Stand-alone, self-guided, or automated VR treatments. These developments are driven by the notion that access to evidence-based psychological treatment can be challenging and waiting lists are a persistent problem. Automated VR applications can make psychological therapy more readily available for many people and may also be used to increase treatment intensity, for example, by complementing face-to-face therapy with home VR exercises, or as a booster session after finishing treatment.

Automated VR treatment

Change of perspective is another novel technique that is currently being tested. This technique enables patients to role-play with avatars and to replay the conversation afterward from the perspective of each interlocutor, or as an outsider. Patients can thus experience a virtual social scenario from multiple perspectives. This may increase understanding as people can observe and experience their behavior and interactions, which may be helpful when intervening on, for example, self-criticism, aggression, and empathy. In addition, this enables new opportunities for giving feedback.

Change of perspective

VR technique called embodiment, body ownership, or body-swapping illusion, refers to the illusion that a virtual body is experienced as one's own body. A person can feel embodied in a life-sized virtual body by watching the body from a first-person perspective. Embodiment enables changes in self-perception and can result in changes in attitudes, cognition, and behavior through implicit learning

Embodiment in the Context of Virtual Reality (VR)

-	Automated VR treatment
-	Embodiment
-	Change of perspective

Syracuse University

VR interventions are utilized for clinical & practical purposes, interventions cover a wide array of areas. Research suggests VR interventions compare favorable to existing treatment. 

VR interventions

Geraets, C. N. W. (2021). Advances in immersive virtual reality interventions for mental disorders: A new reality? Current Opinion in Psychology, 41, 40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.02.004

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

-	Distraction-based pain reduction
-	Exposure therapy and anxiety reduction
-	Physical rehabilitation 
-	Neuropsychological assessment
-	Healthcare provider training
-	Stress management
-	Treatment of psychological disorders
-	Forensic  psychiatry

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