How to remove a fear of heights

At The International Stunt Academy we work with mind and body. We don't just teach you how to perform a stunt or activity. We also help you with ways to mentally prepare and condition for it too.

Fear of heights, also known as acrophobia, is an extremely common phobia that affects many people, including stunt performers. There are levels of severity too, some just feel nervous near a ledge, but for others even getting up there can be crippling, mentally and physically.  We never laugh or joke about anyone's fear of heights, we just get to work supporting people to overcome the issue.

Fortunately, there are several strategies that can be used to reprogram and recondition oneself to reduce or eliminate this fear.

1. Gradual exposure:
   One effective approach is to gradually expose oneself to heights in a controlled and safe environment. This can involve starting with low heights, such as climbing a few steps of a ladder, and gradually working up to higher heights over time.
2. Visualisation:
   Visualization techniques can be helpful in reducing fear of heights. This involves imagining oneself in a high place and visualizing oneself feeling calm, relaxed and in control.
3. Breathing exercises:
   Breathing exercises such as deep breathing or meditation can help calm the body and mind, which can be particularly useful when feeling anxious or fearful.
4. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):
   CBT is a type of therapy that can help identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can be particularly effective in treating phobias like acrophobia.
5. Physical conditioning:
   Regular exercise and physical conditioning can help improve balance, strength, and coordination, which can be helpful in reducing the risk of falls and improving confidence when working at heights.

​It's important to note that reconditioning oneself to overcome a fear of heights may take time and persistence. It's recommended to seek the guidance of a qualified therapist or healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for individual needs.