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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for a credible recommendation for a hypnotherapist?

9 replies

Axlcat · 29/08/2025 17:16

I suffer with driving anxiety and I’m sick of it. I’m ready to tackle it as it’s spoiling so much for me. Still drive but only familiar journeys. Added to this I have compromised immune system which means being on public transport isn’t great.

Trying to find a hypnotherapist that specialises in this area, with credible recommendations is really difficult. Yesterday I met with a hypnotherapist who seemed good but essentially charged me £75 for a 1 hour conversation about my issue and then told me the package would be over 2k - which I feel is a crazy amount and simply can’t afford - I though do understand it will cost me to do this.

Please can anyone either recommend someone they have used specifically for driving / phobias or give me some tips for selecting someone?

Please don’t recommend driving lessons etc - this is a deep seated irrational phobia. Exposure therapy (without hypnotherapy or some therapy of some sort) does not and will not work for me.

thank you!

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 29/08/2025 17:18

Honestly, I think if your phobia is so profound that even refresher driving lessons are off the cards, I’d question whether you should even be considering driving.
What happens when you sit in a car as a passenger?

Brooklyn70 · 29/08/2025 17:20

that amount sounds insane

i used one for my blood/needles phobia and i paid like £40/ session, i think i had 3 or 4

Tinytigertail · 29/08/2025 17:22

Hi yes, Ian Murton Hypnotherapy specialises in driving anxiety and works online. I haven't used him personally but know people that have with great success.

Original poster
Axlcat · 29/08/2025 17:56

Soontobe60 · 29/08/2025 17:18

Honestly, I think if your phobia is so profound that even refresher driving lessons are off the cards, I’d question whether you should even be considering driving.
What happens when you sit in a car as a passenger?

Helpful comnent. Thanks. You obviously don’t understand phobias then. I’m a very safe driver - I just have an irrational fear of motorways / dual carriageways. Therefore I avoid them.

OP posts:
Soontobe60 · 29/08/2025 20:38

Axlcat · 29/08/2025 17:56

Helpful comnent. Thanks. You obviously don’t understand phobias then. I’m a very safe driver - I just have an irrational fear of motorways / dual carriageways. Therefore I avoid them.

Show quote history

I absolutely do understand phobias. What you have then is anxiety around driving in specific situations - that’s not a phobia of driving. And actually, it’s incredibly common. A good friend of mine was exactly the same as you. Very confident on known journeys or where she could plan the route beforehand to remain on A roads. But the only thing that helped her deal with her anxiety was exposure to the very thing that caused the anxiety. The driving instructor would drive the route that they planned beforehand until she was at the point that she was able to tackle it herself. (she went out very early in the morning when traffic was minimal) it took her some time to overcome her anxiety. Now she is able to drive anywhere as long as she has planned the route in her satnav.

JaffavsCookie · 29/08/2025 20:46

This chap is awesome, I don’t know how much he specifically does driving phobias but definitely worth asking. He was £60 an hour last time i used him ( earlier this year) https://silvolutionshypnotherapy.com/

Silvolutions Hypnotherapy

https://silvolutionshypnotherapy.com

Wrongthings · 29/08/2025 21:10

I’d expect to pay around £60 per hour for a reputable hypnotherapist to do weekly or fortnightly appts with no commitment to continue.

2k up front is wildly out of whack, and you should walk away.

I’ll DM you a good person but don’t know if they do online

Original poster
Axlcat · 29/08/2025 22:34

Soontobe60 · 29/08/2025 20:38

I absolutely do understand phobias. What you have then is anxiety around driving in specific situations - that’s not a phobia of driving. And actually, it’s incredibly common. A good friend of mine was exactly the same as you. Very confident on known journeys or where she could plan the route beforehand to remain on A roads. But the only thing that helped her deal with her anxiety was exposure to the very thing that caused the anxiety. The driving instructor would drive the route that they planned beforehand until she was at the point that she was able to tackle it herself. (she went out very early in the morning when traffic was minimal) it took her some time to overcome her anxiety. Now she is able to drive anywhere as long as she has planned the route in her satnav.

Show quote history

Ok

OP posts:
Justanotherlass · 08/02/2026 01:31

Tinytigertail · 29/08/2025 17:22

Hi yes, Ian Murton Hypnotherapy specialises in driving anxiety and works online. I haven't used him personally but know people that have with great success.

@Tinytigertail ... do you have any idea what he charges? There's no information on his website or Google but the reviews are fantastic and he might be able to help me with what is a massive problem ... thanks!

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