Vertical Exposure: A Scoping Review of Bouldering Psychotherapy

Abstract

The rise in popularity and accessibility of rock climbing has inspired interest in therapeutic applications of climbing activities into mental health counseling. In this scoping review, we investigate current research on Bouldering Psychotherapy (BPT) and Climbing Therapy (CT) as structured clinical mental health interventions utilizing indoor climbing. Through the PRISMA-ScR methodology, we reviewed 12 empirical studies, each meeting specific inclusion requirements including direct involvement of mental health professionals, indoor rock climbing and evidence-based outcomes. Most studies occurred in Germany with a range of designs including pilot studies, randomized controlled trials, and a protocol design. We synthesize BPT and CT research across diverse therapeutic settings and discuss implications for counseling practice and future research.