CBT · Virtual reality-assisted exposure
Virtual reality exposure within CBT
An exposure tool used within therapy that is already under way, in a controlled and gradual environment.
Virtual reality can be used as an exposure tool within cognitive behavioural therapy. It is not a therapy on its own.
Before exposure begins
It is generally introduced after an initial period of understanding the difficulty and preparing for exposure. By this stage, we have already identified relevant situations, explored your reactions and begun developing tools that can be used during the exercises.
Virtual reality then allows us to work with situations that trigger fear, avoidance or other difficulties without having to reproduce them immediately in everyday life.
What happens during a session at the office?
Virtual reality exposure takes place at my office. You wear a VR headset connected to software that I control from a computer.
Before starting, I explain the equipment, the virtual environment and how the exercise will work. We take time to test the headset and become familiar with it.
During the exposure, I can follow what is happening in the virtual environment and adjust certain parameters from the computer. I remain with you throughout, providing guidance and reminding you of tools previously discussed.
- Check-in and goal
- Equipment and familiarisation
- Guided exposure
- Review of the experience
Gradual and repeated exposure
The level of difficulty is adjusted progressively. The same situation may be repeated several times and revisited across several sessions.
The aim is not simply to make anxiety disappear during the exercise. Over time, the work helps you learn that you can remain in contact with the situation, observe what happens and develop new ways of responding.
When can it be used?
- Fear of flying
- Fear of heights
- Enclosed spaces (claustrophobia)
- Some social situations: public speaking, being looked at
- Certain animals or insects
- Some OCD-related situations: checking, triggers
The use of virtual reality depends on the difficulty being addressed, the therapeutic goals and whether it is appropriate for the individual.
Environments adapted to the situation
Depending on the difficulty and the person’s needs, I can design customised interfaces and immersive environments. The space, interactions, visual cues, scenarios and levels of difficulty are shaped around therapeutic goals and adjusted progressively.
A tool within CBT
Virtual reality complements therapeutic work. It does not replace support during sessions or, when appropriate, exposure in everyday life.
It provides a controlled, gradual space in which certain exposure exercises can be prepared and developed.