TBP 306 :: A Kinder Way to Work through Fear of Falling with Therapist Emma McAdam
Thu Feb 05 2026
Therapist Emma McAdam discusses using exposure therapy, mindfulness, and self compassion to decrease fear of falling in climbing. Emma is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Utah who has a youtube channel (@TherapyInANutshell) and online courses on her website www.therapyinanutshell.com where you can learn therapeutic tools on your own time. I really appreciate Emma's warm, down-to-Earth approach and her relatable way of speaking and teaching. Emma is also a climber and has a video specifically about how to use exposure therapy and self-compassion to decrease fear of falling in climbing.
What we covered in the interview:
Where to start with fear of falling
How to practice teaching your brain it's safe to fall
2 things that fuel anxiety
What is the emotion of fear asking you?
Building an exposure hierarchy
How to practice falling in a productive way
Difference between risk "tolerance" and risk "choice"
More
Therapist Emma McAdam discusses using exposure therapy, mindfulness, and self compassion to decrease fear of falling in climbing. Emma is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Utah who has a youtube channel (@TherapyInANutshell) and online courses on her website www.therapyinanutshell.com where you can learn therapeutic tools on your own time. I really appreciate Emma's warm, down-to-Earth approach and her relatable way of speaking and teaching. Emma is also a climber and has a video specifically about how to use exposure therapy and self-compassion to decrease fear of falling in climbing. What we covered in the interview: Where to start with fear of falling How to practice teaching your brain it's safe to fall 2 things that fuel anxiety What is the emotion of fear asking you? Building an exposure hierarchy How to practice falling in a productive way Difference between risk "tolerance" and risk "choice"