ABSTRACT
In this chapter, readers are taken through an entire course of virtual reality therapy (VRT) from pre-intake screening call through final session. This case example of an adult female client with panic disorder with agoraphobia, claustrophobia, and discrete social anxiety disorder (fear of public speaking) is presented as an example of a virtual reality treatment protocol. The process of explaining and planning VRT is outlined. Readers see how virtual reality (VR) is used for different purposes at different points throughout the therapy process. Virtual experiences helped the client relax and learn diaphragmatic breathing and gave her a safe place to practice new skills, face fears, and grow in mastery and confidence. Using VR, the therapist arranged a series of controlled in-session exposure experiences that would not otherwise have been possible. The client was able to face panic-inducing situations that she had been avoiding. In session, she practiced speaking before virtual audiences, virtually entering enclosed spaces, and taking virtual airplane flights.
