As aviation psychologist Robert Bor said after the incident, "Air travel has changed forever more."

He's right. No one will ever forget the images of September 11th. Although increased security at airports make most travelers feel more secure, it is also a cause of apprehension for many, as it is a constant reminder that our fears may be founded. While a major area of concern for those suffering from fear of flight has commonly been that the plane would malfunction and crash, people are now understandably worried about a hijacking, and that the plane will be taken down intentionally.

After the terrorist attacks, Tom Bunn, the founder of SOAR, a program designed to help those conquer their fear of flying, told us, "Those who must travel, will travel, but they might consider what alternatives they have for the future: Should they change jobs, or even locations, so that the frequency of flying is shortened? Passengers will want to be reassured, and they'll want guarantees of safer flights."

Whether or not to fly is a personal decision, and one which we cannot make for you. But for those of you who are determined not to let this change your way of life, we offer up tips on how to overcome fear of flying.

Anticipatory Anxiety
Often, fear of flying begins long before you get the airport. Once you have made the decision to fly, try not to dwell on negative thoughts and images. Allow your fears to exist, even talk about them, but do not focus on them. Focus on your destination, and what you will do once you get there, utilizing any and all relaxation methods that work for you. FearofFlying.net offers some helpful techniques for relaxing prior to flight.

Preparing before your flight
Think of ways to keep the visual part of your mind busy during your flight:

- Bring magazines with splashy color pictures. These can help keep the "visual" part of your mind occupied.

- Take a portable CD player. Listening to music is a good distraction.

- If it makes you feel more comfortable, ask the cabin attendants if you can meet the captain before taking off. Realizing the pilot is competent can go a long way toward helping you feel more relaxed during the flight. If you are not permitted to do so, even speaking to the others members of the flight staff can go a long way to relaxing you.

-Live healthy. Sleep well and stay away from caffeine, alcohol and junk food.

Getting Onboard
Take some control back for yourself. To start, be very aware that flying is almost always a conscious and deliberate choice. Then, when you are on the airplane, you know you are there because you chose to - not as the victim of pressure by someone else.

In Your Seat
Find out if there are any "eyeball" air outlets that you can control -- and turn them on immediately. If none are available, place your hand near the air vents to prove to yourself that there is air coming in. Stretch out your arms and examine PHYSICALLY how much space is yours. If you find yourself having breathing difficulty, hold your breath for several seconds at the end of each exhalation and at the end of each inhalation.

During the Flight
Get used to turbulence. One of the most nerve-wracking things about flying is the movement, even if you're not normally a nervous flyer. But turbulence is a problem only because it's perceived as a problem for the airplane. Every time you feel a downward movement, look for the matching up upward movement that puts the airplane right back where it was. And if you feel an upward movement first, learn to expect a corresponding downward movement. This technique can help assure you the airplane is not on its way down.

Anticipate the noise during the takeoff and landing. Pilots boost and lower power at different times during climb and decent. Be prepared for it.

Children's Fear of Flying
If you have children who are afraid to fly, you must keep in mind that younger children (3-12) have a hard time distinguishing between what is real, and the scenes they see on television, and in the news, according to Bunn. Assure your children that what happened on television is over, and it will not happen when they fly. No matter what their age, encourage your kids to talk about their fears, and discuss ways that you can help them feel safe.

Fear of Flying Resources
A nationwide program that will help you with your fear of flying is SOAR: Call Toll Free (800) FEAR-FLY or (800) 332-7359. Anxiety.com offer an online self-help program for those who want to overcome their fears of flying.

There is a new virtual reality treatment which is getting some support and seems to encourage many who suffer from fear of flying. Similar to a very expensive video game (it will run you about $1200 for eight sessions) it virtually simulates the experience of flying with a plane seat, visor and earphones. For information, go to Virtually Better.

Also helpful are these FAQs that have been addressed by Thomas Bunn, a veteran pilot and expert on fear of flying.

Portions of this article were written by Captain Tom Bunn, M.S.W., C.S.W. All rights reserved.