0:00:02 > 0:00:04I'm in the Austrian Alps, about 1,900m up.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07It's beautiful, the fondue is excellent,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09but there are 3.5 million people in the UK
0:00:09 > 0:00:12who would not be happy at all to be up here.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15They are the people affected by acrophobia,
0:00:15 > 0:00:19an extreme and totally irrational fear of heights.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24Ah! I'm going to slip and fall over the edge.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26I can't do it. I can't.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29I'm in danger from my legs collapsing.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31I think I could fall through there.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34But can you cure somebody with an extreme phobia
0:00:34 > 0:00:38by exposing them to the thing they fear the most...
0:00:38 > 0:00:40in ever-increasing doses?
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- Look how high it is. - Oh, my Lord! No!
0:00:46 > 0:00:49There is a treatment that can help.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51It's called exposure therapy.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53It's not as rude as it sounds.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Look to the right.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Now a leading Oxford University psychologist...
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Just throw yourselves against the front of the glass.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04..is going to attempt to cure five people
0:01:04 > 0:01:06with severe height phobias.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11Making them confront their fears head-on as a group.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13They're going to set off on an epic adventure
0:01:13 > 0:01:14from here in the Alps...
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Oh! I'm going to close my eyes!
0:01:16 > 0:01:18No, no, keep them open.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20..to the Middle East.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Home to the world's tallest building.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Welcome to the Palace of Dreams.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29We'll measure breathing and heart rates
0:01:29 > 0:01:32to discover the effect that fear has on the body.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34- Oh, my gosh!- It went up to 144.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39So, which of our very brave volunteers is going to realise
0:01:39 > 0:01:42that actually, they do have a head for heights?
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Acrophobia, an extreme fear of heights,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56affects one in seven adults. But there is hope.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58For 17 years, Dr Jennifer Wild
0:01:58 > 0:02:00has been using a psychological technique
0:02:00 > 0:02:02to change individual lives.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Exposure therapy does what it says on the tin.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08It means confronting your worst fear
0:02:08 > 0:02:10and learning that nothing bad happens.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Now she's bringing five acrophobics together from around the country.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25It's tough to admit I've got a fear of heights.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27This is my Achilles heel.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30It's the elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Bridges, buildings, mountains.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36You name it, if it's high, I've probably got the fear there.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38I can't believe I have been like this for 40 years now.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42No two acrophobics are the same.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Each person's fear is unique and can be sparked by different things.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48For me to work with them,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51I need to get them into situations that trigger anxiety.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54People will discover that nothing dangerous happens
0:02:54 > 0:02:56and then their anxiety comes down.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59I'm not in control of myself or my feelings.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03There's something there that is making me scared.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07It affects my life in so many small ways.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10I should be able to overcome this and I can't.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16I feel like I'm getting beaten by it over and over again.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19I don't want to be that person.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24Hello, there.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26I think you must be
0:03:26 > 0:03:29five of the bravest people in Britain at the moment.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Quite big challenges facing you.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35But we are going to have, hopefully, some fun along the way.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38How are you feeling at this point in time, guys?
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- Nervous.- A bit nervous.- Mm.- Yeah.
0:03:42 > 0:03:4535-year-old Lee is an estate agent from Southampton.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49I'm struggling to be convinced by the whole thing.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53I find it hard to think we can just come along and just fix it.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56IT consultant Glen is 46.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59He's concerned he'll pass his fear on to his sons.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02I don't want them to think, "If Dad's scared, it must be dangerous.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- "I don't want to do it either." - That's really important.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- Because kids do what their parents do.- Absolutely.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Louise is 55 and works in Parliament.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Her fear triggered on a family holiday 40 years ago.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16My brother and I were going to walk over the Clifton Suspension Bridge
0:04:16 > 0:04:19and he thought it was great fun to let go of his big sister's hand.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22That's really where it started.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25To establish how severe each person's phobia is,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29Dr Wild wants to conduct a benchmark test. Climbing a flight of stairs.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32She picked this seven-storey staircase
0:04:32 > 0:04:36as its glass design confronts the group head-on with its height.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38This is our first port of call.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Come on in, don't be shy.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43Anybody feel like they can go up the staircase?
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- We're going to go up together. - We can do that.- Yeah?
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Right. I'll take the rear.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54There's a total of 234 stairs to the seventh floor.
0:04:54 > 0:04:59Each storey consists of 26 steps divided by a mezzanine.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05Focusing and moving freely because we don't need to hang on.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Every floor takes us 4m higher.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Pauline, there is no need to look down, so look up,
0:05:09 > 0:05:11look where you're going.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15Two storeys up, 19-year-old student nurse Jodie asks to stop.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20It doesn't really seem like a safe structure to me, this.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22I think I could fall through there.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26If you slipped? So tell me how you'd slip.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31If you do it like this. You're going up and then I go like that...
0:05:31 > 0:05:32And then my leg breaks.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36They wouldn't be designed like this
0:05:36 > 0:05:41if accidents were going to happen in the way that you're picturing.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45A cornerstone of exposure therapy is helping phobics recognise
0:05:45 > 0:05:48how illogical their thinking is and teaching them
0:05:48 > 0:05:50to use reason to fight it.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53It's actually quite difficult to put your leg through.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55What do you think of that?
0:05:55 > 0:05:57I still think I could fall through there.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02I would love to not have a problem with stairs.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10I feel really uncomfortable to be stood on them.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12I want to do anything but stand on them.
0:06:12 > 0:06:19I feel my heart beating faster, I get all panicky I breathe faster.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22It's just a really strong desire for me to get somewhere
0:06:22 > 0:06:23that I feel is safe.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28I feel so stupid.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31No, don't. Don't ever feel that. Honestly, take your time.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36This photograph shows Jodie on her fourth birthday
0:06:36 > 0:06:40next to the stairs that triggered her phobia.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42It's become more apparent to me
0:06:42 > 0:06:46as I've got older that it is actually an issue.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Fears are supposed to be something that are helpful to us,
0:06:50 > 0:06:52but mine isn't, at all.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55I want to do it.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- Good, good girl, you're doing brilliantly.- Great. OK?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Excellent.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Jodie's fears about staircases is a good example of how
0:07:06 > 0:07:08irrational these fears can become.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12She got the message so fast because she is young and the less
0:07:12 > 0:07:15of a habit it's become, the quicker it should be to crack.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- I want you to run up the last few stairs, please.- Come on, guys.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25That was scary. That was my scary bit.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- Jen, how many flights of steps up are we?- Three.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- So, we've done six actual groups of stairs?- Yep.
0:07:31 > 0:07:32- That's pretty good.- Yep.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37Glen's got leg-wobble, Pauline's got calf troubles, Louise, anything?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- I had Glen's wobbly legs. - Glen's wobbles.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Thanks very much, Glen. - You're welcome.- Lee?
