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Treating Phobias In A Safe Space
Virtual Reality is an effective tool in the treatment of many types of phobias (airplanes, animals, enclosed spaces, driving, insects, etc.). Combined with principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, VR software is used to create customized scenarios and treatment plans. The environments are designed to enhance phobogenic situations. This approach allows for accessibility to the objects, environments, and situations a patient might encounter and gives the patient the opportunity to work on their specific phobia in a safe, controlled environment.
Benefits
- Allows the patient to try the therapy without as much anxiety.
- Confidentiality for the patient (treatment in private space vs. public)
- The therapist can carefully control the situation and adjust the level(s) of exposure.
- Sessions can be repeated multiple times until triggers are reduced or eliminated.
Treatment of Phobias in VR
Phobias: How Virtual Reality Is Being Used To Treat Phobias
Luke Hines heads to the Sydney Phobia Clinic to discover how virtual reality is being used to help patients face and treat their biggest fears.
(Courtesy of The House of Wellness)
Phobias: A Look Into How Technology Is Looking To Meet The Moment.
A VICE News correspondent takes us on a journey to Look at the latest VR tech in combatting phobias and perhaps to find relief for his fear of heights.
(Courtesy of The VICE News/HBO)