The Flying Psychotherapist

08/19/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1D32UuYhoJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

After 32 years in the skies, United Airlines Captain Smith took his final flight, piloting from Chicago to Brussels. For him, it was already a meaningful day — the culmination of decades of service, countless journeys, and thousands of passengers safely delivered to their destinations. But this flight would turn into something far more unforgettable.

On board was a choir of young travelers who had learned of Captain Smith’s retirement. Quietly, they decided that such a milestone deserved more than a simple handshake or farewell. They planned a surprise that would turn the end of his career into a moment of pure joy and emotion.

After landing, passengers filed out as usual, but the choir members stayed behind, waiting for Captain Smith to emerge from the cockpit one last time. As he stepped into the cabin, expecting silence, he was instead met with a heartfelt chorus of voices. The students sang in harmony, filling the cabin with music that celebrated his dedication and decades of service.

It was an extraordinary send-off — not just the end of a career, but a reminder of the connections and gratitude that flying can inspire. Captain Smith left the plane with tears in his eyes and a song in his heart.

06/04/2025

Fear of Flying Group – CBT & DBT Skills
NY, NJ, CT, MA, FL, PA, CA

Mission:
To help individuals overcome their fear of flying through a compassionate, skill-based group using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This group creates a safe space to understand your fears, regulate anxiety, and prepare confidently for air travel.

What You’ll Gain:

Practical CBT skills to challenge catastrophic thoughts

DBT coping tools to manage intense anxiety

A personalized fear hierarchy and flight exposure plan

Guided meditations and visualizations for flight preparation

Connection with others who understand your experience

A toolkit to help you feel empowered in the skies

Weekly Themes Include:

-Orientation & Psychoeducation: Understanding the fear of flying

Identifying Triggers & Thoughts: Mapping your internal fear response

-Challenging Catastrophic Thinking: Rewriting fearful narratives

-Emotional Regulation: Body-based and breath-based calming tools

-Exposure Planning: Creating a personalized flight plan

Distress Tolerance & Coping Ahead: Rehearsing success

-Flight Simulation: Guided exposure and real-world prep

-Integration & Celebration: Honoring your transformation

Included:
Weekly worksheets & tools
Access to flight-focused apps and video resources

06/01/2025

🌍 Honoring the Wings of the Sky: International Flight Attendant Day – May 31st ✈️

Every year on May 31st, we celebrate International Flight Attendant Day, a global recognition of the incredible dedication, professionalism, and heart of flight attendants around the world. Initially established in Canada in 2015, this special day has since soared across borders, becoming a meaningful occasion to honor the men and women who ensure our safety, comfort, and dignity at 35,000 feet.

✨ More Than Just a Smile at the Aisle

Behind every calm and reassuring voice during turbulence or gentle smile during a long-haul flight lies a highly trained professional. Flight attendants—also known as cabin crew—play a crucial role in aviation safety and emergency preparedness. Their responsibilities go far beyond beverage service; they are first responders in the sky, trained in CPR, de-escalation, emergency landings, and even childbirth.

🛫 A Life Between Time Zones

Flight attendants work irregular hours, cross multiple time zones, and often miss holidays, birthdays, and family milestones. They adjust to jet lag, altitude, and long duty hours—all while maintaining grace, resilience, and professionalism. Their lifestyle demands mental, emotional, and physical stamina that deserves more recognition than it often receives.

🤝 A Symbol of Global Connection

In a world often divided, flight attendants represent unity. They serve passengers from all walks of life, speaking multiple languages and practicing empathy and patience on a daily basis. Whether flying domestically or internationally, they foster a sense of calm and care that transcends borders.

💙 Why We Celebrate

International Flight Attendant Day is a moment to say thank you:
• For the comfort they provide to anxious travelers.
• For the safety procedures they execute flawlessly.
• For the cultural bridge they create on every journey.
• For the invisible labor they offer with every takeoff and landing.

🙌 How You Can Show Appreciation
• Say thank you the next time you fly.
• Share your appreciation on social media with
• Support organizations and unions that advocate for fair working conditions and mental health resources for cabin crew.
• Simply listen to their stories—because every flight attendant has one.

On May 31st, take a moment to honor the spirit of the skies. To those who fly so we can move, explore, connect, and return home safely—thank you for all that you do. 🌍💺🛫

.

05/27/2025

Butterflies and Airplanes Have One Thing in Common…

They both begin with stillness before they rise.

Fear of flying often starts in that stillness. Sitting at the gate. Waiting on the tarmac. Feeling your heart race before the engines roar. It’s easy to mistake stillness for something going wrong — but in reality, it’s part of every beautiful takeoff.

