Fear of walking (ambulophobia)

Ambulophobia is a fear of walking. It often links to a worry about falling, and can follow an injury, a fall or a spell of poor balance, though it can also appear without a clear cause. Any problems with balance, pain or dizziness are worth checking with a GP.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Latin ambulare, to walk. It is rarely reported and found mostly on lists of unusual phobias. It is closely related to the fear of falling, which is much better documented, especially among older adults, and to basophobia, a term given for fear of falling.

What it feels like

• Holding on to walls, furniture or another person
• Taking very short, careful steps
• Staying in rather than walking to the shops or the bus

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

Common questions

Can a fall lead to a fear of walking?

Yes, it is common for confidence to drop after a fall, and some people then walk less, which can leave strength and balance weaker. Speaking to a GP is a good first step, as they can check for physical causes and suggest support such as physiotherapy.

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.

See all session options and prices