Today I met Pedro - I call him Pedro, but that's not his real name.
Pedro turned to Codrive in hopes of finding appropriate help for his problem.
I received Pedro in our office, offered him a glass of water, and asked how I could help him.
He had already mentioned via messenger that he experienced a huge fear on the highway.
This sparked my interest.
I let Pedro do the talking. Without interrupting too much.
Pedro is high profile in life. An interesting young man, with a promising career.
Pedro described having a massive panic attack while on holiday in Portugal, on the highway.
This had never happened to him before.
He had to get through the hard shoulder for 3 hours before he gathered all his courage and continued his journey in terror until the next exit.
After a bit of research, we came to the following conclusion:
- Pedro has the idea that he can't get out on the highway. That makes him very anxious.
- The hard shoulder is not an option due to the traumatic experience in Portugal.
- He has to wait until the next exit, and in the meantime he has to persevere.
- Pedro has the same feelings in tunnels. Can't get out. Even at low speed.
- Pedro is now afraid of the fright. He avoids the highway because he fears that panic will return.
- Pedro is also uncomfortable as a passenger on the highway.
I started developing a strategy in my head.
- I'm going to give Pedro a very careful taste of the highway back.
To this end I will first drive myself, with Pedro on the passenger seat. - Then I stand with him on the hard shoulder, get out if necessary. And then we'll see how he feels.
- Then I go back, and I repeat stopping on the hard shoulder a number of times. I always ask how he feels.
- Then I will let Pedro drive himself, and reassure him beforehand that I have everything under control.
- We repeat this until Pedro experiences that the hard shoulder can be a safe haven.
We call this exposure therapy.
I'm going to confront Pedro with his fears in controlled circumstances.
I am his guide, his companion in whom he will have confidence.
I told Pedro I think I can help him.
But it can be a long process.
We will have our first driving lesson within 4 weeks.
I look forward.
And Pedro too, I think.