Special Courses for Phobic Drivers
Mike Weatherstone
SAC (Dip) in CBT, UKASFP, CThA, Reg. SFT, Member H Club
Mike is a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. Combined with his ex-police
advanced driving background, vast driving experience over 40 + years of all types
of vehicles, including wide-load HGVs, Mike is uniquely qualified to assist with
any fears and phobias you may have. He has achieved some remarkable successes in
this area and has been a guest speaker on the subject on BBC Radio.
Many drivers find they can develop a fear of driving in general or a particular aspect
of it, often for no discernable reason. For example, a fear of driving on motorways
or dual-carriageways, over bridges or through tunnels. Others will go to great lengths
to avoid a right turn. These may seem irrational fears, but are all too real to the
sufferer.
What are the causes of driving related fears & phobias?
These are usually caused by one of the following:
A) Trauma - for example, a bad accident or near miss, which completely shatters
a driver’s confidence.
B) A defect in driving technique, causing actual or perceived danger
C) Psychological fear or phobia
A & B are generally fairly straightforward to fix. Both can be dramatically altered
by correction of driving technique - in the case of A by eliminating whatever caused
the accident if it was the client’s own error, or teaching defensive driving techniques
if someone else’s, and B, by again correcting technique. All of these boost confidence
and help to eliminate fear.
C is different entirely and may be a problem of many year’s standing, the causes
of which can be many and varied. It may be that the root is never discovered and
there is little profit to be gained by endlessly probing for it. Although well worth
some exploratory research into possible causes, we find it is generally far more
effective to move on to dealing with the problem - the future being far more important
than the past. This is where CBT combined with a sound practical experience of advanced
driving techniques, can really help to boost confidence. Confidence is King in this
context.
What is CBT?
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is the combination of cognitive (the way we
think) and behavioural (what we do) therapies. It is designed to achieve two main
objectives - to change the way we perceive things to be more positive, and to alter
behaviour to create a more beneficial outcome. As driving (and indeed many other)
phobias are all to do with how we perceive things, CBT can be very powerful and effective
in changing our thoughts. In particular, CBT aims to change the way clients perceive
the “phobic trigger”, to view it differently, and therefore no longer be afraid.
CBT is widely recognised by the NHS in general, and GPs in particular, as one of
the key therapies able to help with psychological difficulties - the reason being
that any results are easily documented and measured. CBT, and another similar therapy,
SFT (Solution Focused Therapy), are both designed to change the client’s perception
or outlook. They can help with anger and stress management, relationship problems,
obsessive compulsive disorders, and of course fears and phobias.
How will it help me?
CBT will help to re-structure (or re-program - a horrible term but appropriate in
this context) your thinking by a combination of techniques, all designed to carefully
change the way you see things. This is done by very gradually, step-by-step helping
you to face and overcome your fear. You will NOT be pushed, bullied or intimidated
at any time, rather encouraged to WANT to go a little further, at every stage repeating
your achievements until, when thoroughly comfortable with each stage, we move on
to the next - baby steps if you like.
It should be said that sometimes fears and phobias can be the manifestation of a
serious underlying medical condition - for example severe depression - for which
a doctor is, or should be, supervising, and which it may be inappropriate for Drivexcel
to become involved in. We would always discuss any potential conflict with you before
becoming actively involved.
How long will it take?
Difficult to say at this stage - sometimes remarkable progress can be achieved with
just one session, sometimes a number are needed. A combination of two full days
of practical “on-the-road” accompanied driver training - one at the start and the
other at the end of the course, with a number of phone/Skype or email “distance”
sessions in between can be helpful. This keeps the cost down if a longer period
of coaching is necessary. We discuss this with you to see what’s best - everyone
is different and there is no “one-size fits all” approach with this problem
Finally...............
At Drivexcel we can’t guarantee to eliminate the condition, although we often can,
but we do promise to treat the sufferer with understanding and complete confidentiality.
An initial 30 minute discussion to assess the problem (it may not even be a phobia
but something else entirely) and possible solutions is free of charge, so please
give Mike a call in complete confidence if you’d like to explore the possibilities.
Tel: (01508) 488181 Email: mike@drivexcel.co.uk
Back to top
