Brittney’s Journey: From Deep Fear to Drive - to Freedom on the Open Road

She Drove the Skyway: How Hypnosis Helped Brittney Reclaim Her Freedom

The Fear Nobody Talks About: Fear of Driving

When Brittney (name changed) first reached out to me, we scheduled a 30-minute consultation call. During this call, she shared something that many people silently suffer from but rarely discuss: a deep, paralyzing fear of driving on highways. Night driving, rain, and worst of all—bridges.

For Brittney, these weren’t just inconveniences. They were mental minefields. Visiting her parents two hours away had become an ordeal. The night before each trip, her chest would tighten with anxiety. By the time she got behind the wheel, she often faced a full-blown panic attack.

“Even the night before I have to go somewhere, I’m already panicking,” she sighed.

"I’ve Tried Hypnosis Before..."

Just before we ended our call, Brittney hesitated.

“I’ve seen two other hypnotists,” she said, a mix of hope and doubt in her voice. “I’m not sure if this is going to work... but I need it to. I can’t keep living like this.”

Her vulnerability stayed with me. I could hear the weight of her words—and I knew this was more than just a driving issue. It was about reclaiming control.

A Radiant Smile, A Heavy Heart

A few days later, Brittney walked into my office. She was stunning—bright blue eyes and a smile that could light up a room. Yet, beneath that smile was a visible weight. Her shoulders bore the kind of tension that builds from years of living in fear.

So, we got to work.

How Hypnosis Uses the Power of Visualization

The subconscious mind doesn’t speak in logic; it communicates in images.

Before we began hypnosis, I asked Brittney detailed questions about her fear. She described sweaty palms, a tight chest, and shallow breathing. It wasn’t just driving that scared her—it was the anticipation. The constant dread that panic could strike at any moment.

These details were more than symptoms—they formed the blueprint for her healing.

Hands holding a steering wheel

With these insights in mind, I crafted personalized visualizations for Brittney's hypnosis sessions.

Setting the Goal: The Skyway Bridge

Next, I asked her the same question I pose to all my clients:

“If this works today, how would you know? What would life look like without the fear?”

She paused, allowing the question to sink in.

“I guess... I’d be driving at night or in the rain, and I wouldn’t panic. But I’d really know it worked if I could drive over the Skyway Bridge.”

For those unfamiliar, The Sunshine Skyway Bridge stretches over four miles across Tampa Bay and rises 430 feet above the water. It’s breathtaking—and terrifying for someone who struggles with exposure, height, or lack of control.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the ultimate test for someone with a fear of driving on highways. (photo credit: www.theconstructor.org)

For Brittney, the Skyway Bridge symbolized everything she feared: height, exposure, and the unknown.

Creating a Safe, Grounded Space

As we prepared to begin the hypnosis session, I sensed her nervous energy. The enormity of what she was asking for weighed heavily. She sought freedom from a fear that had dictated the last years of her life. To start, I focused on making her feel safe and comfortable. I offered her a blanket and a pair of cozy socks I keep on hand for clients. Something about soft, warm feet can make anyone feel a little more secure.

Cozy socks and a weighted blanket

Transforming Fear Into Freedom

As she settled into the session, I wrapped her in a weighted blanket and guided her through a breathing exercise. I noticed the tension slowly melting away as her breathing became deep and steady. Then, we began to explore her fear.

The heart of every hypnosis session is visualization. I guided Brittney to imagine herself driving on a highway, feeling completely in control. We worked through scenarios that had once terrified her—rainy nights, bridges, and darkness. Slowly, we rewrote the narrative her mind had clung to for so long.

We envisioned her driving on a highway with a sense of calm and control. I made her feel the freedom and the pride that came with it. At one point, I noticed her breathing shift; her shoulders softened, and her face reflected peace. It was a moment of transformation.

I introduced a simple yet powerful tool: an anchor. Anchors are mental shortcuts that connect a specific action or sensation to a desired emotional state. For Brittney, we used a gentle touch of her thumb and forefinger to lock in the feelings of calm and confidence she experienced during hypnosis. This anchor became her personal reset button, allowing her to access that same sense of control whenever she felt anxious on the road.

The Text That Changed Everything

The next day, I received a text from Brittney:

“I just drove on the highway. I’m going to try the Skyway next.”

Two days later, my phone rang.

“Kristin, I just did it. I drove over the Skyway Bridge! I used my anchor when I started to feel it creep in—and it worked. I felt... calm.”

The joy in her voice was electric. Just a short time before, merely thinking of a bridge triggered panic. Now, she was driving across one of the highest bridges in the country—on her own terms.

Before our sessions, Brittney couldn’t even look at a bridge without her anxiety taking control. But now, she drove confidently, knowing her fear no longer held power over her.

For Brittney, crossing the Skyway Bridge was the ultimate test. The change wasn’t just about her driving capabilities; it was about her entire being. Crossing it symbolized that she had reclaimed her independence and proven to herself that she was stronger than her fear.

The Ripple Effect of Overcoming Fear

Brittney’s journey serves as a beautiful reminder of why I do this work. With the right support, the right techniques, and a little belief in oneself... transformation is not just possible; it's inevitable.

Sometimes, the journey really does begin with a safe space, a skilled guide, and yes—a weighted blanket and cozy socks.

Dear Brittney…

I’m so impressed by your courage and commitment. This was never just about driving. It was about becoming who you truly are—free, strong, and unstoppable.

Thank you for letting me share your story. We both know this is only the beginning.

With love,

Kristin

Are You Ready to Start Your Own Transformation?

If you're dealing with driving anxiety, fear of highways, or simply want to feel safer on the road, know that help is within reach. A personalized hypnosis session could be your turning point—just like it was for Brittney.

Click here to book your free consultation and learn more about hypnosis for anxiety and fears.

Additional information: Clients often ask me where I got my weighted blanket and what I recommend. After trying several, I’ve found that the best ones offer even weight distribution and quiet materials—no annoying noises! My favorite is this one, and you can grab it on my Amazon storefront.