable?
One of my clients initially couldn’t even approach an airport without panicking. We started with theoretical lessons, moved on to virtual flights in a simulator, and gradually he managed to overcome his fear. Eventually, after a few months, he not only flew on an airplane but also happily considered the possibility of training as a pilot.
Why do you think aerophobia is so prevalent among people despite the statistical safety of flights?
The primary cause of aerophobia, or fear of flying, isn’t directly related to concerns about safety or the mechanics of airplanes. When people experience this fear, the part of the brain responsible for assessing safety and risk—the prefrontal cortex—is overwhelmed by the body’s stress response system. As a result, logical information about the safety of air travel often fails to reassure those who are afraid of flying.
Instead, the underlying issue at the heart of aerophobia is often a fundamental lack of trust. Many individuals may lose the essential ability to trust others, nature, systems, or even their own bodies and minds during the early years of their lives. Those affected by this loss are more likely to develop aerophobia, typically around the age of 25.
What are your future plans? Do you plan to expand your practice or are you considering new projects?
I plan to continue my education and develop my methods. Also, I am planning to write a book on methods of overcoming aerophobia to help an even greater number of people. And possibly, organizing a series of seminars and training sessions around the world.
Deep Roots of Aerophobia
Alex, you mentioned the significance of neurotic disorders in the development of aerophobia. How do you address such deep psychological issues in your practice?
It’s important to understand that aerophobia is often just the tip of the iceberg. Many of my patients come to me with aerophobia, but as we work together, we start touching on deeper issues such as childhood traumas, feelings of safety, and trust in the world, which affect their overall psychological state.
What role do childhood traumas play in the development of aerophobia?
Childhood traumas can play a huge role. If a person experienced feelings of rejection, instability, or insecurity during childhood, this can manifest as aerophobia in adulthood. It is a psychological defense mechanism in situations where the individual cannot control what is happening, as is the case during flights.
How do you help your clients deal with such deep-rooted problems?
My work involves helping patients recognize and address these inner conflicts and traumas. We use various methods, including EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, to resolve past traumas and to teach them how to manage adrenaline and panic. We also work on their beliefs about emotions , safety and control, which helps them feel better in various life situations, not just during flights.
Are there cases where aerophobia resolves without professional intervention?
There are, but these are more exceptions than the rule. Sometimes, people find ways to adapt on their own, or their life circumstances change in a way that reduces anxiety levels. However, without addressing the underlying issues, this is rarely a stable solution.
What is your final advice for those suffering from aerophobia?
Don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Aerophobia is not just a fear of flying; it is a signal of deeper internal conflicts. By working on these, you will not only be able to fly without fear but also significantly improve the overall quality of your life.
Alex, you mentioned the influence of cultural and family factors on the development of aerophobia. How feasible do you think it is to change these established parenting patterns?
Changing cultural norms is a long process that requires efforts at the societal and governmental levels. However, each individual can start by changing themselves, becoming aware of their parenting methods, and striving for a more conscious and sensitive approach to raising children. This applies not only to parents but also to teachers, doctors, and everyone involved in the process of a child’s upbringing and development.
What treatment methods for aerophobia do you consider the most effective?
I always emphasize that there is no universal treatment method that works for everyone. It’s important to take an individual approach to each client. The most effective treatments are often comprehensive methods that combine several psychotherapeutic approaches. Support and understanding from close ones are also very important.
You have worked extensively abroad. Are there differences in approaches to treating aerophobia in different countries?
Yes, there are differences. For example, in the USA and Western Europe, there is a strong emphasis on cognitive-behavioral therapy and virtual reality technologies as well as on medication. In Eastern Europe and the CIS countries, more attention is given to analytical psychotherapy. Each approach has its advantages, and often the best results can be achieved by combining different methods.
What are the first steps for a person who wants to overcome aerophobia?
The first step should be to acknowledge the problem and seek professional help, rather than a « magic solution ». It’s important not to self-medicate or ignore the issue, hoping it will resolve on its own. The earlier you start working on it, the higher the chances of successfully overcoming the phobia.
Future Prospects in Treating Aerophobia
Alex, throughout our conversation, you have emphasized the importance of an individualized approach for each client and the significance of psychological support. What do you see as the future prospects for developing methods to combat aerophobia?
I believe the future lies in the integration of various approaches, both psychological and technological. The use of virtual reality, biofeedback, and artificial intelligence to adapt therapeutic programs already today allows for even more effective and personalized solutions for each individual suffering from aerophobia.
What key advice would you give to those who are just beginning their journey to overcome aerophobia?
The most important thing is not to be afraid to ask for help and not to be ashamed of your problem. Aerophobia is not a life sentence, and it can and should be addressed. Start small: read materials, talk to specialists, and gradually expand your comfort zone with specialized training and courses. I also recommend to use AlexAi – the revolutionary AI bot that was trained by me and actually acts as my clone available 24/7 for the fraction of cost .
Your work inspires many. What inspires you to continue your practice?
I am inspired by my clients, their successes, and the changes in their lives. Seeing someone overcome their fears, start flying, and enjoying flights, and discovering new horizons and opportunities for themselves—there’s nothing more rewarding. It reminds me why I chose this profession.
Alex, thank you for your detailed answers and for your contribution to helping people overcome their fears. I hope our conversation provides support and inspiration to many who hear or read it.
Thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to share my experience. I am always happy to help and ready to support anyone facing aerophobia. Don’t be afraid to take the first step towards overcoming your fear!
Additional information
Upcoming Activities: 14-20th of October, 2024 / Dubai, UAE
Contact information: a.gervash@gmail.com
Useful applications:
https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/sky-guru-fear-of-flying-help/id1382240614
https://phobia.aero/alex-ai
