1:1 Bespoke Climbing Sessions

Anybody.

This is a relaxed session, for somebody who needs 1:1 support with their climbing without the pressure of other people watching in a professional and safe environment.

Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, getting your body out and moving is good for the soul. But you don’t have to move too much if you don’t want to.

This session is entirely for you, at your pace, you do you. There’s no pressure from any other group members; it’s just you, me and the rock.

If you just want to sit in a harness on a cliff looking out to sea, then that’s fine too.

This is a bespoke session, and quite frankly the most important one I offer. Everything we speak about is in confidence, and in trust, confidence grows.

This is not a counselling session (not until I’m qualified, accredited and insured), but you are free to talk to me, talk through your fears and anxieties that relate to climbing, because there are huge parallels in climbing to ‘real-life’, and many lessons to be learnt in a positive and encouraging environment that can be applied to your own life. Together we will overcome the challenges the rock face has put before us. You are not alone.

A climbing session personalised to your climbing level and what you want to get out of the session, indoors or outdoors.

The mental health benefits of climbing have been recognised for many years. Climbing can stir in you feelings of tranquility, clarity and a stronger connection with nature. It requires complete concentration, and can help you learn how to effectively manage stress and anxiety. It has been noted by many to help them overcome traumatic experiences, find a sense of purpose, empower them with new found self-confidence and self-trust, and find healing and resilience.

Over the years this has been backed up by scientific research, proving the link between climbing and mental wellbeing.

In mainland Europe, climbing is gaining ground as an alternative form of therapy for both physical and psychological illnesses. There are educational courses, books and even climbing walls within hospitals. The evidence into the positive effect of climbing in the areas of psychotherapy and physiotherapy is growing.

A recent study conducted by Leeds Beckett University, Your Movement Matters (2021) found that 71% of indoor climbers, and 66% of outdoor climbers said that one of their motivations for climbing was for their mental health.

Climbing causes the release of endorphins such as dopamine and serotonin; neurotransmitters that play a crucial role in regulating mood and reducing stress.

The physical exertion and and concentration required helps to create a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy, fostering a positive self-image and boosting self-confidence.

Climbing outdoors can expose us to negative ions, which are molecules that have gained extra electrons, resulting in a net negative charge. They are found abundantly in natural environments, such as the mountains and sea cliffs. Certain geological formations, such as limestone and granite, are rich in minerals that release negative ions when exposed to the elements. When the wind blows, it can pick up these ions from the rock and soil and they become part of the air. They are also present in forests, rivers, oceans, and even rain showers.

Have you ever felt the charge in the air at a sea cliff with waves crashing below? When we breathe in negative ions, or they come into contact with the skin, they interact with the body in several ways:

- Improving mood, by increasing serotonin levels, which can lead to reduced feelings of depression and anxiety

- Lowering cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress

- Improving sleep quality, cognitive performance, concentration and mental clarity

Transferable skills from climbing;

- Overcoming challenges - the act of going further than you ever thought you could, like getting to the top of a climb, carries significant implications for mental health. Overcoming obstacles fosters a sense of accomplishment and resilience providing tangible evidence of one’s ability. This success can serve as a powerful reinforcement, empowering individuals to tackle life’s challenges with newfound confidence and determination.

- Trust - we build strong bonds when we climb with people, as our life is literally in their hands. Learning to trust someone in this way is a powerful tool in developing faith in others and strong friendships, essential for good mental health.

- Risk management - climbing presents continuous challenges in potentially dangerous situations. Through climbing you develop your ability to make good decisions, improve judgment and build risk management skills.

- Problem solving - one essential skill you develop when climbing is the ability to adapt to changing situations. On each route, we are constantly faced with choices; climb a little to the right? or left? Should I smear or try a high foot?. The beauty of rock climbing is that every route is different and over time we develop the ability to make split second decisions in order to stay on the wall. It helps builds resilience and perseverance, enabling you to face challenges head on with confidence and find innovative solutions when met with adversity.

Extracts from The Professional Mountaineer magazine (Spring 2024), Climbing Makes Us Feel Good!, Author: Stuart Burns. (With many thanks, I thought your article was worded wonderfully!)

This is not professional therapy, and I am not a qualified practitioner.

This session offers therapy through the act of climbing - which means that the experience of climbing speaks for itself. I am an adventurous activity guide that can lend a listening ear.

We can talk through your fears and anxieties that relate to climbing, there are parallels in climbing to ‘real-life’ lessons, and these can be reflected upon in a positive and encouraging environment.

I have just begun a psychology and counselling degree. Until I am qualified, accredited and insured, I must make it clear that this is not professional therapy.

But I can listen, human to human, this is something I have been doing as an Activity Instructor for years, it’s amazing what people tell their guides when they’re in adventurous situations that feels like there is real hazards to life!

Indoor sessions must be a minimum of 2 hours and outdoor sessions must be a minimum of 3 hours, however you can request to book for as many hours as you’d like.

Indoors - Haverfordwest Leisure Centre or Overhang Climbing Centre in Carmarthen

Outdoors; there are a number of suitable venues around Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire

Please state your location and how far you are willing to travel in the enquiry form and I can work out a suitable location that works for both of us

Indoors - £35 for the first hour, £25 per hour thereafter, plus climbing wall entry fee. Minimum of 2 hours must be booked.

Outdoors - £55 for the first hour, £45 per hour thereafter. Outdoor sessions must be a minimum of 3 hours, and time begins and ends at the outdoor venue meeting place, unless stated otherwise.