How do I move forward after road trauma?

This is a question that comes up regularly.  Over the last few years, it’s sadly becoming increasingly common for people to suddenly find themselves not able to perform certain tasks involved with driving.  Whether it be a horrible accident that occurred recently or years ago, whether it be covid that has caused fear to creep in from not doing much driving over the last 2 ½ years, it has certainly been bought to the forefront of many drivers.  I get at least one a call a week from new clients asking how do I move forward after road trauma?

Avoiding the freeway at any cost.

Whilst I’ve supported clients in this space for many years now, it has evolved into a counselling modality which I can now say is one that I am proud of.  How?  Let’s call my client David (not his real name for privacy reasons) who years ago witnessed a fatality on a freeway, which at the time was horrific to witness and was at the forefront of his mind in which he decided from that day forward, he would avoid freeways at any cost.

Time to push the boundaries.

Fast forward four years with the promise of a blossoming relationship, and the opportunity to finally expand his driving ability after being freed from the shackles of a very sheltered childhood (that’s another story for another time) the time has come to push the boundaries and overcome the fear that has gripped him for so long.

How do you choose a starting point?

After our initial phone consult to gain some history, we decide to choose a starting point.  Remembering I’m a trained specialist driver trainer so if David was not comfortable in the driver’s seat, we were able to swap over, and he could control the pedals from the driver’s seat.  Patience is something that is always at the front of my mind and being guided by the client is something that I take seriously.

Feeling comfortable in your surroundings

Feeling comfortable in your surroundings is a very important start as well as being comfortable with the person supporting you.  Whilst his journey is continuing, there will be more up and down sessions, the ability to feel acknowledged, nurtured and work through these emotions one step at a time is very empowering.

Starting the journey

Remember, every session is going to be different and not every session is going to be better than the last.  But starting the journey to freedom on the road is just as important.   To find out whether you would qualify for funding, use this link to find out.   http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/clients/supporting-your-recovery

Do you know someone who is holding back from road trauma?  Let them know it is ok and there is someone to help them.  They are not alone.

Reach out for a confidential chat at  http://sarahbruce.com.au/contact/

Until next time, take care

Sarah