Virtual Reality (VR) technology has rapidly evolved in recent years, transcending its initial applications in gaming and entertainment.
Today, VR is emerging as a ground-breaking tool in the field of psychological therapy. With its ability to immerse individuals in virtual environments, VR is transforming the way mental health professionals treat a wide range of psychological disorders.
Last month Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) was introduced at Ripple Psychology, making it one of very first clinics on the Sunshine Coast to adopt the technology.
While it has been used at the clinic for only a small number of client sessions, primarily as a relaxation tool in the treatment of post-traumatic stress, there are plans to expand its use to other areas, such as exposure therapy in the treatment of phobias.
Principal psychologist Melita Inglis is currently exploring the application of VR to the trauma treatment EMDR, which she uses to treat a range of conditions including PTSD.
“EMDR does not require the client to relive the actual traumatic event, but it is powerful in reducing the negative emotional impacts of that event through reprocessing of the memories associate with it,” Melita said.
As well as this particular approach, VRT has shown immense promise in the treatment of PTSD by immersing patients in controlled environments that do in fact replicate some aspects of their traumatic experiences.
Therapists can guide patients through these scenarios, helping them process and reframe their traumatic memories. This approach allows patients to confront their trauma in a safe and controlled manner, reducing the emotional impact over time.
Melita’s practice partner Dave Clarke is also exploring the utility of VR in working with autism.
“There is a growing body of research literature outlining the benefits of VRT to individuals on the spectrum” he said.
The newest member of the Ripple Psychology team is Imogen Sartor, who is researching the use of VR in treating phobias.
“Traditional exposure therapy, where patients confront their fears in real-life situations, can be daunting. However, VRT offers a controlled and immersive environment where patients can confront their fears gradually, leading to reduced anxiety and improved coping mechanisms,” said Imogen, whose books are already almost full at the clinic.
“I still have the luxury of a few unfilled appointment slots each week, and I’m using that time to extend my VRT expertise through research and training.”
Another area that has an expanding evidence base of therapeutic benefit is the use of VR in pain management.
Chronic pain has a significant psychological component, and stress and anxiety exacerbate physical discomfort. VR can serve as a reprogramming tool, immersing patients in soothing environments and leading to reduced perception of pain and improved overall well-being.
Dave listed five advantages of Virtual Reality in psychological therapy:
1. Enhanced exposure: VRT allows for controlled and repeatable exposure, crucial for treating anxiety disorders effectively.
2. Customisation: Virtual environments can be tailored to each patient’s specific needs and triggers, increasing the therapy’s effectiveness.
3. Safety: Patients can confront their fears or traumas without real-world consequences, ensuring their emotional and physical safety.
4. Engagement: VR therapy tends to be more engaging and less intimidating than traditional therapies, making it particularly appealing to younger generations.
5. Data collection: Therapists can gather valuable data on patients’ reactions and progress during VRT sessions, enhancing treatment plans.
Virtual reality is ushering in a new era of psychological therapy, offering innovative solutions for various mental health conditions.
While it’s not a replacement for traditional therapy, VRT serves as a valuable complementary tool that enhances treatment outcomes.
Contact Ripple Psychology today or visit their website to find out more.