0:07:42 > 0:07:44I feel quite emotional today, now.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46I feel like I just want to give everyone a big hug.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Bring it in, team - bring it in, bring it in.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Some people's fears are more deep-seated than others.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56That was quite clear in the benchmark test.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57It's not going to be an easy journey.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00It's going to be difficult to get them to come out of their shell
0:08:00 > 0:08:03and confront their fear.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06It's quite bowled me over, actually, meeting five people at the same
0:08:06 > 0:08:10time who do have a really, really extreme fear of heights.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13I'm just worried, because I know the challenges that face them,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16and believe you me, it's a bit more than a staircase with gaps in.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Removing the group from their everyday surroundings
0:08:25 > 0:08:27intensifies the treatment.
0:08:27 > 0:08:3248 hours later, we're 600 miles away in Austria.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Following the benchmark test in London, Dr Jen's designed
0:08:35 > 0:08:37a series of challenges.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38They don't know it yet,
0:08:38 > 0:08:42but we're headed for the Austrian town of Innsbruck,
0:08:42 > 0:08:49home to a funicular mountain railway and this, the Nordkette cable car,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53which climbs over 1,000m in just eight minutes.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57I've picked a cable car because it's enclosed,
0:08:57 > 0:08:59so in some ways, its similar to the staircase,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02but it's in motion and it goes to a much greater height.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11I worked in the travel industry for 27 years.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13I have been to the most amazing places
0:09:13 > 0:09:16and literally had to see them from the ground.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20I think you get so used to avoiding situations.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I would like to at last be able to overcome it.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27I'm here for my two children, I'm here for my wife.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29That's the motivation for me.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33If I'm being brutally honest, I'm sceptical that somebody might
0:09:33 > 0:09:34be able to get over this.
0:09:41 > 0:09:42It's 6am.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Here we are, we're in a ski resort, 500m above sea level,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51which is a whole different ball game, isn't it?
0:09:51 > 0:09:55A cable car, it's kind of wobbling around in a large glass
0:09:55 > 0:09:58bauble on a string, but not as fun as Christmas.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02This might seem like a big step, but thousands of people ski
0:10:02 > 0:10:04every weekend across Europe or they go hiking in the summer.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08It's a completely safe scenario and the group has to learn it's safe.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Before we set off, team medic Alex fits monitors to measure
0:10:13 > 0:10:16the group's breathing and heart rates.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18They'll wear them for the duration of the challenges.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Just focus on nice, calm, relaxing thoughts.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27The average resting heart rate is 72 beats per minute for adults.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Dr Jen will compare each person's base
0:10:29 > 0:10:33readings against their reactions to being placed under stress.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36The way the group is thinking,
0:10:36 > 0:10:40it's having an immediate impact on their heart and their body.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43If they can succeed in changing their thinking,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46they'll have a direct impact on what's going on in their bodies
0:10:46 > 0:10:48and their heart rate should come down.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00This feels like a radical step from cosy old London.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04I am a little bit concerned about our group.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Onwards, onwards.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09We saw how tricky it was tackling some stairs.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11I wouldn't be surprised if some of them
0:11:11 > 0:11:13don't even leave the starting gates.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19Challenge one is a climb of almost 300m on the funicular,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22the alpine equivalent to the London Underground.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23So just follow me.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Just checking you all go on.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30Think of it as Chessington World of Adventures, with a slight twist.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33This still offers the security of being enclosed by glass,
0:11:33 > 0:11:37however, it's a moving object and it's going to a far greater height.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Is everybody OK? - Oh, are we off?
0:11:42 > 0:11:46In eight minutes, we'll arrive at the base of the cable car.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49I'm going to be watching how they respond, who's finding it the most
0:11:49 > 0:11:53difficult and what deep-seated ideas they have about heights.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55One of the things that can keep us feeling anxious
0:11:55 > 0:12:00is picturing what's on the outside without actually looking at it.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04So it can make us imagine things are much higher than they actually are.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- Oh, look, look at this. - Glen, can you tell me what you see?
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Buildings, roads, like every other railway at the moment.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Viewpoint is a key exposure therapy strategy.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Resisting the urge to look away forces phobics to
0:12:20 > 0:12:21take in their surroundings.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26It's never as bad as they imagine.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29So we're going up a bit of a hill.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Oh, my Lord!
0:12:31 > 0:12:34No!
0:12:34 > 0:12:37This literally feels like we're on a roller coaster.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38Oh, I am going to close my eyes.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40No, no, Pauline - keep them open.
0:12:42 > 0:12:4561-year-old Pauline lives with her son in North London.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50I am a trained nurse, I'm also a teacher.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52I tend not to apply for a job that I have to work
0:12:52 > 0:12:54in a very high building.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- Look, there are people walking out there.- I know.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00The trees. How are you doing?
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Crumbling.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06In my head, I believe I'm going to fall, a hole is beneath my feet
0:13:06 > 0:13:10and I'm going to drop and I can't rationalise as to why.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Have you been on a train before? - Yes, I have.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18This is just like train, isn't it? It's just like a train.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21But a train doesn't go up a high mountain.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Lee, how are you doing? - All right.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- Just keeping focused.- What are you focusing on?- Outside.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35How are you doing, Jodie?
0:13:35 > 0:13:39I'm just looking at the view over there, it's amazing.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42We're going to get out here. You guys have done really well.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47In London, we made it 12m up the stairs.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54We're now 859m above sea level.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00It's pretty spectacular, guys, yeah? Thoughts? Feelings?
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- Cold.- Cold?
0:14:03 > 0:14:08I am here to do this activity and I need to do it.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12I don't think its how high we are - it's how safe it is that's the
0:14:12 > 0:14:13defining thing for me.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16I still don't feel completely comfortable.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20There's still something inside - just a little bit of panic.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Before attempting the cable car,
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Dr Jen needs to be sure everyone's fit to continue.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27How's everyone doing?
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Glen and Louise, their heart rate shot up as we went up the hill.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32It went up to 120.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Standing around, we'd expect it to be about 72,
0:14:35 > 0:14:39an athlete running, over 100 - so they went right up to 120.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42That's really suggesting they're very anxious.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- Look at this, Glen is at 100. - You know why it's at 100?
0:14:45 > 0:14:49He can't stop picturing something bad happening.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55I think my nemesis would be to go on a cable car.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59Just the thought of being high up with nothing underneath me
0:14:59 > 0:15:01just completely turns my stomach.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03I wouldn't do it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05How anxious do you feel right now?
