Aviation Therapy and Counselling
Therapy for Pilots and Aviation Professionals
We’re so glad you’re here. You’ve taken the first step, and it’s completely confidential.
Aviation is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. It comes with immense responsibility, long stretches away from home, and pressure few others truly understand. From ensuring the safety of hundreds of lives to managing unpredictable schedules and regulations, the demands of this career can affect more than just your time; it can impact your relationships, your energy, and your sense of self.
Whether you’re a pilot, air traffic controller, AME, cabin crew, or aviation student, our aviation counselling services provide confidential, non-judgmental support to help you feel grounded and in control again. We understand that what you carry isn’t always visible. The image of strength and stability that the world sees often hides fatigue, anxiety, stress, and emotional strain, and the pressure to stay composed can make it hard to ask for help.
The Mental Load of the Skies: Why Aviation Therapy Matters
Many aviation professionals come to us carrying a quiet load of stress, fear, and emotional exhaustion. These are just some of the reasons you might seek therapy:
- Feeling worried or anxious (general, flying-related, or performance-based)
- Depression, burnout, or emotional fatigue
- Isolation from being away from home and loved ones
- Work-life imbalance and lack of time at home
- Sleep issues and fatigue from shift work or jet lag
- Pressure to appear “perfect” or unemotional
- Relationship strain or disconnection
- Grief or trauma, both personal and professional
Aviation therapy gives you a safe space to unload what you’ve been carrying, privately, compassionately, and with someone who understands your world.
Therapy That Fits Your Life and Flight Schedule
We offer virtual therapy for aviation professionals across Canada, which means you can access support no matter where you are — whether between flights, at home, or during time off.
We work around your schedule and offer flexible options so you can fit support into your life.
Aviation Counselling is Confidential
At The Sereda Psychotherapy Group, we offer confidential, non-judgmental therapy for pilots and aviation professionals across Canada. Whether you’re a commercial pilot, air traffic controller, AME, cabin crew, or aviation student, we’re here to support your mental well-being, without risking your career. As psychotherapists, we do not diagnose and your sessions are private. We are not required to report to your employer or to TCCA.
How Aviation Therapy Helps Different Roles
Pilots (Commercial, Private, and Student Pilots):
- Performance anxiety symptoms, including Simitis
- Identity beyond flying
- Pressure to meet high expectations
- Balancing career ambition with personal/family life
Air Traffic Controllers:
- High-stakes decision fatigue
- Alertness and sleep regulation
- Managing cumulative stress from workload
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers:
- Stress of high-pressure conditions
- Sleep disruption and fatigue
- Isolation
- Burnout and emotional exhaustion
Cabin Crew:
- Disrupted sleep and irregular hours
- On-the-job emotional labor
- Disconnect from home and family
- Workplace conflict resolution
Aviation Students:
- Academic pressure and flight testing stress
- Imposter syndrome or self-doubt
- Career path anxiety
- Peer comparisons and burnout
Aviation Psychologist vs Aviation Psychotherapist - What’s the Difference?
An aviation psychologist is typically a clinical psychologist with a doctorate, sometimes involved in assessments, cognitive testing, or Transport Canada certification support.
An aviation psychotherapist, like the clinicians at Sereda Psychotherapy Group, is a licensed mental health professional focused on talk therapy and emotional support. We work with you on managing life stressors, emotional regulation, relationships, and burnout, without involving diagnostic processes.
In short: psychotherapists help you cope and thrive, not diagnose or evaluate your fitness to fly.
Book Your Free 15-Minute Consultation
What to Expect from Aviation Counselling at Sereda Psychotherapy
Therapy is not about a diagnosis, it’s about giving you tools, space, and support to manage the unique pressures of your world that impact your mental health. With a therapist who understands aviation culture, you’ll work on:
- Managing stress, feelings of anxiety, and mental overload
- Strengthening emotional regulation and resilience
- Navigating career pressures and expectations
- Rebuilding connection with yourself and others
- Exploring identity beyond your role as a pilot or aviation worker
- Protecting your well-being long-term, for you, your family, and your future in the field
- Working through co-existing concerns like ADHD symptoms, trauma, or another mental health challenge, that may impact focus, rest, or social interactions.
We’re here to support you in a grounded, relatable way.
Why Choose Sereda Psychotherapy for Aviation Professionals?
- Confidentiality comes first – Your sessions are private. We do not report to your employer or Transport Canada.
- Therapists with a clinical focus in aviation – Our listed therapists have a clinical focus in working with pilots and aviation professionals.
- Therapy that fits your schedule – Online, flexible, and available across Canada.
- Supportive, human-first approach – We understand the pressure, the pride, and the personal cost of your career.
Affordable Therapy Services
If you are looking for support but cost is a barrier, we offer affordable therapy options — including low-cost sessions with graduate interns starting at $35 a session and reduced sliding scale rates with experienced post-graduate therapists
There are various types of psychotherapy effective for treating adult ADHD. Each approach offers unique techniques and benefits, allowing individuals to find the best fit for their needs. Some beneficial therapy approaches include:
Are pilots allowed to get therapy?
Yes. Therapy is permitted — in fact, caring for your mental health is a great way to stay safe and resilient in your role.
Is depression or anxiety disqualifying for pilots?
Many pilots manage feelings of anxiety or depression and continue flying. There are several pilots who are able to fly after working with their care providers and TC-CAM. What matters most is how it’s managed and whether it impacts your ability to function and fly safely.
Not automatically. Many pilots manage anxiety or depression and continue flying. What matters most is how it’s managed and whether it impacts your ability to function and fly safely.
Will my employer find out I'm in therapy?
We will not notify your employer that you’re in therapy. We do not share any information with employers, unions, or regulatory aviation bodies.
Will my therapist report me to Transport Canada if I have not reported that I’m in therapy on my annual medical form?
No. Your therapist will not report that you’re attending therapy to Transport Canada or your employer. Sessions are confidential, and your personal health information is protected by the ethical standards we follow. The limits to confidentiality, is the same as any therapeutic relationship. If you’re unsure about what to self-report to your civil aviation medical examiner (CAME), we can talk it through together so you feel confident navigating it in line with Transport Canada’s expectations.
Why do aviation professionals choose Sereda Psychotherapy?
Because we understand that therapy isn’t just about mental health, it’s about protecting your ability to keep doing what you love, without burning out. We’ve worked with aviation professionals and are here to support you as a human first, not just a job title.
What’s the difference between a psychologist and psychotherapist in aviation?
Psychologists may diagnose or evaluate fitness to fly. Psychotherapists focus on emotional and relational support.
Is aviation therapy only for pilots?
No. We support air traffic controllers, cabin crew, AME, aviation students, instructors, and anyone in the aviation field as well.
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We can help support you through these challenges and foster resilience in the face of adversity. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive and protected environment that is focused on you – your struggles, your stresses, your goals – and develop realistic, feasible coping strategies to achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance, improved mood, less anxiety, and a better quality of life.
You are not alone – we’re here to help.
The Sereda Psychotherapy Group
– for new clients schedule a free 15 minute consultation –