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Tuesday, June 29
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 29 Jun 2010 08:12 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, June 23
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 23 Jun 2010 05:26 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, June 16
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 16 Jun 2010 03:07 PM EDT
Wednesday, June 9
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 09 Jun 2010 03:36 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, June 2
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 02 Jun 2010 12:48 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Tuesday, May 25
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 25 May 2010 07:31 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, May 12
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 12 May 2010 04:26 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, May 5
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 05 May 2010 08:09 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, April 28
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 28 Apr 2010 08:10 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, April 21
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 21 Apr 2010 08:38 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Monday, March 29
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Mon 29 Mar 2010 07:01 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Free Group Phone Counseling With Capt Tom Wednesday 10 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
==========
"The Push"
A client sent this link to an inspirational film clip about how mother eagles must force their young to take that first flight
==========
Fly? Horses Don't Even Like A Plane To Taxi Out
Six Arabian horses owned by a Saudi prince became agitated when a EgyptAir plane taxied out for takeoff forcing the pilot to delay the flight until a vet tranquilized them. See store at this link.
==========
Videos On IQ And Attachment
Two good quick overviews by David Brooks. Go to this link and scroll down to "Where IQ Falls Short" and "The Power of Attachment".
==========
The FAA Finally Responds To ALPA And Media Attention
For years, 757s, and to a lesser extent, the 767s and 777s, have occasionally had problems with cockpit windows overheating or catching on fire. The FAA, as is its expertise, studied the problem . . . for years. Finally, some action. If you have been following this, you will want to read the story at this link.
==========
" . . . I've Gotten Back A Part Of My Life "
Note from Capt Tom: if you are not getting results like these, join us Wednesday night on the group phone counseling session (see top of this email) or set up a counseling session (see bottom of this email).
On Sunday, I flew home from a trip to London. It was the conclusion of a fantastic trip that I wouldn't have been able to do without the SOAR program. For years I had avoided flying, and then I was able to fly only with the help of medication. But the anticipatory anxiety was terrible, and I'd be exhausted even before I left home. Then this spring I decided that I was going to fly to London. This was going to be a special trip, and I knew I wouldn't be able to enjoy it unless I got my fear of flying under control. I found the SOAR program by Googling "fear of flying." It seemed too good to be true. Watch some DVDs and my fear would go away? Hmm... I wasn't so sure about that. But it had an excellent rating from the BBB, and you answered a lot of my questions in a phone call, so I decided to give it a try. I'm very glad that I did. I did have some trouble with the strengthening exercise at first, but another phone call with you helped me find a moment that worked. And once I was doing the strengthening exercises, an amazing thing happened. I would think about my trip, and I would be calm. As I was packing, there were unbelievable moments of calm. I even got a solid night's sleep the night before I flew! There were some bad times, like when I first drove away from home. But then I got to the airport, went through security, and was utterly calm. Instead of rushing to the gate and gnawing at my fingernails, I browsed some shops and did some people-watching. I listened to the "Take Me Along" tracts, which gave me the courage to present my letter to the gate crew. They were so nice about it, actually boarding me even before they made a general announcement. The flight attendant led me right up to the cockpit, and the pilots answered all of my questions. They talked about how long they had been flying and gave me tips on how to avoid jet lag. They assured me that there would be very little of the power reduction and that they anticipated minimal turbulence. The funny thing was that I was already so calm that I felt like a fraud; how could I claim that I was afraid of flying, if I felt so relaxed? This calm lasted through take off and through the whole flight. I never once had to resort to my "grip of death" on the armrest. The people around me had noticed my special treatment and were very supportive through the whole flight. I had brought my medication (Lorazepam) with me, but I never needed it. I was a little worried about the return flight home, because I hadn't done any of the exercises while I was in London, but except for a few moments of unease during some turbulence, I was okay. I watched the water level in my cup (great tip) and reassured myself that what I was thinking was only my own movie--not reality. Now that I'm home, it still seems like a miracle. But I'll take it, miracle or not. I'm already thinking about what trip I'll take next, and you can be sure I'll review the DVDs and be doing the strengthening exercise before that one as well. Thank you again for the phone calls and for putting together the SOAR program. I feel like I've gotten back a part of my life. ==========
SOAR Will Work For You Too
Even if you are doubtful, SOAR nevertheless works. This is because we, with the help of brain scan research that showed us how the mind works, broke the code on flight anxiety, claustrophobia, and panic.
