Virtual Reality Therapy
How much of life do you miss due to fear?
Phobias can trigger worry and anxiety states that worsen the quality of life. They can also trigger avoidance behaviours that in time could be confused with your own personality traits and restrict your life. When untreated, the possibility of developing new phobias and anxiety disorders is increased.
I completely understand how poor mental health can have an extremely negative impact on an individual’s life. I am constantly striving to find ways of improving my clients’ health and wellbeing so, as well as being able to offer traditional methods of treatment, I am now also able to offer Virtual Reality Therapy as another effective treatment.
Free yourself from phobias and anxiety using Virtual Reality.
Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) is revolutionising our approach to how we treat mental health.
The world Health Organisation has reported that one in four people will be affected by mental or neurological issues during the course of their lifetime. Currently worldwide over 400 million people are experiencing such conditions.
Poor mental health is a major factor in ill health and disability, although over the years how we treat mental health has improved significantly. The overall number of people reporting mental health problems has been going up with common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression being amongst them.
In the United Kingdom alone millions of workdays are lost each year due to mental health problems, costing employers over a staggering £2 billion per year.
With the rise in poor mental health, we have to look at alternative treatments. Mental health professionals are always looking at new ways of treating poor mental health.
With the advancement in technology it was a foregone conclusion that there would also be an improvement in how we treat mental health. So, in time, Virtual Reality Therapy was born.
25 years of scientific studies support the results of this technology for the treatment of multiple disorders.
How does it work?
VRT works by using specially programmed computers, visual immersion devices and artificially created environments to give the patient a simulated experience that can be used to diagnose and treat psychological conditions. This Virtual Reality system is developed specifically for mental health and is the first of its kind. VRT induces patient motivation, adaptability and variability.
Using a biofeedback sensor, I’m able to measure and record anxiety levels during the Virtual Reality exposure sessions. This allows me to analyse the evolution and responses produced by the therapy with a report generated for every session.
Treatment plans can be tailored to the needs of the patient whilst they have a strong sense of control. For example, it allows repeating scenes as many times as necessary whilst working in a safe environment.
What can it treat?
VRT is particularly effective for depression, anxiety, phobias and in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
It can also be used to treat addictions and to help individuals with Psychosis overcome their paranoia and anxiety by practicing in a Virtual Reality environment.
Virtual Reality Therapy & Pain Management
VRT is also able to help alleviate the pain of Fibromyalgia and other similar pain-related conditions. It can capture the mind’s attention and helps to block pain signals being fed to the brain.
This provides both tactile and sensory feedback allowing the neurotransmitter mechanisms of the patient to rally and steadily reduce pain levels. It could be compared to an enhanced active form of hypnosis.
Virtual Reality Therapy & Autism
VRT can be used to create role-playing environments for practising social skills and help alleviate phobias.
This can help autistic children prepare for encounters and situations that will create stress.
The Advantages of Virtual Reality Therapy
VRT brings an element of fun thus insuring commitment and progression to the treatment. It is also scientifically validated to be effective and non-invasive.
I am also able to offer teletherapy. This is the use of therapy through a live video connection over the Internet which enables me to provide the same treatment as I would in person.
This promotes longer term use of treatment plans when necessary.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss how VRT can help you.