Counselling for Pilots
Professional pilots face unique pressures and stresses that few outside the aviation world can fully understand. The stakes are high: fitness to fly is monitored closely, and any medical, emotional, or psychological concern can put a career on hold.
For many pilots, this creates a culture of silence. Out of fear of losing medical certification and the ability to earn a living, issues are often kept under wraps. Unfortunately, this can lead to self-medication or waiting until a crisis forces action.
Why Pilots Struggle in Silence
Fear of Disclosure – admitting to stress, anxiety, depression, or substance use feels risky when flying privileges are at stake.
Conservative Culture – aviation can be a “tough it out” environment where vulnerability is discouraged.
Medical Restrictions – while there has been progress in approved medications, periods of suspension are still common during evaluation and adjustment.
Isolation – pilots may feel they have no one safe to confide in who truly understands the profession.
Chris’s Experience
Chris Graham knows these pressures firsthand. Before becoming a counsellor, he was a professional pilot in Canada for 20 years. He understands the demands of the profession, as well as the fear of losing medical clearance. Chris himself went through a year-long suspension while finding the right treatment, so he knows how disruptive and stressful the process can be.
A Safe Place to Talk
Chris offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for pilots who are carrying more than they can manage alone. He brings both professional counselling expertise and lived aviation experience — so you don’t need to explain the culture, the stakes, or the fears.
Whether you are facing stress, anxiety, depression, shame, addiction, or relationship struggles, counselling can help you address the issues before they become a crisis.