What is Virtual Reality Therapy

Introduction to Virtual Reality in Therapy

 

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

 

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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