Virtual reality (VR) headsets are currently tools that can be used in therapeutic work with individuals of various ages. The available applications are mostly diverse games, movies, or interactive stories. Many of these applications include elements that enhance specific functions. It is even possible to modify the content of a game for personal use in order to achieve therapeutic goals. Additionally, there are applications where it is necessary to demonstrate good eye-hand coordination or spatial orientation, which can be useful when practicing these particular skills. So, what therapies can be supported by immersing oneself in the virtual world?
Types of Therapies Available in VR
The first thing that comes to mind is the so-called "multi-sensory room", which is used in therapy for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. This is a space that allows for multisensory exploration of the environment. The atmosphere of relaxation is crucial, created by the right combination of music and colors. In virtual reality, we can create such worlds without limitations, and we can confidently say that VR is one large sensory room.
- Fairy Tale Therapy, also known as Storytelling Therapy. By watching specific stories, a child can be helped to navigate many emotionally challenging situations. In the virtual world, the child directly accompanies the fairy tale characters, observes, and experiences everything with all their senses. They can also interact, learn how to solve problems and recognize and name emotions. Therefore, VR therapy can also be a supplement to social skills training. Additionally, in VR games, we are sometimes part of a team, where we must demonstrate patience, cooperation, taking turns, and delaying instant gratification. These experiences take place in virtual environments that simulate real-life situations. Another form of social skills support is caring for a virtual pet. For children with social interaction difficulties, this could be the first step toward becoming more socially engaged.
- Pedagogical Therapy (e.g., in the aspect of improving visual perception, and eye-hand coordination), as well as Bilateral Integration, which aims to improve body schema, coordination, and balance, accelerate lateralization development, spatial perception, and movement automation. There are many applications focused on tasks such as distinguishing between left and right, up and down, diagonals, aiming, crossing the body's midline, hand-eye coordination, synchronizing body movements with music, and practicing reflexes and observation skills. The difficulty level can be individually adjusted to provide a challenge while still offering satisfaction from achievements.
- Art Therapy (Visual Arts) is another form of therapy where VR can be successfully used. Painting in the virtual world can take place not only on a flat surface but also in three-dimensional space. One can paint anything and view their work from all angles. By stimulating creativity and offering many tools, we can feel like true creators in this magical world. At the same time, we can improve fine motor skills, precise hand movements, and proprioception in a pleasant and enjoyable way.
Relaxation and Mindfulness in Virtual Reality
Another important area is the ability to achieve a state of relaxation. Many applications dedicated to mindfulness training, breathing exercises, and meditation have already been developed for the virtual world. Breathing in VR can be visualized, which can be especially helpful for children in mastering proper control. The surroundings and music in relaxation apps facilitate entering a state of calm. Therefore, there is no reason why well-known relaxation techniques, such as those by Jacobson or Schultz, should not be enriched with elements of virtual reality.
These are just a few ideas on how traditional therapies can be supported with the use of VR headsets. A skilled therapist can identify elements in various applications that can be used to support the development of different skills. It seems that we are limited only by the number of available applications and our imagination. Over time, new applications dedicated to learning subjects like mathematics will certainly be developed. Who knows? Perhaps some classic therapies will be fully transferred to VR, or VR therapy may eventually become a distinct method. Time will tell.
Magdalena Michalska — VR Therapist