SOAR was established in 1982 because no programs existed that could help people with moderate to severe difficulties. Even today, no other program offers help that is effective except for mild difficulties. No matter how difficult flying is for you, we can help.
Or Enroll Right Now And Get This Over With
You will feel better as soon as you make the decision. Accelerated Courses
Flying tomorrow or the day after? Be ready to fly in 90 minutes with Rapid Relief.
Flying in three to ten days? Get comprehensive help with SOAR Complete Relief.
Start viewing on your computer screen in two minutes.
==========
Unsure Which To Choose
If you are unsure which is best for you, please call me at 877 332-7359 so we can talk it over. You will feel better as soon as you decide to act. We are always here to help. As you go through the program, call or email whenever you have a question or a concern.
==========
Patrick Discusses "Near Misses"
See his salon column at this link.
==========
Discuss Or Schedule An Individual Session -- Call 877 332-7359
Call between 11 AM and 6 PM Eastern Time (same time zone as New York) You'll reach me easily. The toll-free number rings my cell phone.
Outside the U.S. and Canada call 203 258-4803
Schedule An Individual Session Online
![]()
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Mon 29 Mar 2010 06:59 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Free Group Phone Counseling With Capt Tom Wednesday 10 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
==========
Less Septical Now
There is a new post on the message board by "Skeptic" comparing her just-completed second trip with her first trip after completing SOAR. It is an account that newsletter readers will find moving. For readers who have completed SOAR, it will remind you of your own experience. For readers who are holding back, believing nothing will work, you may at last have found a kindred spirit whose terror (now replaced by relief) matches your own.
She writes: " . . .if Flight #1 was the baseline, Flight #2 has shown me I am on my way
back from the edge of total, frozen fear. I know intellectually how SOAR works, but emotionally, it's like medicine: you can't see it working, but somehow you just magically start to get better. Although I did do (and am doing) the work, the dissipation of so much intense anxiety seems to happen effortlessly, somewhere far behind the psychic curtain ... and, as I firmly now know, impacts so much more than fear of flying." Please read the entire trip report at http://fearofflying74562.yuku.com/topic/2387/t/Flight-2-Trip-Report.html
==========
Success Story
In thirty years working with people to overcome flight difficulties, there have been many great moments in which the triumph of a client has been shared. This week such a moment brought tears. It started back in May with a post on the message board by TX911. He was going with his girl friend to Jamaica to get married and have their honeymoon. He wrote:
"I got so upset last night that I convinced myself there was no way in
hell Im going. But I woke up this morning and my feelings about it aren't quite so strong. I don't know what to do." Then:
"Didn't go. I feel like shooting myself."
In response, posts offered sympathy, help, and recommendations that he do the SOAR Course. He responded:
"No, I havent done it yet, couldn't afford it. We've rescheduled for
June 28th so I'm flying out then. I don't care if I'm in a damn coma, I will drug up as much as possible before getting on that plane . . . ." We had had some trolls on the board, and some of us began to wonder if TX911 was genuine. Capn Steve confronted him with " . . . I have
little patience for those who seem to have already made up their minds to fail, as you appear to do." We don't allow posts on the board that recommend irresponsible use of drugs for fear of flying. Since TX911 had said he was a nurse and EMT, his stated plan to "drug up" had to be challenged.
Posts went on for several pages. TX911 enrolled in SOAR, was able to take the flight to Jamaica, get married, and have the honeymoon.
