Driving Anxiety: A Supportive, Solution-Focused Approach
Hi - My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I am a fully qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
Feeling more confident when driving can make everyday life easier — offering greater independence, increased freedom, and the ability to say “yes” to more opportunities.
For many people, however, the idea of getting behind the wheel triggers worry, tension, or a feeling of overwhelm.
Thoughts such as “What if I get lost?”, “Where will I park?”, “What if the road feels too busy?” can quickly build into a sense of pressure or avoidance.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and there are gentle, supportive ways to explore these feelings.
Understanding Your Fear
Driving anxiety often stems from the brain’s natural protection system.
Two key areas frequently involved in fear responses are:
The Amygdala
Often described as the brain’s “alarm system,” the amygdala signals when something feels threatening. In driving situations, this can sometimes activate even when no real danger is present.
The Hippocampus
This part of the brain helps store memories and learned behaviours. Past experiences — such as stressful drives, near-misses, or times when driving felt overwhelming — may influence how someone responds now.
When these two systems are activated together, they can create strong emotional responses that feel disproportionate to the situation.
This is a normal brain function — just one that may not always be helpful in modern life.
How Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Can Support You
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) offers a calm, future-focused space to explore how you would like to feel when driving, rather than revisiting past difficulties.
It centres on:
building on your existing strengths
identifying what already works well
creating a picture of your preferred future
developing helpful, achievable steps
using guided relaxation and imagery to support clearer thinking
Many clients describe SFH as a supportive blend of conversation and relaxation that helps them feel steadier and more resourceful when approaching situations that previously felt overwhelming.
During sessions, we look at:
Understanding your responses
People often find it helpful to learn how the amygdala and hippocampus influence fear, and how stress can shape driving-related thoughts or habits.
Using positive visualisation
In a relaxed state, many individuals say it feels easier to imagine the version of themselves they want to bring to driving — calmer, clearer, and more grounded.
Exploring new perspectives
SFH shifts the focus from “what’s going wrong?” to “what’s already working?” and “what small step feels achievable next?”
This approach doesn’t diagnose or treat anxiety, nor does it “rewire” or change the brain.
Instead, it helps you create mental space to explore helpful patterns and responses that support your confidence and wellbeing.
Imagining a New Experience
Many people who explore their driving fear describe wanting to:
feel more in control
approach journeys with greater ease
handle unfamiliar roads with more confidence
reconnect with the freedom that driving can offer
Picture what becomes possible when driving feels more manageable — visiting loved ones, taking spontaneous trips, or simply moving through the world with a sense of independence.
Take the First Step
If driving fear or anxiety feels like it’s holding you back, you’re welcome to explore this in a gentle, supportive space.
I offer a FREE 45-minute Initial Consultation / Discovery Session, which gives you the opportunity to:
talk through your experience
understand the SFH approach
ask questions
get a sense of whether this feels right for you
There’s no pressure — just a conversation.
Your Journey Starts Here
You don’t have to navigate driving fear alone. With the right support, many people find new ways of approaching situations that once felt overwhelming.
If you’d like to explore how Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy could support you, I’d love to speak with you.
Want to find out more about how hypnotherapy could help you with driving anxiety and fear.
The next step is booking a FREE 45 Minute Initial Consultation / Hypnotherapy Discovery Session (no half-measures here).
In-person at my Oxfordshire Therapy Room (Upper Heyford, near Bicester or Online via Zoom).
The first step to setting yourself free and living the life you want.
My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I am a fully qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy®, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
I assist people in regaining control of their lives by retraining their brains to overcome limiting thought patterns, master their emotions, and cultivate resilient behaviors for a brighter and more positive future.. I know… It’s awesome!
a nutshell, I ‘get you out of your own way’. Because, let’s face it, a lot of us are.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy taps into the power of your subconscious mind so you can move forward towards the life you’ve always wanted to live. It’s a quick, practical way to address thought patterns, emotions and behaviours that are holding you back in life.
I’m also a Level 3 Qualified Personal Trainer, after working in a gym environment in my early career.
I’m a registered and accredited member of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH) and National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).
Hypnotherapy sessions can be done either in my garden therapy room in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire (Near Bicester). Ideally situated, it also serves individuals in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire and I also work online nationwide via Zoom.