Scared of heights? How virtual reality can help people overcome their phobias

Tapestry53:52Virtual therapy made real

Fay Nugent’s fear of escalators had become so debilitating it was starting to interfere with her day-to-day life. 

The U.K.-based project manager, 52, can remember the phobia starting as a fear of heights. She recalls being in her early 30s and on a weekend getaway with some friends. 

“We decided as part of this weekend to do some adventure activities, which involved climbing up a pole and then walking out across ropes at different heights,” she told CBC Radio’s Tapestry. 

When it came time to walk across the rope, however, Nugent couldn’t do it. She froze in fear. After that, whenever