The whole post is worth reading. There are several photos of their trip and the wedding. But the phrase that got to me was, "The smile on my fiance's face was worth the world to me and I knew she
wasn't worried anymore. She actually thought that by me not getting on the plane last time that it meant I didn't want to marry her which is complete bull, but I understand why she might have felt that way. " ==========
SOAR Will Work For You Too
Even if you are doubtful, SOAR nevertheless works. This is because we, with the help of brain scan research that showed us how the mind works, broke the code on flight anxiety, claustrophobia, and panic.
SOAR was established in 1982 because no programs existed that could help people with moderate to severe difficulties. Even today, no other program offers help that is effective except for mild difficulties. No matter how difficult flying is for you, we can help.
Or Enroll Right Now And Get This Over With
You will feel better as soon as you make the decision. Accelerated Courses
Flying tomorrow or the day after? Be ready to fly in 90 minutes with Rapid Relief.
Flying in three to ten days? Get comprehensive help with SOAR Complete Relief.
Start viewing on your computer screen in two minutes.
==========
Unsure Which To Choose
If you are unsure which is best for you, please call me at 877 332-7359 so we can talk it over. You will feel better as soon as you decide to act. We are always here to help. As you go through the program, call or email whenever you have a question or a concern.
==========
Mid-Air Hook Up
Jeff McLean is a Navy fighter pilot. His wife, Christine, is an Air Force pilot who commands a KC-135 (Boeing 707 derivative) tanker. They married a year ago but have had little time together. Last week, on one of Jeff's final flights over Pakistan, he and his wife had a mid-air rendezvous when he refueled his F/A-18 fighter from her KC-135.
Jeff is quoted as saying, "After I was done with my last mission in Afghanistan, the sun was just
setting, and I changed frequencies to check in with my tanker and it was Christine!" wrote Jeff McLean, whose call sign is "Lick." Story, with photo, is at http://www.jsonline.com/news/97641399.html
==========
Discuss Or Schedule An Individual Session -- Call 877 332-7359
Call between 11 AM and 6 PM Eastern Time (same time zone as New York) You'll reach me easily. The toll-free number rings my cell phone.
Outside the U.S. and Canada call 203 258-4803
Schedule An Individual Session Online
![]()
Wednesday, March 10
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 10 Mar 2010 08:33 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, March 3
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 03 Mar 2010 08:21 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, February 24
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 24 Feb 2010 05:05 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, February 17
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 17 Feb 2010 12:59 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 17 Feb 2010 12:58 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Tuesday, February 2
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 02 Feb 2010 09:01 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, January 27
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 27 Jan 2010 12:37 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Wednesday, January 20
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Wed 20 Jan 2010 04:26 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Free Group Phone Counseling With Capt Tom Wednesday 10 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
==========
Mountain Wave
Two clients asked about "mountain wave" they experienced on flights crossing the Rockies. Mountain wave is not turbulence, but turbulence can be associated with it, or not. Mountain wave is rare. I ran into it only two or three times in thirty years of flying. I hesitate to mention something so rare out of concern that some readers will regard it as yet another thing to obsess about. But if you run into it, and you know what it is, what it feels like, and
that it is not a safety issue, chances are you will not be distressed by it. The only thing I can compare mountain wave to is entering a
shallow inlet on a boat traveling in the same direction as the waves. When a wave catches up with the boat, it lift and accelerates the boat. Then, as the wave passes underneath, the boat drops down a few inches, and decelerates. The same thing happen in a plane when going through the Rockies at certain places that funnel the wind, if the wind is from a certain direction. It is a completely natural occurrence, just as waves at the shore are. The plane is just surfing a bit. Here is what you need to know about mountain wave. In turbulence, the plane rarely moves as much as an inch, but in mountain wave, the plane rises two or three feet over a time of about five seconds, and then descend the same two or three feet in about two seconds. The rise doesn't cause much anxiety, but the descent of two to three feet takes only two seconds can be unnerving. You might think, "This is not normal". Right. Something as rare as mountain wave is not normal, but it is not a problem either. Your reaction that this is not normal is perfect. Any time your amygdala notices something non-routine, it produces a shot of adrenalin. That shot of adrenalin wakes up your high level cognition, signaling it to pay attention to what is going on and to make an assessment of it. The shot of hormone takes control. It actually forces you to pay attention.
