Virtual Reality and Talking Therapies

Could this be the future of mental health support?

One of our partners, Faversham Counselling Service, has recently started offering VR as an extension of their talking therapy services, for those aged 17 to 25.

VR (virtual reality) is a three dimensional computer generated environment, allowing the user to immerse themselves in a virtual world by wearing a headset or goggles.

VR can be useful as a supplement alongside talking therapy as it has therapeutic benefits, such as distracting the brain from external and internal stresses. In a session, the user is able to explore a virtual island, where they are guided through mindfulness exercises designed to calm them, and equip them with skills to manage their emotions and thoughts.

From September 2022 to July 2023, 17 participants attended a course of VR sessions with Faversham Counselling, provided by VMind – 91.5% of participants moved into ‘reliable improvement’, and 37% moved into recovery.

If you’re in the Faversham area and are interested in trying VR as part of your talking therapy, see their website for more info – https://www.fcstalkingtherapies.org/virtual-reality

For more information on VR within mental health treatment, head over to VMind’s website – https://www.anotherspacevr.co.uk/thescience