0:15:05 > 0:15:08I am in danger of my legs collapsing.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Some of that is anticipation of what's coming next, as opposed
0:15:11 > 0:15:13to what's right now.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Glen's legs feel wobbly because his concern about the cable car
0:15:16 > 0:15:21has initiated a heightened state of anxiety called fight or flight.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24This response is a product of human evolution.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Glen feels attacked, which triggers an automatic reaction in his brain.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Adrenaline and hormones are fired into his system
0:15:31 > 0:15:35and blood diverts to his core muscles including his legs,
0:15:35 > 0:15:39to prepare his body to stay and fight or escape.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- Even though they feel weak, can you still move them?- Yes.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47Understanding that the body's reaction is positive rather than
0:15:47 > 0:15:50a sign of weakness should bring anxiety levels down.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54If we feel anxious, what actually happens is more blood goes
0:15:54 > 0:15:57to our muscles, so, actually, you can move them more.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00The next leg of this challenge is his worst nightmare
0:16:00 > 0:16:04and he's being really brave but he's not very happy about it.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14I have an oldest boy, Luke, who's nine, Simon, who's six.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18I feel sorry that the boys are missing out on fantastic
0:16:18 > 0:16:22opportunities in life because I have got this irrational fear.
0:16:22 > 0:16:27The possibility that I may overcome it is fantastic.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32A good strategy to combat fear is to focus on the hard evidence.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34I've arranged for an expert to come and talk to them
0:16:34 > 0:16:37about the structure of the cable car, what makes it such a safe form
0:16:37 > 0:16:39of transport.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Sebastian Larcher heads the team keeping the Nordkette running.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Have there been any accidents on this cable car?
0:16:46 > 0:16:50Cable cars are a very safe way to travel on a mountain.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Safer than a car or walking down the street.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56This cable car is hanging on a wire, isn't it?
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Like a bird cage.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01But the good thing is it's not windy today.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04This cable car has been operating for 85 years
0:17:04 > 0:17:07and there has never been any accident.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Glen, what do you think about that?
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Nervous. I'm quite a scientific person.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17If I could think of a reason as to why I was concerned,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21then at least I have some sense as to why I feel so scared.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24There's only gravity that holds it in place. Is that right?
0:17:25 > 0:17:31That's right, you see two cables. It just rests on top.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33There's nothing actually holding the cable, is there?
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- So you could actually lift off the cable?- If you were very strong, yes.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42I would never in a million years think about all that.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43He's thought everything through.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48He's got me worrying, actually.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Follow me.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- OK, how does it feel, everyone? - Unsteady.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Lift-off is in eight minutes, giving the group time to come to terms with
0:18:01 > 0:18:05the fact that they are about to travel 1,045m
0:18:05 > 0:18:07suspended in the air.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12Check how solid this is. Give it a bang.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14This is a battle with what's going on in their mind.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Getting them to focus on something, other than what they're feeling
0:18:17 > 0:18:19in their body or what might happen with the cable car,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21people learn that it's safe.
0:18:21 > 0:18:22What about jumping up and down?
0:18:24 > 0:18:26By showing them that nothing bad happens,
0:18:26 > 0:18:29they have more and more evidence that this thing they
0:18:29 > 0:18:32really fear is not actually dangerous.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36Nice move! '80s rave move there, Louise - great!
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- Is everyone up for it? Jodie? - Yep!- Louise, you up for it?
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- I'm ready.- Glen, you up for it? - Yes.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45D-day has arrived. Once the doors shut, we can't get off.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48Ugh!
0:18:53 > 0:18:57Feel free to cling on to the pole. Doors are closing.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Don't forget, hugs are here if you need them.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02The eight-minute ride is the first time
0:19:02 > 0:19:04the group have left terra firma.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- How will they react?- Hey, we're going. Here we go.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Oh, my God, that is beautiful!
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Look at those houses.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- You actually don't need to hang on. - No?
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- No, if you let go... - You're fine, Glen.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- I am trying not to...- You don't need to.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33There's a slight bump-age as we're going through
0:19:33 > 0:19:34the little tower-y bit.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- How are you?- I am nervous but I want to be positive about it.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50The cable car is not going to drop.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54It's me believing in my mind that I am going to drop.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56As we climb, so does Glen's pulse.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00At 130 beats per minute, it's an 80% increase from his
0:20:00 > 0:20:02resting rate of 72.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07So, I am wondering if we can all focus on Glen.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10What do you think is going to happen, worst-case scenario?
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Worst case scenario is that we could fall.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16OK. And what did we learn from Sebastian?
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- That the chance of falling is minute.- 0%?- Yes.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- Based on the statistics of the cable car, 0%.- Yes.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- How does that make you feel?- Better. It still doesn't stop wobbly legs.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35The group have endured it this far,
0:20:35 > 0:20:39but the treatment works by continually pushing them.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43We're going to start off by throwing ourselves against the front
0:20:43 > 0:20:45of this glass to show us that it's safe.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47We'll also have a look at your heart rate.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- Jodie, do you want to kick off? - Yep.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- How's that?- That's OK. The glass is really thick.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Great. Louise.
0:21:01 > 0:21:06- Wow! That was good.- No messing! No messing. It goes up a bit.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07OK, Pauline.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Oh!
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Lee.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17OK, so...
0:21:18 > 0:21:19Fantastic.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24It went up slightly, but not as much as Jodie's.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Weird sensation, that is. - Well done!
0:21:33 > 0:21:34OK, Glen.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40I have no doubt that I will be put into situations that will
0:21:40 > 0:21:41make me feel uneasy.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51If I thought there's a chance that the boys may take on my fear,
0:21:51 > 0:21:53then I would be mortified.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57If it gets worse, it would have an even bigger effect
0:21:57 > 0:21:58on my life and the life of my family.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01I'm definitely ready to crack on and get things sorted.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Glen, put your hands against it like that.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Great.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15The moment your hands made contact with the glass,
0:22:15 > 0:22:19your heart rate went up, major.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Anything bad? Any accidents happening?
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- Do you feel like you're going to go through the glass?- No.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27What about giving it more of your weight?
0:22:27 > 0:22:28So, really...
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- That's good, it's gone down. - Anything happen? Is it sturdy?
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Yes, sturdy, yes.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40I was so surprised. That caught me unawares.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46For the first time today, Glen's heart rate has dropped.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Look at that. You've gone down to 100, breathing 23.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54That's good. I am not quite as panicky as I think I am.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55Nearly there.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Eight minutes ago, we were below the clouds.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Now, we're almost 2km high.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06Glen achieving this is just a step towards beating his phobia,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09but, for now, Dr Jen wants he and the group
0:23:09 > 0:23:12to savour their big moment.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17The reason most people love coming up to a high place
0:23:17 > 0:23:20is so that they can enjoy the view.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24I want us all to turn towards the front.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27We don't need to grip anything for dear life...