Where you could go wrong is believing that this perfectly normal response you are having means danger. No. It only means assessment is going on to determine whether there is danger. The slight increase in heart rate and breathing rate you are feeling is caused by the stress hormones that are also focusing your high level cognition on the non-routine situation in order to make that determination. In phobia, people confuse assessment with danger. Don't jump the gun. When you get the hormonal signal that something is non-routine, recognize you are in assessment, and not necessarily danger.
Since those two or three feet will seem like much more, use a cup with water on your tray table to prove to yourself that the plane is moving less than you think. Though the upward and
downward movement is greater than that caused by turbulence, the distance is still minor technically. At United, our maps were annotated to show the locations in the Rockies that could produce mountain wave and the specific wind direction required to produce mountain wave at that location. Our flight dispatchers kept track of mountain wave potential and planned our flights to avoid areas where it might develop. Both people who encountered mountain wave were on JetBlue flights. Since mountain wave is rare and easily avoided, two reports from clients about mountain wave on the same airline suggest that their dispatchers and pilots could pay more attention to routing that avoids it.
Posted Monday On The Message Board
You can read the entire thread at this link. Here is part of it.
Up and back! Made it through both flights just fine. First flight was pretty rough turbulence wise but I left my drink on my tray and just watched it. I was bouncing all around but the drink never moved, heh, so I just went back to watching my podcast. Flight back, same thing.
My fiance looked over at one point while we were bouncing around and said, "How are you doing?" I responded, "Fine, why?" And she smiled and said, "I meant with the turbulence." "I know," I said, smiling back. I watched take off and landing both times, and didn't look away during turns like I used to. I continue to be amazed, but SOAR worked. I never, ever thought I'd be able to feel the way I do in an airplane now. I didn't even need strengthening exercises! ==========
"The Miracle That I Have Been Praying For"
Hi Capt Tom
Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that your program has been the miracle that I have been praying for. I travel frequently for my job, and for the past several years I have been battling so much anxiety. I ordered your entire program last summer and I am very happy to tell you that I am about 80% improved, which is HUGE. I still get a little nervous before my flights and during turbulence, but nothing like it used to be. I enjoy reading your newsletters and other emails.
Thanks for producing this program. There is nothing else out there like it.
==========
SOAR Will Work For You Too
SOAR was established in 1982 because no programs existed that could help people with moderate to severe difficulties. Even today, no other program offers help that is effective except for mild difficulties. No matter how difficult flying is for you, we can help.
Or Enroll Right Now And Get This Over With
You will feel better as soon as you make the decision.
Start viewing on your computer screen in two minutes.
==========
Unsure Which To Choose If
We are always here to help. As you go through the program, call or email whenever you have a question or a concern.
==========
Discuss Or Schedule An Individual Session -- Call 877 332-7359
Call between 11 AM and 6 PM Eastern Time (same time zone as New York) You'll reach me easily. The toll-free number rings my cell phone.
Outside the U.S. and Canada call 203 258-4803
Schedule An Individual Session Online ![]()
more » Tuesday, January 12
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 12 Jan 2010 10:31 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Tuesday, January 5
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 05 Jan 2010 08:12 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time (new chat software)
Tuesday, December 29
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 29 Dec 2009 08:25 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
Saturday, December 26
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Sat 26 Dec 2009 03:03 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
Tuesday, December 15
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 15 Dec 2009 08:58 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
Tuesday, December 8
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 08 Dec 2009 08:39 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
Tuesday, December 1
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 01 Dec 2009 06:27 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
Tuesday, November 24
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 24 Nov 2009 08:54 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
Tuesday, November 17
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 17 Nov 2009 08:45 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
Tuesday, November 10
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 10 Nov 2009 08:30 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
Tuesday, November 3
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 03 Nov 2009 09:23 PM EST
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
Tuesday, October 27
by
Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW
on Tue 27 Oct 2009 10:15 PM EDT
Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time
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