Hey, I’m Joel Schmidt. I’m a licensed therapist and the creator of the Willing to Fly workbook. I have over 14 years of experience helping people work through anxiety and specific fears like fear of flying, and I’m continuing to build out additional resources, including a masterclass. Below, you can access the free Takeoff Starter Guide or the full workbook. You’ll also find other resources on this page, such as blog posts I’ve written on the topic. If you live in Florida or South Carolina and want more individualized, in-depth support, click the “Request Appointment” button below to schedule a free consultation and see if it’s a good fit.
Fear of Flying Support - Choose the Level that Fits You
Afraid of flying? Are you avoiding flights and missing opportunities? Or do you fly, but find yourself fighting with your mind and body whenever you do? Whether you want a free starting point, a structured self-guided program, or personalized support, there’s an option here for you.
Free Takeoff Starter Guide
If you’re not sure yet if you want to commit to the full 47-page workbook or if you’re not sure if it will be tailored to you and your needs, download the complimentary “Takeoff Starter Guide”. Inside you’ll get 9 full pages of information and a more detailed description of what the workbook entails. You’ll learn about the principles that the workbook is built upon – to include concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as well as Exposure and Response Prevention.
The "Willing to Fly" Workbook - $29.99 USD
The 47-page “Willing to Fly” workbook was created by Joel Schmidt, Licensed Mental Health Counselor. It includes practical education on flight anxiety and anxiety itself, plus proven strategies, worksheets, and tools to help you face flying with more confidence and calm. Learn what you’ve been doing to unknowingly increase anxiety – and how to teach your system that it is safe even when it wants to sound the “false alarm”. Move towards what matters to you instead of allowing anxiety to dictate what you can or cannot do!
Workbook + 40-minute Strategy Session - $275 USD
For those located anywhere in the world who want personalized clarification and guidance, this option includes:
• The full Willing to Fly workbook
• One 40-minute virtual consultation session
• Help applying workbook concepts to your specific situation
• Discussion of next steps and additional support options
This session is educational and consultative in nature and is not therapy. It is designed to help you better understand and implement the program. It will also help you understand where to go from here if there is need for higher-level support.
Relevant Blog Posts written by Joel Schmidt, MA, LMHC
The Fear of Flying Blog series was launched in June of 2025 and will be a several part series addressing various topics on flight anxiety.
A letter to my Clients: What to expect when we start work on the fear of flying
Let’s Talk About Fear of Flying – Part 1: What This Series Is and Why It Matters
Part 2: Why your Fear of Flying isn’t Really about Flying
Part 3: Five Reasons you Shouldn’t Worry about Recent Flight Headlines.
Part 4: The Worst Advice for the Fear of Flying (and why it backfires)
Featured in the Media
Additional Resources
As the “Willing to Fly” program develops, stay tuned for additional resources, blog posts, workbooks, and audiovisual materials, and continuing education classes on the topic. Have any questions? Use the contact form to reach out to Joel Schmidt directly. This fear of flying program is designed to help anxious flyers overcome flight anxiety using proven therapeutic interventions. If you’re looking for help with flight phobia, airplane panic, or flying anxiety treatment, you’re in the right place.