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Sorry, I've just got to slightly un-grip Glen's hands.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34There we go, brilliant, well done.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42It's been hard to overcome that hurdle, that sort of first stage.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44That's something I thought I'd never ever do.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46I've still got the wobbly legs.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49I've still got the churny stomach, but I think Dr Jen has
0:23:49 > 0:23:53proven that we can, actually, overcome massive traumatic emotions.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58It's a huge step forward, a massive change.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00I am seeing a different Glen now. I just think
0:24:00 > 0:24:03he had a little bit of a light bulb moment, you know.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05He feels like he's achieved something today.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07I think now I'm getting a bit more belief
0:24:07 > 0:24:10that this is going to work, which is a big thing for me.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22For the treatment to have any chance of lasting success,
0:24:22 > 0:24:26Dr Jen needs to push the group further.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30So far, however high they've been, it's always been enclosed.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Now, they're about to be exposed to the elements.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37Crossing into Switzerland has them speculating about what's in store.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Looking out now, there's a lot of mountains, a lot of snow,
0:24:42 > 0:24:46so I am expecting it to be harder today than it was yesterday.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Just keep these four guys with me and then I'll be OK.
0:24:49 > 0:24:50They're turning into my safety blanket.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53That's really nice to hear that.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59You did a good job yesterday.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02We're headed for the breathtaking Salginatoble Bridge.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11Built in 1930, it's suspended 90m above the river.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Bridges are a part of everyday life. They're exposed to the
0:25:16 > 0:25:19elements and this is something I want the group to do on their own.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23Dr Jen knows this will trigger one person's phobia,
0:25:23 > 0:25:25but first, we've got to get there.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Wow, this is steep.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- There's no drop at the moment... - Apart from on the right.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31Except on the right.
0:25:35 > 0:25:36Oh, my God!
0:25:39 > 0:25:42It's OK, guys, it's just another car.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Did you see that? We nearly had a head-on collision.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47Oh, Lee, please stop saying these things.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Well, we did - we skidded.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52The driver has incredibly good control of the vehicle.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54We're going slowly.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57The roads are forgotten the second our destination
0:25:57 > 0:25:59swings into view.
0:25:59 > 0:26:00Where?
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Oh, my God.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05We have arrived, my loves.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Yes, that is what I thought it would be.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- Oh, my God!- That is exactly what I thought it would be like.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24I don't think I can even walk on the road to get to it.
0:26:27 > 0:26:32Just seeing the bridge has triggered Louise's fight or flight reaction.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34In an instant, the adrenaline has driven her heart rate
0:26:34 > 0:26:38up to 132 beats per minute.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42Louise, let's just stand and get some information, OK?
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Louise, look at me and keep your eyes open.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Tell me what's going through your mind.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50I don't even know.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53I can just see the edge.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55And I've got to walk along there to get to that bridge!
0:26:57 > 0:26:58OK.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02A typical rate of breathing is 15 inhalations per minute.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05But in her panic, Louise is snatching a breath
0:27:05 > 0:27:08every two seconds, worrying team medic Alex.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11She's going into the realms of hyperventilating.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Obviously, if her breathing starts to increase any more,
0:27:13 > 0:27:15I will have to step in and make an intervention.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17OK, thanks, Alex. Cheers.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23She's really shaking all over.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26I'm not sure if she is going to get anywhere near it, to be honest.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31I'm so terrified I'm going to slip and fall on the road
0:27:31 > 0:27:32and go over the edge.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38Louise's phobia originates from a family holiday to Bristol
0:27:38 > 0:27:39when she was just 12.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42SHE SOBS
0:27:42 > 0:27:45The Clifton Suspension Bridge incident was the catalyst
0:27:45 > 0:27:47to my fear of heights.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53I remember Mum and Dad dropping us off and giving my brother
0:27:53 > 0:27:57instructions that he must hold my hand as we walked across.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01He was securely holding my hand until literally halfway
0:28:01 > 0:28:05across the bridge and he just let go and ran off.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09I don't remember anything else. Just the terror of how I felt.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12Keep your eyes open.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14SHE SOBS
0:28:14 > 0:28:19It's OK. We're not going to let you go.
0:28:19 > 0:28:20It's OK.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23If I see the Clifton Suspension Bridge from a distance,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25it still makes my stomach lurch.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29If I suddenly found I was near that bridge, I would stop the car
0:28:29 > 0:28:32even if it was on a double yellow line, and I would get out.
0:28:32 > 0:28:33Can you tell me how different this is
0:28:33 > 0:28:36to when you were on the Clifton Suspension Bridge?
0:28:36 > 0:28:38It was so long ago. I just remember being completely terrified.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40But it actually feels worse than that.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42I've been avoiding high places for all these years,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45but probably without actually consciously thinking about it.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48There's always a way of not having to face the height.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- You're in control, Louise. It's not dangerous.- OK.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55So what we should do is jump. Good.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57Oh, that's better, isn't it?
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Do you think the answer to everything is jumping, Jen?
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- I think it might be! - I think it might be.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08OK, so your legs are moving, right? You can trust your legs, Louise.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12Now she's calmer, Dr Jen sets Louise a seemingly simple task,
0:29:12 > 0:29:14to cross the road.
0:29:14 > 0:29:15SHE GASPS
0:29:15 > 0:29:17That is brilliant.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20It's not a drop. But unless we get a little bit closer,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- we don't find that out. - Really good.
0:29:24 > 0:29:25Ah!
0:29:26 > 0:29:28SHE BREATHES HEAVILY
0:29:29 > 0:29:32You're moving away now, Louise, what's happening?
0:29:32 > 0:29:34SHE GROANS
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Ahhh! Boy! Phew!
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- I'm impressed. - Much more comfortable now.- Yeah.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50Each passing minute brings more clarity...
0:29:50 > 0:29:54I'm actually looking at a bridge, which is my nemesis.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56I'm still pretty nervous,
0:29:56 > 0:30:00but I feel nervous now, more than panicky and hysterical.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06It's been 43 years since I got this close to a bridge.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08Are you serious? Bring it on, man!
0:30:08 > 0:30:1143 years I've avoided coming anywhere near bridges.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13This is not Bristol!
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Here I come, bridge!
0:30:19 > 0:30:20SHE LAUGHS
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Louise, come on.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42My nemesis, I'm coming to get you!
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Good luck.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Every step Louise takes will contribute to a new
0:30:52 > 0:30:56positive experience with the power to undo her childhood trauma.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09- OK, shall we go?- Mmm!
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- Excellent.- I will be here.- OK.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- Oh, I'm feeling a bit wobbly, Jen. - OK, keep moving.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22- We're going to keep moving our legs, yeah.- OK.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- Jen, don't let me go.- No, no. Pick up the pace.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- Oh, now I'm getting nervous, Jen. - Pick up the pace. Excellent.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- Knees up.- Wonderful. Wonderful. Great.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37- She's over halfway there now.- Yeah, she's definitely over halfway now.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39- It's pretty cool, isn't it? - She's done it!
