Virtual Reality Therapy
Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a form of exposure therapy that uses technology. Exposure therapy seeks to help decrease the intensity of the stress responses you might have to situations, thoughts, or memories which provoke anxiety or fear.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
One of the best ways to manage your anxiety is to face it. Virtual reality exposure treatment (VRET) is a technology-based form of exposure therapy. Exposure therapy aims to help you reduce the severity of your stress reactions to circumstances, ideas, or memories that cause worry or fear. Using a VR headset, you are exposed to your triggers in a controlled and safe environment.
Studies such as the “Experiential Cognitive Therapy in the Treatment of Panic Disorders with Agoraphobia” or the “Virtual reality exposure therapy for anxiety and related disorders”, have shown the effectiveness of VRET to treat anxiety and specific phobias such as agoraphobia, amaxophobia, fear of heights, public speaking, fear of flying, etc. Studies reveal that VRET is also effective posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder (PD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Benefits of VRET:
- Exposure to feared situations in a safe, controlled manner without leaving your home or office.
- Increased confidentiality, convenience and safety as you are receiving treatment from the comfort of your home or office.
- It helps you confront your fears gradually, and safely with the professional support of your psychologist.
- You may notice a faster improvement than traditional therapies.
- Imagining your fears or situations that cause you anxiety is not necessary.
- Virtual environments can be adapted to your needs.
- VRET is the perfect technology to help you work on breathing and relaxation techniques.
- It helps increase focus, memory, and social skills.
- Very effective and safe for children as VR can help enhance the sense of reality and presence without them being exposed to actual danger.
- Patients may improve significantly more than those treated only with medication.
VRET can help you:
- Manage or eliminate driving fear (amaxophobia).
- Decrease or eliminate fear of heights, public speaking, and other specific phobias.
- lower stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Increase flow and well-being.
- Increase meditation, relaxation, and mindfulness.
Source: ameliavirtualcare.com
