A brief novel intervention for acrophobia (fear of heights)

ObjectiveTo investigate a unique brief intervention, which offers a combination of neuro-linguistic programming and practical graded exposure therapy, to overcome a fear of heights.BackgroundA fear of heights or acrophobia is common and often deters people from perusing activities like climbing. It can also interfere with routine activities of daily living.Case reportThis two-day intervention is set in the Peak District (Derbyshire, UK) and works with a maximum of eight individuals to four instructors. The first half-day involves working with a psychotherapist using neurolinguistic programing techniques. The next 1.5 days involves graded exposure using abseiling over gradually increasing heights, to a final height of approximately 40 feet.DiscussionAll eight individuals on the two-day course felt their fear of highs had significantly decreased. All eight individuals would recommend this intervention to others suffering from a fear of heights.ConclusionIt is noteworthy that the group undergoing this intervention were self-selected and highly motivated to overcome their fear of heights. The sample size was small and outcome measures were subjective. However, this is a novel and effective approach to helping people overcome their fear of heights. Further research with larger sample sizes would be beneficial in further assessing the impact of this intervention.Declaration: Permission was granted by the organizers of this intervention to submit an abstract to conference. There are no conflicts of interests. This intervention is run by a private company ‘Will4Adventure’, I have no finical or other interests in this company. I privately funded my own place on this course.