0:31:40 > 0:31:42You're doing great!
0:31:42 > 0:31:45Yeah, I'm not sure I can walk over it on my own, Jen.
0:31:45 > 0:31:46Great.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- OK.- It's pretty amazing what she's doing.- Remarkable, yeah.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54It is amazing. I didn't think she'd get that far.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Wooooh, go for it, Louise. You can do it!
0:31:57 > 0:32:0143 years of not walking over a bridge! Yeah!
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Woooh, I'm nearly there!
0:32:04 > 0:32:05Aha! I'm going to do it!
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Can you believe that's the same person that got off the bus?
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- I know.- Unbelievable.
0:32:14 > 0:32:15Wooooooh.
0:32:15 > 0:32:16SHE LAUGHS
0:32:16 > 0:32:17Does it make you feel better?
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Yeah, I'm like, if she can walk over that,
0:32:20 > 0:32:21then I've got to be able to do it.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23- Yeah.- Excellent.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Wooooh, I've done it!
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Yeah! I'm getting a head for heights!
0:32:28 > 0:32:31THEY LAUGH
0:32:31 > 0:32:36Oh, thank you, Jen. My God, I can't believe I've done it.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38Oh, that is amazing.
0:32:42 > 0:32:43SHE CHEERS
0:32:43 > 0:32:46She's dancing on the bridge!
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Well done! Well done!
0:32:50 > 0:32:53But has the experience had a positive physical effect?
0:32:53 > 0:32:55Your pulse rate was much lower,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58and your heart rate was significantly lower.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- What was it? - Heart rate was just under 100.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04- Really?! Wow. - You came off the bus 132.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- Is that what it was?- Yeah.- Really?
0:33:08 > 0:33:12Never, ever thought that was going to happen, genuinely.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16Seeing her as she got off the bus, I thought, no way.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Quite amazed, actually. She's nailed it, I think, I really do.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23I think this was immense for her.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27The last few hours have been exhausting,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30but no-one came here to spectate.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32In your own time, Pauline, good luck.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Doing really well.
0:33:39 > 0:33:44She's got that sort of real quiet determination to do things, Pauline.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52Oh, my God! I've done it! I can't believe it. I've done it.
0:33:52 > 0:33:53- Well done.- Yeah!
0:33:53 > 0:33:57Usually, I'm walking like Bugs Bunny, like this, across the bridge.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- That is what I have done before in the past.- You did so well, though.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- Oh, my goodness.- I felt good that I've actually done it on my own.
0:34:03 > 0:34:04Who's next?
0:34:07 > 0:34:10I think he will be OK. He is confident, isn't he?
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Oh, he is looking good, he is looking good.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- I am not going to look over the edge, I have decided.- OK.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19But I can walk over it.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Done it.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27Yeah, that was, um, worse than I thought it was going to be.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Standing over here, I think, the more we become used to it.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Definitely. Do you feel better that you have acclimatised?
0:34:33 > 0:34:35I feel better you have gone across.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37LAUGHTER
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Halfway across, Glen hits a wall.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02His fight or flight response has triggered, making him feel unstable.
0:35:02 > 0:35:03Do your legs feel wobbly?
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Yes, I feel as if though I am falling over,
0:35:05 > 0:35:08looking at the ground over here I have a sort of faint reference.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11If I look out I feel as though I might fall over.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14When you're anxious, you are stronger than you would be
0:35:14 > 0:35:17at any other time, more blood has gone to your core
0:35:17 > 0:35:20because of the adrenaline in your body and more blood has gone
0:35:20 > 0:35:23to your major muscles meaning that they're stronger.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26You are not going to fall over. In fact, you could run faster.
0:35:29 > 0:35:30Nearly there, Glen.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35So nearly there, Glen.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Ohhh. I thought that would be so easy and it wasn't.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43- You've done it! - It wasn't, it wasn't.- OK, OK.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46- What happened?- I thought that would be really, really easy. - Lee did, as well.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Definitely not very happy and even now I can't look that way.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56'It's one of those times where my fear of heights has caught me out.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59'It took me completely by surprise. I feel immensely frustrated.
0:35:59 > 0:36:00'I have lost some confidence
0:36:00 > 0:36:04'and I'm concerned that I don't have the strength to carry out
0:36:04 > 0:36:07'the next tasks. I'm worried that I will now give up too easily.'
0:36:09 > 0:36:10Come on, son.
0:36:12 > 0:36:13She's brilliant, isn't she?
0:36:17 > 0:36:19'My whole way of thinking is really different.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23'Even when I looked over the side I was just waiting to get scared
0:36:23 > 0:36:24'and it didn't come.'
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- It's like a different person, isn't it?- Absolutely amazing.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31- It's the pocket rocket! - Yes, absolutely incredible!
0:36:31 > 0:36:34'I'm not even thinking about whether things are safe or not now,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37'that's just not crossing into my mind.'
0:36:37 > 0:36:38Here she comes, well done!
0:36:38 > 0:36:41ALL CHEER How do you feel? That was fantastic.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44I feel like I have really made a breakthrough... I feel
0:36:44 > 0:36:48like there has been a wall there and I feel like I have broken through it
0:36:48 > 0:36:52I am absolutely freezing. I don't know about anyone else.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Ohhh, that's good!
0:36:54 > 0:36:57- LAUGHTER - Oh, lovely, lovely, lovely...
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Seeing Louise today completely freak out...
0:37:01 > 0:37:03I don't want to be in those shoes.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07That could happen if the stakes are raised to the point where
0:37:07 > 0:37:08I can't keep control any more.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12The Alpine heights - we can tick those boxes.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17What is next, Jen? For goodness' sake, have we not had enough?
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Well, the nature of the therapy is to ramp it up a notch, give them
0:37:20 > 0:37:23more challenging situations so they can really knock their fear
0:37:23 > 0:37:25on its head.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28ARABIAN MUSIC
0:37:28 > 0:37:30We've left the Alps far behind us
0:37:30 > 0:37:35and travelled almost 3,000 miles to the United Arab Emirates -
0:37:35 > 0:37:40a former desert bristling with some of the world's tallest buildings.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44Now, it's not just how high the group can go but for how long?
0:37:44 > 0:37:47They look a lot taller when you get closer to them.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48They look huge.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51I've got leather boots and woolly socks on which is not
0:37:51 > 0:37:53the best thing in this weather!
0:37:53 > 0:37:55I'm a bit worried that I'm running on adrenaline
0:37:55 > 0:37:57and that's going to get me in trouble.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01They're headed here - the 33-storey Capital Gate Hotel.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07An 18-degree tilt
0:38:07 > 0:38:11makes it the furthest-leaning habitable structure in the world.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Oh, my days!
