The virtues of virtual reality in exposure therapy

Abstract

Virtual reality can be more effective and less burdensome than real-life exposure. Optimal virtual reality delivery should incorporate in situ direct dialogues with a therapist, discourage safety behaviours, allow for a mismatch between virtual and real exposure tasks, and encourage self-directed real-life practice between and beyond virtual reality sessions. Declaration of interest L.G. has led the development and evaluation of an innovative virtual environments system for use in cognitive-behavioural therapy but holds neither financial interests nor intellectua property.