Look at butterflies.

Before they ever take flight, they sit. They pause. They trust that stillness is not failure — it’s transformation.

Airplanes do the same. They pause. Check. Breathe. Align. And then...they rise.

If you’re someone who feels anxious when the wheels haven’t lifted yet, know this: you are not stuck. You are preparing.

Your body might feel the tension of stillness — but your spirit is getting ready to fly.

So next time you’re seated by the window, heart racing, feet on the ground… remember: butterflies and airplanes always begin with stillness.

And soon enough, you'll rise too.
Just like you always do. 💙

05/20/2025

05/02/2025

Calling All My Fellow Flight Attendants, Pilots, and Aviation Family!

I’m reaching out to YOU — my incredible aviation community — because I need your stories.

As a clinical psychotherapist and retired JetBlue flight attendant, I’m working on a project to help people overcome their fear of flying. I believe your stories — why you fly, what drew you to aviation, and what keeps you passionate about the skies — can inspire, reassure, and comfort those who are anxious about flying.

Whether you have a heartwarming passenger moment, a funny crew memory, or a personal reflection on why you love being in the air, I want to hear it.

Here’s how you can help:

→ Fill out this quick questionnaire: [INSERT your Google Form link here]

→ Or email me your story (and a picture of you in uniform, if you’d like — no photo is totally okay!) at suhadeehenriquez@gmail.com

→ If you’d like to chat with me directly, schedule a time here: https://calendly.com/suhadee

Flight Attendant Story Questionnaire – Helping Others Feel Safe in the Skies

• What first attracted you to becoming a flight attendant?

• What do you love most about flying?

• Have you ever felt scared or anxious while flying? What helped?

• What do you say to a passenger with a fear of flying?

• Any tips you’d offer someone with fear of flying?

• Favorite crew or passenger memory you’d love to share?

Let’s show the world the heart behind aviation and help passengers find comfort in the skies we all love.

Thank you for helping inspire and comfort future travelers!

Suhadee (Su) Henriquez, LCSW
(she, her, ella)
Active: NY, NJ, CA, CT, MA, PA, FL

Multicultural CBT-DBT, LLC
www.multiculturalcbt.com
(C) 774-722-8328
(F) 866-443-6781

The Flying Psychotherapist
Retired — JetBlue Airways / Flight Attendant
www.theflyingpsychotherapist.com



⸻

The Flying Psychotherapist Struggling with fear of flying or airplane-related anxiety? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face it alone either. I’m Suhadee Henriquez, LCSW — a former flight attendant and now a licensed therapist specializing in helping people overcome flying fears, p...

04/15/2025

Multicultural CBT & The Flying Psychotherapist
Hi, I’m Suhadee (Su) Henriquez, LCSW—also known as The Flying Psychotherapist. With over 15 years of clinical experience and 25 years as a flight attendant, I bring a grounded, multicultural, and compassionate lens to therapy. I founded Multicultural CBT-DBT, LLC to provide high-quality, culturally responsive care to individuals across the lifespan—from adolescents and young adults to couples, adults, and those navigating chronic illness or end-of-life care.
I offer in-person sessions in New York City and virtual therapy in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, and California. NJ, NY, CT, CA, MA, FL, PA.

I am specialized and certified in:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Areas of focus include:

Fear of Flying
Personality Disorders
ADHD
Depression
Anxiety Disorders
Trauma & PTSD
Life Transitions
Chronic Illness and Invisible Disabilities

I provide individual therapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision for LMSWs, and consultation services for clinicians and organizations. I work with clients from age 17 through late adulthood, always through a culturally inclusive and trauma-informed lens.

All services are available in both English and Spanish.
I am currently open to new referrals.
Openings in my Wednesday Chronic Invisible Illness Group at 8pm EST

I’m passionate about helping clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, healing, or professional collaboration—I’d love to connect.

Suhadee (Su) Henriquez, LCSW
(she, her, ella)
Active: NY, NJ, CA, CT, MA, PA, FL
https://calendly.com/suhadee

Multicultural CBT-DBT
www.multiculturalcbt.com
(C) 774-722-8328
(F) 866-443-6781

The Flying Psychotherapist
www.theflyingpsychotherapist.com

The Flying Psychotherapist Struggling with fear of flying or airplane-related anxiety? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face it alone either. I’m Suhadee Henriquez, LCSW — a former flight attendant and now a licensed therapist specializing in helping people overcome flying fears, p...

06/23/2023

Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies MAPS. https://maps.org/event/psychedelic-science-2023/