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Jens, we couldn't be further away from the Alps
0:38:18 > 0:38:20if we possibly tried.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23I think it's going to be a challenge for them now.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25The Alpine bridge was a step in the right direction
0:38:25 > 0:38:29but now Dr Jen wants to test their determination by making them
0:38:29 > 0:38:32work at height - waiting tables on the 18th floor.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- This is going to feel like hell... - Oh, yes.- ..for them.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- Isn't it?- This is going to be... - On all sides, there's glass.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44As you say it's a balcony, which a lot of them
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- have problems with anyway.- Yes. - And it's how many metres up?
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- 75m up.- 75m up.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53What are you doing? This is ridiculously hard.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57I can't even see the top, can't even see the top.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03ALL: Hello!
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- How are you? Are you all right? - Hello. Welcome to the palace of dreams!
0:39:07 > 0:39:09It makes the Leaning Tower of Pisa
0:39:09 > 0:39:12look like a small child's climbing frame.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Everything we've done right now has been short bursts.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19And it's important that they are in a situation long enough to
0:39:19 > 0:39:21discover they can carry out a task at a height
0:39:21 > 0:39:22and nothing bad happens.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Welcome to the 18th floor.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28So, guys, I know some of you have lost jobs
0:39:28 > 0:39:30because you haven't been able to work at a height.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34What you are actually here to do is to wait tables.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39- I've got five aprons for each of you.- Thank you.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41All of the group, in turn,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44must serve the terrace for 30 minutes.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48Go for it, Lee.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51The live readout from the heart monitors means anyone
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- struggling with the height...- Hello.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55..won't be able to hide it.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58I've got some lovely lemon iced-tea or some berry iced-tea.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Sorry, I'm just quite close to the edge right now,
0:40:02 > 0:40:04just concentrate on pouring this out.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07The drop has an immediate effect on Lee's heart rate.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09There you go.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12It's these tables that are the real fear.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Which drink would you like to go for, the berry or the lemon iced-tea?
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- Oh, my God! - It went up to 144, 149.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Oh, my days!
0:40:20 > 0:40:22'It's a heart rate we'd normally associate with
0:40:22 > 0:40:25'Lee doing strenuous exercise.'
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Oh, damn! Sorry.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29How's it going?
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Good, starting to relax a bit more now.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34Got some lovely appetisers here for you.
0:40:34 > 0:40:3820 minutes in, Lee's BPM drops down to under 100.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40Dive in. Enjoy.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43He's really focusing on the job rather than his fear.
0:40:43 > 0:40:44Did you notice? He went
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- right up to the glass and smiling.- Yeah.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49I'm literally gunning for a tip at the moment.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53The whole height thing has just completely had to take a back seat.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55Some appetisers there for you.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57I've got to get back to my service!
0:40:57 > 0:41:00- That's good it's a result, isn't it? - It's an excellent result.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- He's working at a height.- Fist bump, Jen, come on, fist bump me.
0:41:03 > 0:41:04Lovely.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- Louise, there we go, my love.- How many tables am I serving, actually?
0:41:07 > 0:41:09There are four tables.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Would you like a little morsel?
0:41:12 > 0:41:14I'd love a morsel, thank you.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17No messing. I am quite surprised, Jen.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Are you? No messing! She went right up!
0:41:20 > 0:41:21SHE CHUCKLES
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- Table of three, Louise, off you go. - Table of three, here I go.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28To be honest with you I thought she wasn't even going to make it out the door.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30SHE LAUGHS
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Would you like me to take your empty plates?
0:41:34 > 0:41:35But, I don't feel frightened.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- You'll be brilliant.- Thank you.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42HE EXHALES
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Glen seems pretty anxious to me.
0:41:44 > 0:41:45Kept thinking about
0:41:45 > 0:41:49putting his feet on the balcony and not feeling safe.
0:41:49 > 0:41:50MEL SIGHS
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- Good afternoon.- Hello.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56It's still very unnerving trying to stay focused on what I am doing.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Oops, sorry.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01And not thinking about the really silly things that might happen.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Oops.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05Sorry. Thank you.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10That end it really does feel you are suspended over nothing.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12With glass all round.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15That's that demon table at the end, isn't it?
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- That's the really scary one.- Yes.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- Hi!- ALL: Hi!
0:42:21 > 0:42:23Would you like some berry iced-tea?
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Do you think, Jen, this is the task that we are really seeing them
0:42:28 > 0:42:30actually overcoming their fear of heights?
0:42:30 > 0:42:34We are really seeing how their mind is affecting their body.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38Jodie is the first to push herself that step further.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42Hi, Jodie! You have been up here for ages.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45It seems to be better the longer I stay here.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47MEL EXHALES
0:42:47 > 0:42:48You are doing brilliantly.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54Inspired, Glen attempts to follow Jodie.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Go for it, you are doing it brilliantly.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59No!
0:42:59 > 0:43:00OK, got to do it.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Got to do it.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06'I underestimated how hard it was going to be.
0:43:06 > 0:43:07'I realised I couldn't do it.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09'I need to overcome this fear.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12'I don't want my boys to see their dad being a coward.'
0:43:12 > 0:43:15Got to overcome it, got to overcome it.
0:43:15 > 0:43:16OK.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18Well done.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22Have a look over there, as well. All the twinkling lights.
0:43:23 > 0:43:25HE EXHALES
0:43:31 > 0:43:33BREATHES HEAVILY
0:43:33 > 0:43:34Well done.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38You stood on the edge for ages.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40- You did it!- Yeah.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43- That is bold.- You were so determined to do it and you managed it.
0:43:43 > 0:43:4618 floors up, Glen.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48Piece of glass, boom, he's up there.
0:43:48 > 0:43:49LAUGHTER
0:43:49 > 0:43:51It's silly, isn't it, it's crazy.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- Big ice cream, guys, come on. - Big ice cream.- Yes.
0:43:54 > 0:43:55Let's do it, big ice cream.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57And a beer, a beer might be coming on!
0:44:04 > 0:44:05It's our final day together,
0:44:05 > 0:44:10and later on the group will face the ultimate height challenge.
0:44:10 > 0:44:14But first, Dr Jen is concerned that one person has buried his fear
0:44:14 > 0:44:17so deep - that he's yet to fully tackle it.
0:44:17 > 0:44:22It's my biggest secret so nobody knows about it other than my wife
0:44:22 > 0:44:23and, probably, my mum.
0:44:23 > 0:44:28That's going to be the barrier, letting myself go. Trusting someone.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33Right, here we all are, yeah. Shall we go in?
0:44:33 > 0:44:35- Let's go in.- Come on.
