On Thursday, July 16 the Center for Integrative Medicine will offer a free lecture by Richard Gibson, LCSW-C, entitled “Overcoming Your Fear of Flying.” The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. at 607-B Dutchman’s Lane in Easton.

In his presentation, Gibson will discuss the origins of flying phobias and offer tips for overcoming this common fear. “It is estimated that one in five people in this country suffer from a flying phobia,” Gibson says. “Despite statistics that show flying on a commercial airliner is less likely to cause death than any other form of travel, many people fly only under duress with white knuckles and prayers flowing. Others refuse to get on a plane under any circumstances.”

Among the treatments that Gibson will discuss is Eye Movement Desensitization and Re-processing (EMDR). He says, “EMDR seems particularly beneficial when the reasons for the phobia are complex or obscure.” Gibson, who practices psychotherapy at the Center for Integrative Medicine, is certified in EMDR by the EMDR International Association.

The Center for Integrative Medicine is an affiliate of Shore Health System. The Center is located at 607-B Dutchman’s Lane in Easton. To register for “Overcoming Your Fear of Flying,” call 410-770-9400.