Sessions of psychoeducation combined with VR-based relaxation, for which VR can be of added value as it requires less effort than traditional relaxation exercises and removes distractions. VR self-compassion exercises using the relatively novel technique of changing perspective is also utilized to alleviate depressive symptoms and facilitate empathy for oneself and others. 

Syracuse University

New York University

-	Anxiety disorders 
-	Psychotic disorders 
-	Substance-related disorders 
-	Eating disorders 
-	Depression

VR applications for mental health



Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or punishing ourselves with self-criticism. Self-compassion also requires taking a balanced approach to our negative emotions so that feelings are neither suppressed nor exaggerated. This equilibrated stance stems from the process of relating personal experiences to those of others who are also suffering, thus putting our own situation into a larger perspective. It also stems from the willingness to observe our negative thoughts and emotions with openness and clarity, so that they are held in mindful awareness rather than overidentifying with them.

Self-Compassion

Geraets, Chris N. W. (10/01/2021). "Advances in immersive virtual reality interventions for mental disorders: A new reality?". Advances in immersive virtual reality interventions for mental disorders: A new reality? (2352-2518), 41 , p. 40.

Advances in immersive virtual reality interventions for mental disorders: A new reality?

 VR exposure therapy is the predominant method for treatment of anxiety conditions. Specifically phobias such as agoraphobia and fear of flying and heights, but continues to expand to more diverse anxiety-related disorders including social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder. In addition, more complex VR-based cognitive behavioral therapies (VR-CBTs) have emerged. 

Application of VR interventions: Anxiety disorders


VR has been used as a tool for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive remediation, improving job interview skills and social skills. VR-CBT has proven to be effective in reducing paranoia and anxiety in daily life. Furthermore, a social cognition training has been developed with different VR modules on emotion recognition, theory of mind using preprogrammed dialogs, and a social interaction module in which patients interact with avatars (controlled by the therapist by using a speech scrambler). This training is linked with improved emotion recognition. 



Application of VR interventions: Psychotic disorders

VR treatment has been investigated for a range of substance disorders, such as nicotine dependence, alcohol dependence, gambling disorder, and Internet gaming disorder. VR interventions use virtual environments for cue exposure for smoking and methamphetamine addiction, as well as approach and avoidance exercises for alcohol dependence 

Application of VR interventions: Substance use disorders

Application of VR interventions: Depression

A systematic review on eating disorders showed that VR interventions mainly concern exposure to food and work on body image such as exposure to body shapes and embodiment of a healthy body. VR techniques may add to standard CBT as they decrease negative emotional responses to food stimuli and enable exposure to body shape. 

Application of VR interventions: Eating disorders

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References for Virtual Reality (VR) Applications in Mental Health

Self-Compassion is comprised of three facets:
- Being mindfully attuned
- Recognition of common humanity
- Offering warmth and comfort

The 3 Branches of Self-Compassion

Self compassion is the most prominent mediator of the positive relationship between MBCT and treatment resistant depression. Increasing it in depressed patients can help lessen emotional suffering. MBCT can lead to higher levels of self-compassion, which can lead to overall increased overall well-being. 

Mediators of the Relationship Between Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Treatment Resistant Depression: Self Compassion

- increase in perceptual sensitivity and improved vigilance in a sustained visual attention task
- increased activation in the attention network (prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate among other regions)
- less impulsiveness, tolerance to stressors, and heightened self-esteem
- increased response inhibition predicting adaptive socio-emotional functioning 
- reduced ruminative thinking and anxiety 
- increased empathy and self-compassion 
- reduced stress symptoms, helps in the process of positive reappraisal to deal with stress

Cognitive and Psychological Effects of Meditation Retreats

Self-Compassion interventions involve implementing programs aimed at cultivating and increasing self-compassion through education and practices. They are helpful in addressing a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress etc.

Self-Compassion Intervention

Increased self compassion is one of the characteristics of practicing mindfulness for therapists. A therapist’s ability to adhere to some of the most important components of mindfulness, such as non-judging and non-reacting, were shown to be strongly affected by increased self compassion. With a sense of increase self compassion, therapists have a better ability to put themselves in others’ shoes and react to others experiences without feeling uncomfortable.

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