0:44:35 > 0:44:39'Strong characters can appear to be in control of their phobia.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41'But containing it just masks the fear -
0:44:41 > 0:44:45'so when it does surface it's all the more shocking.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48It's really important for me that Lee is not hiding behind the group.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51And that he has an experience where he feels anxious
0:44:51 > 0:44:53and I can do some one-on work with him.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55He hates diving boards.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57So it's crucial that I single Lee out
0:44:57 > 0:44:59to get to the crux of his anxiety.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- JODIE:- Oh, my God, what are we doing?
0:45:02 > 0:45:04Who's going to be diving?
0:45:04 > 0:45:05LEE: Not me.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10OK, so we are here, it's not a huge height
0:45:10 > 0:45:13but this is something that some of you may want to work on.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16In particular, Lee. I want to do some work with you today.
0:45:17 > 0:45:19How do you feel about that, Lee?
0:45:19 > 0:45:21I'm not happy really, to be honest with you.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24I always said I didn't want to come back to the diving board.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33About a year, 18 months ago we did a team-building exercise
0:45:33 > 0:45:35with some of my staff.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38We thought, "Right, let's go down to the swimming baths
0:45:38 > 0:45:40"and we'll jump off the diving boards."
0:45:40 > 0:45:43Jumped off the first board and went on to the second one.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48And all of a sudden I start feeling that my mouth
0:45:48 > 0:45:51is getting really dry and I'm getting a bit anxious.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56I jumped.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59And I came up a broken person, to be honest.
0:45:59 > 0:46:02I'm not doing it. I'm not doing it
0:46:02 > 0:46:05I'll say eclipse now, that's it.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08I can't do it! I can't. I can't do it.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11Eclipse is the safe word we agreed would only be used
0:46:11 > 0:46:13when someone was sure they wanted to stop.
0:46:13 > 0:46:17Look, you've done so well. I know exactly how you feel.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23- Sounds like you are really thinking about what happened before. - Yeah, I am.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26- I really want you to focus on now, where you are now.- I can't.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29I literally felt like I had a near-death experience.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33Not physically but mentally. I can't take that again.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35But if we don't try to change this memory that you have
0:46:35 > 0:46:37it's always going to be there.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45HE SOBS
0:46:45 > 0:46:47He said he was broken after it happened.
0:46:47 > 0:46:50- He has told us about it before and...- Yeah.
0:46:50 > 0:46:52He's not going to be forced to do anything that he doesn't
0:46:52 > 0:46:54really want to do.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00I haven't cried since the last time I was at a diving board.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02Yeah. You're looking at a diving board
0:47:02 > 0:47:04and you're thinking exactly what happened before,
0:47:04 > 0:47:07and you're saying that exact same thing is going to happen now
0:47:07 > 0:47:09and you're not testing it out.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Our fears make us upset. They make us really scared.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15Until you can do a diving board, you are not really over
0:47:15 > 0:47:16your fear of heights.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22I need to try and sort this out.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24I need to get back on track.
0:47:24 > 0:47:28You can't let something control you like this.
0:47:28 > 0:47:29How am I going to live with myself
0:47:29 > 0:47:32if my son starts getting this fear of heights as well
0:47:32 > 0:47:33and it's my fault?
0:47:33 > 0:47:36So that's why I need to deal with it now.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46I can't even look at them.
0:47:50 > 0:47:54What I am wondering is if we can get changed and go for a swim.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56Yeah.
0:47:56 > 0:47:58Can we do that?
0:47:58 > 0:47:59- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02OK, let's get changed.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11Is it too far, Jen, do you think, to take Lee into the pool?
0:48:11 > 0:48:13Cos he's has had such a traumatic experience,
0:48:13 > 0:48:16it's really important to distinguish between what happened then,
0:48:16 > 0:48:18which was horrific, and what's happening now,
0:48:18 > 0:48:22- which is very different. - Lee, you are doing brilliantly.
0:48:23 > 0:48:26Let's do one each. I'll go on this one.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30HE EXHALES DEEPLY
0:48:32 > 0:48:33HE SIGHS
0:48:33 > 0:48:35Oh, my God.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46HE EXHALES DEEPLY
0:48:51 > 0:48:54CHEERING
0:48:58 > 0:49:02We're are proud of our team, the A team.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04That was good.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11Thanks for helping me do that.
0:49:11 > 0:49:13- It was good. - You're very welcome.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20Repeatedly facing something you're frightened of,
0:49:20 > 0:49:22the less hold it has over you.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28APPLAUSE
0:49:28 > 0:49:29CHEERING
0:49:31 > 0:49:33Come on, group hug. Oh...
0:49:33 > 0:49:37That was more exciting than watching Tom Daley at the Olympics, Lee.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39ALL TALK OVER EACH OTHER
0:49:39 > 0:49:41- Wet hugs.- That was hectic.
0:49:41 > 0:49:42You've got a nice big smile.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46- You've got the Lee smile back. - I enjoyed the last one.
0:49:46 > 0:49:48It felt a bit touch and go, Jen, at times.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50I'm sure you felt it as well, but...
0:49:50 > 0:49:53Now, when he goes to a pool, he's going to have two memories.
0:49:53 > 0:49:55He's going to have the old one, where he had no support,
0:49:55 > 0:49:59and the new one, where he did something that was really successful.
0:49:59 > 0:50:01When Lee's teeth disappear, you know you are in trouble.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04Now they're out again. All is well.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07I don't think I would have done that without Jen's help,
0:50:07 > 0:50:10so I owe her a lot really. She's amazing.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14I am getting a bit emotional saying it.
0:50:16 > 0:50:20You might not think it but I feel really positive.
0:50:24 > 0:50:27Two weeks ago in London, these five extreme acrophobics made it
0:50:27 > 0:50:30just 12m up a stairwell.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33Now they're going to be given an opportunity to accomplish
0:50:33 > 0:50:35something slightly bigger.
0:50:37 > 0:50:41Guys, I can reveal to you that we well be going up the Burj.
0:50:41 > 0:50:42- Wow.- Really?- Yes.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45That's the tallest building in the world.
0:50:45 > 0:50:46No, we can't go up that.
0:50:46 > 0:50:52The 828m Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55Can the group use the strategies they have learned and climb it,
0:50:55 > 0:50:58or will it be mission impossible?
0:51:02 > 0:51:04Unbelievable!
0:51:04 > 0:51:05I can't actually see the top.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09You don't do things by halves, Jen, do you?
0:51:17 > 0:51:19- How are you feeling? Are you ready to do this?- Yeah.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21Louise, do you want to come with me?
0:51:23 > 0:51:25I can't believe I'm going first.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28Two lifts stand between us and the highest private viewing
0:51:28 > 0:51:30terrace on the 152nd floor.
