Get a Grip

Climbing pushes us to our limits – physically and mentally. Fear, self-doubt, comparison and the need for belonging shape not only the way we climb, but the way we live. In Get a Grip, climbing coach Louis Parkinson and psychotherapist Joel Robertson draw on their years of experience in coaching and therapy to explore eleven of the most common psychological challenges that climbers face. From self-worth and body image, to mindfulness, fear, relationships and the critical inner voice, they offer a thoughtful and practical guide to understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. Rather than presenting a rigid formula for success or a perfect mindset to aspire to, Get a Grip encourages curiosity, reflection and self-compassion. Using first-hand accounts, ideas, discussion and practical exercises, you are invited to explore your own emotional landscape and discover new ways of approaching both climbing and life. Whether you’re projecting your hardest route, rebuilding confidence after a setback or simply trying to enjoy climbing more fully, Get a Grip offers a path towards greater resilience, freedom, connection and joy – on and off the wall.