Fear of cliff edges (cremnophobia)

Cremnophobia is a strong fear of precipices, such as cliff edges, sheer drops and steep quarry sides. Someone with this fear might avoid coastal paths, refuse to go near a viewpoint railing, or feel unsteady just watching a film shot from a clifftop.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek kremnos, meaning cliff. It is not a commonly used clinical term and appears mostly on lists of phobias. It sits close to acrophobia, the fear of heights, and many people who fear precipices would recognise themselves in that better-known word.

What it feels like

• A pull to step back or crouch low when near an edge, even behind a barrier
• Legs that feel weak or wobbly on cliff paths and at viewpoints
• Picturing a fall in vivid detail when someone else walks near a drop

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is cremnophobia the same as a fear of heights?

They overlap a great deal. A fear of heights can show up on ladders, balconies or tall buildings, while cremnophobia focuses on the sudden drop at the edge of land. Many people have elements of both.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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