ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 presents an overview of the ways therapists use virtual reality (VR) when treating specific phobias. The chapter opens with a review of the different factors that can contribute to the creation and maintenance of specific phobias. Mapping the client’s phobia onto the anxiety cycle model presented in Chapter 2 helps explain and normalize the client’s experience. It also helps therapists prepare clients for treatment and choose those virtual experiences most likely to be therapeutic. VR can assist treatment in different ways at different stages. Peaceful virtual environments (VEs) can induce or deepen relaxation and calm. Anxiety management skills can be taught and practiced in VR, making the experience more immersive and engaging. VR can be used for gradual exposure. Client responses to VR can uncover fears or skill deficits. VR can be used to track the effectiveness of treatment and minimize relapse. The issue of treating a client with multiple phobias is addressed, as is the challenge of what to do when the available VEs do not include the client’s specific phobic triggers. The chapter concludes with a summary of the relevant research.