0:51:30 > 0:51:34For this first stage, Dr Jen will accompany Louise,
0:51:34 > 0:51:37who's suddenly feeling anxious, but the rest must go it alone.
0:51:38 > 0:51:41Louise.
0:51:41 > 0:51:43Bye.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47This elevator climbs at a rate of ten metres per second.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50So, what we don't want to do is focus on any sensation.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53- Like on the bridge. - Do you want to jump?
0:51:53 > 0:51:56I jumped first in the lift!
0:51:56 > 0:51:58I love looking at that thing going up.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00It actually feels really solid, doesn't it?
0:52:00 > 0:52:02We're here.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04I can't believe it.
0:52:04 > 0:52:11First stop, the 123rd floor, almost five times the height of Big Ben.
0:52:11 > 0:52:13Ooh, I've never been this high in my life.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17My God, this is a first. Boy!
0:52:17 > 0:52:20I never thought I would do this. My God.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24ELEVATOR DINGS
0:52:24 > 0:52:25Yay!
0:52:25 > 0:52:26Hello.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28Oh, my God.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32- Wow.- Congratulations.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34Look how high it is.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38- It's good. I made it. - Congratulations.- Thank you.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41- HE EXHALES DEEPLY - That's amazing, isn't it?
0:52:41 > 0:52:43SHE LAUGHS
0:52:45 > 0:52:49Each of the group now understand how their bodies react to heights.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52They're using the strategy of viewpoint, reason
0:52:52 > 0:52:57and distraction to control their reaction to being 450m up.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00What a view. Absolutely amazing.
0:53:00 > 0:53:04- That is just unbelievable really. - Oh, my God.
0:53:04 > 0:53:09Stage two is a further 138-metre climb to the outdoor terrace
0:53:09 > 0:53:11on the 152nd floor.
0:53:11 > 0:53:13This is cosy.
0:53:13 > 0:53:17We're going the highest we will ever get to go in a building together.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20If anybody guffs now, there will be words.
0:53:20 > 0:53:22LAUGHTER
0:53:29 > 0:53:32WIND WHISTLES
0:53:34 > 0:53:35- OK.- Here we are.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38We're now almost twice the height of Britain's
0:53:38 > 0:53:40tallest building, the Shard.
0:53:41 > 0:53:43Oh, you can see the sea!
0:53:43 > 0:53:44That is absurd.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47'Before we make our bid for the terrace,
0:53:47 > 0:53:49'Dr Jen had some vital statistics to reveal.
0:53:51 > 0:53:54'Louise's most anxious moment was the alpine bridge.
0:53:56 > 0:54:01'In fight or flight mode, her heart soared to 132 beats per minute.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05'So how has she fared at the world's tallest building?'
0:54:05 > 0:54:08Your average heart rate, here at the Burj, 92.
0:54:08 > 0:54:12- Whoa!- That's pretty good, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:54:12 > 0:54:16Jody peaked back in London on the second flight of stairs.
0:54:16 > 0:54:20- The Burj, your average heart rate... - 78.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23You are better at heights than you are on the ground now.
0:54:23 > 0:54:26The mountain railway provoked 102 beats per minute from Pauline.
0:54:26 > 0:54:28Oh, I've got to close my eyes.
0:54:28 > 0:54:31And your average today, here at the Burj, has been 74.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34- SHE GASPS - Quite a difference.- Wow.
0:54:34 > 0:54:35Isn't that amazing?
0:54:35 > 0:54:37I can't... I can't.
0:54:37 > 0:54:41Lee's hit 156 beats per minute at the diving board.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43- Here at the Burj, 76.- 76.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45LAUGHTER
0:54:45 > 0:54:50Glen's nemesis the cable car pushed his to 148 beats per minute.
0:54:50 > 0:54:53Your average, here at the Burj, 86.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56- That's not bad. - Really good.- Yeah.- Really good.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58You're thinking differently
0:54:58 > 0:55:02and it's having a direct impact on your heart and the rest of your body.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05Now just one final challenge remains.
0:55:05 > 0:55:06Oh, my lordy.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08Whoever wants to go out, go out.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18Yes.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21I can even look over.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26Wow. Get your head over the top.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29- LAUGHTER - Whoa! I think I might stay here.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32At least I'm outside. But can you believe it?
0:55:32 > 0:55:34152 feet up.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37I'm not as brave as others, but I'm actually outside.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39Woo.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52Don't you think it's amazing that we're up the tallest
0:55:52 > 0:55:54- building in the world? - SHE LAUGHS
0:55:54 > 0:55:55And we're just having a chat.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58I'm comfortable to be here now, and I'm enjoying the view,
0:55:58 > 0:56:00and it's a good experience.
0:56:00 > 0:56:03I'm glad you had my back out there. You were looking out for me.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06I'm still expecting myself to be scared.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09It's really weird for me cos I get here and it does shock me
0:56:09 > 0:56:11how normal it actually is for me.
0:56:11 > 0:56:15If you look to the right, there's quite a strong metal structure.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18Can you move your legs?
0:56:21 > 0:56:23- Great.- Well done, Glen.
0:56:23 > 0:56:25Well done.
0:56:25 > 0:56:26Yeah, it's much better.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30It feels surreal for me
0:56:30 > 0:56:33to be standing on top of the world's tallest building.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36Two weeks ago I couldn't even do three floors.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38- SHE LAUGHS - 150 floors up!
0:56:38 > 0:56:42That is absurd. That is absurd.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44I've had my phobia for 43 years.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47Goodness knows why I didn't do something about it before.
0:56:47 > 0:56:52- Glen, you are a legend. Look at you. - Glen is a total lege.
0:56:52 > 0:56:54I feel ecstatic, absolutely ecstatic.
0:56:54 > 0:56:57I mean, I'm terrified as well, but absolutely fantastic.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00The very first thing I'll do is speak to my boys
0:57:00 > 0:57:01and we'll book a trip up the shard.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05This is one more step towards me being a better dad for them.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08Guys, we're on top of the world. CHEERING
0:57:08 > 0:57:12'Never in my wildest dreams have I ever thought of coming up so high.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14'It's such an achievement for me.'
0:57:14 > 0:57:17I'll just... I'll do one foot at a time.
0:57:17 > 0:57:21- Mock the fear.- Mock the fear.
0:57:21 > 0:57:25I've overcome a fear that has haunted me for the last 20 or
0:57:25 > 0:57:27so years, which is amazing for me.
0:57:27 > 0:57:29It's been epic. It's been a journey.
0:57:29 > 0:57:32It's been every other cliche I can try and imagine.
0:57:32 > 0:57:35And I can't wait to get home, back with my wife and my kids,
0:57:35 > 0:57:38and go and practice all the things that I've learnt.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40I don't have to be afraid of it any more.
0:57:40 > 0:57:43CHEERING