Fear of heights (acrophobia) is an intense fear of being in high places such as balconies, mountains, bridges or tall buildings. The fear can occur even when there is no real danger.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure is the recommended treatment for fear of heights. In exposure therapy you practise step by step at increasing heights, such as stairs, balconies or viewpoints, guided by a psychologist; part of the treatment may also be done in virtual reality. A newer form of CBT is Memrec, developed at the University of Amsterdam. Memrec targets the fear memory itself: the fear is briefly activated once, after which you take a single dose of a beta blocker. During your assessment we discuss which approach suits you best.
That depends on the treatment. Every treatment starts with an online diagnostic assessment. With Memrec, you then usually need two sessions at our clinic, on consecutive days: the treatment session and a follow-up the next day to test the effect. Regular CBT or exposure therapy usually takes 3 to 8 sessions after the assessment. Before you start, you can book a free 15-minute call with one of our psychologists.
The complete Memrec programme costs £1,595. We also offer exposure therapy and one-to-one consultations or CBT, online or hybrid, starting from £250 per session. The introductory call is free.
The assessment takes place online. The treatment itself takes place at locations with height. With Memrec, that is usually two sessions on consecutive days. With regular exposure therapy, we build up step by step over several sessions, from lower to higher places. We use a range of locations in and around London, such as tall buildings, stairwells, balconies and viewpoints, and can also travel to a specific place outside London if that fits your fear better. During your assessment we choose the approach and locations together, and your psychologist accompanies you throughout.