VRET: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
An innovative and controlled method for effectively applying exposure therapy within mental healthcare.
Where and how is VRET used?
VRET (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) is primarily used in mental healthcare. Within Psylaris Care, it helps your clients work on their anxiety disorders in a controlled way.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy works by creating a realistic virtual environment in which the individual is gradually confronted with their fears. The client wears a VR headset and is exposed in a controlled manner to the anxiety-provoking situation.
During treatment, the person wears a VR headset that presents a realistic 360-degree environment. As a therapist, you select a specific environment that matches the client’s fear. Sessions typically begin with mild situations and gradually build up to more challenging ones. You guide the process, steer the session, monitor anxiety levels, and support emotional regulation.
Enhance your treatment with Virtual Reality
Using 360° videos and integrated relaxation modules, your client can gradually practice dealing with anxiety-provoking situations. This form of Virtual Reality therapy enables exposure to be built up in a controlled and safe way. As a result, the threshold to start is lower and the treatment is easier to sustain. As a therapist, you remain in full control of the process at all times.
Step-by-step practice in a realistic world
With VR therapy for anxiety disorders, your client can safely practice situations that would normally cause significant stress. Thanks to the 360-degree environment, the person can look around freely, making the experience highly realistic. As a therapist, you can adjust the intensity and guide the client throughout the session. If it becomes too overwhelming, the client can stop at any time.
“The step to immediately practice in real-life situations is often very large. With the VR headset, we were able to introduce an important intermediate step first.”
The benefits of VRET
A safe and controlled environment
Fears are addressed within the therapy room, without the risks of the real world.
Shorter treatment duration
VRET treatments often show results faster than traditional therapy methods. Due to the intensive and targeted exposure, clients can make significant progress in a shorter time.
Lower costs
VRET can be more cost-effective, as it reduces the need for time-consuming or expensive in-vivo exposure, including travel and specific locations.
Better visualization of trauma
For clients who struggle with imaginal exposure, VRET provides a concrete visual experience that helps activate emotional responses.
Flexibility in exposure methods
VRET supports both gradual (step-by-step) and non-hierarchical exposure approaches.
VRET includes the following modules
360° Video
More than 1,000 realistic scenarios for exposure, psycho-education, and relaxation, from social situations to calming environments.
Relaxation
Guided exercises and natural environments focused on stress reduction. Can be used before, during, and after sessions.
Start using VRET today
Would you like to discover how Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy can benefit your practice? Or would you like to learn more about how to get started with VR therapy?
Request a free 30-day demo account today and experience how simple and effective VRET can be.
