Therapy is great for mind, but traveling will do so much more for the soul
Healing does not always take place in a silent moment with four corner walls. For many people, expression of feeling becomes easier when life is gently moving around them. We introduce a unique alternative of conventional psychotherapy called in-car therapy session. It is a therapy in motion where counseling takes place within a licensed Edinburg taxi.
How I started this Journey
After spent years driving a Black Cab around Edinburg and have met multiple peoples from all kinds of life. With time I noticed that peoples feel comfortable while they sit in the back seat. They can share their stories struggles or even their dreams. This is where the concept of Edinburgh Taxi Therapy was born. As a BACP certified counsellor and licensed Taxi driver I wanted to bring two worlds together in a more perfect than expected. It is about driving and creating a moving space for reflection and healing.
What a Session looks like
All session would take place inside a classic Edinburgh taxi. A private and confidential environment that feels relaxed and familiar without any rigidity and judgements. Following are the steps that take place in this therapy.
- You are allowed to choose where you would like to go for a journey. For example, in a quiet neighborhood or just simply moving around the city.
- The destination was decided prior to the session, either on a phone call or at the booking website.
- Your therapist can pick you up or meet at a chosen place.
- Finally, the conversation starts gently. Maybe your therapist asks about your history, your ongoing problem and what are your goals from this therapy.
- A little silence might be possible, but it is also part of therapy.
- The session progresses according to your emotional needs. You can explore stress, patterns that change your life and anything that burdens your mental health.
- The counselor listens to all your concerns properly. Shares their reflection by using psychotherapist theories and gives you practical steps for emotional growth. At the end of each session.
Consequently, you don’t need to explore everything in one session. Because it is a journey of three to four sessions depending on your mental condition.
Advantages of In-Car Therapy Session
- People who do not feel comfortable while sitting face to face, thus by sitting side by side in a car can create a sense of safety and emotional comfort. You can look out the window, take your time and then speak as you feel ready.
- Movement creates a natural emotional flow. This smooth rhythm of the driving may release feelings that feel stuck while sitting in an office. Your body feels relaxed and your mind release dopamine, which is the stress relief hormone, this helps you to express your emotions without bounding.
- Furthermore, the city also becomes part of your therapy such as moving roads may reflect emotional stages. The world does not interrupt the session, although it supports it.
Old memories, Place of importance, Comforting sports.
- No matter where the pain comes from trauma, grief or confusion. The moving environment provides grounding by regular. The nervous system makes the emotional expression less overwhelming.
Travel is similar to therapy. You can go to the best psychologist in the world for 10 years. If you don’t feel like actively shifting anything in your life, there is nothing that person can do to change you.
-Elizabeth Gilbert.
The Role of Your Therapist
Therapists in our team are highly trained to listen carefully and guide you without any judgment. While expressing your emotion, if your tears come, silence occurs, or laughter comes, your therapist respects all your reactions. Subsequently, therapists help you to notice your emotional patterns. And understanding the concept behind your reactions. So, this is the basic difference between anormal conversation and a psychotherapeutic conversation.
Also, this approach is personalized approach, whatever you want to add or subtract in your therapeutic journey, you can ask your therapist.
Who May Benefits Form Therapy
This therapeutic approach is especially designed for those who.
- Feel uncomfortable and anxious in traditional therapy room
- Someone is struggling with maintaining eye contact or emotional pressure.
- Want a rhythmic and more natural therapeutic aspect
- People who prefer human and practical approach to healing, especially for those with extroverted nature.
- Also, if you are someone who tired of sitting in your office and wants to explore the world with some adventure.
As long as you are breathing, there is more right with you than wrong.
-Jon Kabat-Zinn
There are different to choose this approach based on different reason. Some belief that motion helps them think more clearly. Other people’s take journey as physically and emotionally amazing. The city itself becomes a part of the part of process. The passing landmark reflecting stages pf you healing paths.
Are You Ready to Begin a Long Drive with Me
You do not need to know what exactly to say. Also, you do not need to be prepared with explanation. The only thing you need to be willing yourself to be loyal. Let the roads and nature heal you and transform your negative thoughts into positive ones. Your therapist can hear your unspoken words just by seeing your expression.
