After a frightening episode behind the wheel, the next journey can begin with a question: what if it happens again? You may start checking how you feel before leaving, worry about driving alone, or choose routes according to where you could stop.
I’m Tamara Shadday, also known as Tammy. I offer personalized hypnosis by Zoom to support work on driving-related fear, anticipatory worry and confidence. We begin by discussing whether my hypnosis and coaching services are appropriate for your situation, including whether you need a healthcare assessment or a referral.
If this is happening while you are driving
Do not read this page or use your phone while driving. Keep your attention on the road. If symptoms interfere with safe driving, move to a safe place to stop as soon as conditions allow. Avoid abrupt maneuvers and do not continue until you can drive safely.
Do not assume new or unfamiliar symptoms are panic. New or severe chest pain, fainting, or severe breathing difficulty needs urgent medical help; call 911 if you may be having a medical emergency. Arrange an assessment for recurring or unexplained sympto
For nonurgent inquiries, call 1 (888) 944-9766
Booking is handled through my St. Petersburg Hypnosis Center website. Hypnosis sessions take place by Zoom. This service does not provide emergency support.
When the fear becomes about your own reaction
You may be less concerned about a particular road than about how you might feel on it. An anxious sensation can bring up the memory of a previous episode, followed by more worry about the next one. For some people, that concern begins well before the drive.
The National Institute of Mental Health explains panic symptoms, assessment and treatment. A healthcare professional can evaluate what is happening and whether physical causes or a mental health condition need attention. Feeling panicky while driving does not, by itself, establish a diagnosis of panic disorder.
Anticipation before leaving home
You may spend the morning wondering whether you will feel okay, or mentally rehearse how you would get home if you became overwhelmed. This is useful to discuss in a consultation because the difficulty may begin much earlier than the moment you turn the key.
Worry about being alone or unable to stop
You may feel different with another person in the car, in traffic, or on a road with fewer exits. In my work with driving concerns, I pay attention to those differences. They help us identify what the person is anticipating and what they would like to address.
Where hypnosis may fit
My role is to offer hypnosis and coaching around your driving-related goals, within my scope of practice. We may focus on the worrying predictions before a journey, confidence after a frightening experience, or your wish to feel less consumed by thoughts about driving.
During a session, I use guided attention, suggestions and imagery based on what you have told me. We can practice setting aside an unhelpful anticipated scene and developing a calmer way of thinking about the journey. Any personal confidence cue or imagery exercise is practiced away from driving.
Hypnosis is not a diagnosis, emergency intervention or replacement for treatment of panic disorder. I do not promise to prevent panic attacks. If you have a diagnosed mental or physical condition related to the support you are seeking, I require a signed written referral from your treating licensed provider before related sessions. Keep working with your healthcare team and discuss medication decisions with your prescriber.
What I want to understand about your experience
In my client work, driving concerns have included an urgent wish to leave the highway and fear that began around a frightening road experience. I ask what feels difficult now, rather than assume that one explanation fits everyone.
You can tell me whether the difficulty comes before the trip, while passing a large vehicle, in stopped traffic, or on otherwise familiar roads. We can also talk about the driving you still feel able to do, support you are already receiving, and what you hope to change.
You do not have to give me an uplifting progress report. If you felt relaxed during hypnosis but the next drive was still difficult, I want to know. That information helps guide our next conversation and whether another type of support is needed.
Zoom support with clear expectations
A client’s experience with driving anxiety support.
Lauren Reeves
4 Months ago
“I found Tammy by searching online for help with my driving anxiety. Boy, do I wish I would have found her years ago. She is the first step you should take to help yourself instead of using her as a last resort. She helped me with tools on how to decrease not only my driving anxiety, but my anxiety in general. I can’t recommend her enough. Thank you Tammy for changing my life for the better!”
Questions about panic and driving
Can you tell me whether my symptoms are panic attacks?
No. I am not a licensed medical or mental health professional and cannot diagnose the cause of your symptoms. A qualified healthcare professional can assess recurring, new or unexplained symptoms and recommend appropriate care.
Can hypnosis guarantee that I will not panic again?
No. My service can support work on driving-related fear and confidence, but it does not guarantee the prevention of panic attacks. Results and suitability vary from person to person.
Can I work with you while seeing a therapist or doctor?
We can discuss whether hypnosis is appropriate alongside your existing care. For related support with a diagnosed condition, a signed written referral is required before sessions. Hypnosis does not replace your clinician’s treatment plan.
Is it safe to use a calming hypnosis recording in the car?
Never use hypnosis recordings while driving or when you need to remain alert for safety. Do your hypnosis practice in a safe setting away from operating a vehicle. A recording is not an emergency tool for an episode behind the wheel.
What if it happens only on highways or bridges?
Do I need to be driving again before I contact you?
No. You can inquire from home even if you are avoiding driving. We can discuss your goals and whether a healthcare assessment, therapist, driving instructor or hypnosis support is the appropriate next step. A consultation does not determine fitness to drive.
Start with a conversation about what you need
If you are looking for support with the fear surrounding future drives, you can tell me what has been happening and what help you already have. We will discuss whether my service fits your needs before you book paid sessions.
For a nonurgent inquiry.
Safety and scope: Never use hypnosis sessions or recordings while driving. Remain fully alert and follow normal road safety practices. I am a certified hypnotist and life coach, not a licensed medical doctor or mental health professional. Hypnosis is not a substitute for medical care, psychotherapy or driving instruction. For support related to a diagnosed mental or physical condition, I require a signed written referral from your treating licensed provider before related sessions. Results vary.
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