What is Virtual Reality Therapy
Introduction to Virtual Reality in Therapy
Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming healthcare by providing immersive, interactive experiences that can enhance therapy. By simulating real-world, fantasy or controlled environments, VR enables clients to engage in targeted treatments that can improve physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Alongside VR, other immersive technologies—such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR)—expand therapeutic possibilities, expanding therapeutic possibilities and enhancing rehabilitation and mental health care.
Virtual Reality (VR) can support therapy in numerous ways, such as:
- Increased Motivation and Engagement – Interactive experiences make therapy more enjoyable and encourage participation.
- Cognitive Training – VR exercises can improve memory, problem-solving, and attention skills.
- Physical Activity – Movement-based VR therapy can support motor skill development and rehabilitation.
- Pain Management
- Immersive distractions help reduce discomfort and anxiety during treatment or pain flare ups
- VR experiences can help modulate pain perception and assist with retraining brain and body to reduce pain system hypersensititivity
- Mental health therapy
- Emotional Well-being – VR can create calming environments that support mental health therapy.
- Exposure Therapy – enhances traditional exposure therapy by immersing clients in controlled, customizable environments that simulate real-world scenarios.
- Developing Coping strategies – can simulate real-world scenarios to help clients practice adaptive responses
- Social skills training – VR can provide interactive simulations or connections with others in VR to help practice and develop communication and social skills.
- VR can simulate real-world scenarios that may be challenging to recreate or access in traditional therapy.
- Education – VR can enhance learning by providing multisensory, engaging and interactive learning experiences for both clients and therapists.
- Functional Skills Training – VR allows patients to practice real-world tasks in a controlled environment
- Personalised Therapy – Adaptive VR programs and experiences can be customised to individual needs
Accessibility—VR therapy can increase access to care for individuals with mobility or geographical barriers

Understanding Terminology and Common Abbreviations
Virtual Reality (VR) – A fully immersive digital experience where users interact with a simulated environment, often using a headset.
Augmented Reality (AR) – Overlays digital elements onto the real world, enhancing what users see through a screen or glasses.
Mixed Reality (MR) – Blends real and virtual worlds, allowing digital objects to interact with physical surroundings.
Extended Reality (XR) – An umbrella term that includes VR, AR, and MR, covering all immersive technologies.
Be Inspired Group Virtual Reality Therapy
OT VR Pain Education and Recovery Program
Supporting people injured at work or in a motor vehicle accident who are experiencing persistent pain.
Virtual Reality Therapy to Support Mental Health

** Please note this page is still under construction
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