Fear of open high places (aeroacrophobia)

Aeroacrophobia is a fear of being up high in open spaces, such as on a cliff top, a viewing platform or an open sided bridge. The open air and the sense of nothing around can feel more alarming than the height alone. Some people avoid hill walks, glass lifts or rooftop terraces because of it.

About this phobia

The name joins aero, relating to air, with acro, from the Greek akron, meaning peak or summit. It is rarely used outside lists of phobias. It is closely related to acrophobia, the much better documented fear of heights, and can overlap with fear of flying.

What it feels like

• A strong urge to hold on to railings or get down low
• Feeling unsteady or dizzy when the view opens out
• Avoiding scenic spots that friends and family enjoy

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

Common questions

How is aeroacrophobia different from a fear of heights?

It is really a type of fear of heights, focused on open, exposed places rather than height in general. Some people are fine high up inside a building but struggle on an open ledge or balcony. The term itself is rarely used, so most help is found under fear of heights.

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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