
Old Problems, New Solutions
Behavioral Health Associates
provides the latest in technological advances to treat
issues such as phobias, generalized anxiety, panic
attacks, social anxiety, and general relaxation
instruction. Using the most advanced virtual reality (VR)
goggles and equipment we provide a safe therapeutic
setting to provide our clients with a greater sense of
master and control over stressful life situations.
VR offers customized virtual
environments that are intended to provide a controlled
method by which the client can encounter and gain
authority over situations that previously were too
difficult to face. VR places the client in a
computerized real-time video and audio environment where
they "experience" the feared moment. The client wears a
sophisticated headgear that provides for an immersive
experience. Following a process of graduated exposure
therapy the therapist maintains control over multiple
features of the situation so that the client is able to
approach their fear and develop and deploy strategies
that help them to overcome the stress. VR involvement
allows the therapist to find the best fit between the
individual and the challenges they face during a
standard therapy session, all within the comfort of our
office.
Services are provided where an
initial intake assessment is completed where anxiety
provoking situations are identified and therapeutic
steps for mastery are developed. An introduction to the
VR equipment is provided and the client is provided home
study material to assist in understanding how VR will be
used to accomplish the identified goals.
Then the client is engaged in a series of progressive
step-wise VR sessions carefully managed by the therapist
to provide exposure to the identified stress situations.
Clients are involved in practicing relaxation and
cognitive strategies as they are exposed to the stressor
so that they are able to develop a skill set that
demonstrates their ability to manage the situation. Each
stage can be replayed until the client has achieved
their desired comfort state. At every point the
therapist is able to monitor the situation that the
client is experiencing and can provide guided direction.
Therapeutic goals can usually be obtained in 8 to 12
sessions. Sessions vary in length from 45-60 minutes.
Current research studies show that treatment gains in
using VR are comparable to traditional therapy. VR may
best be understood as an extension and enhancement of
traditional therapy techniques. VR allows for the use of
exposure using new computerized technology in the
confines of the clinic office, free of concerns about
public scrutiny and confidentiality.
VR services are available in
a variety of therapeutic situations including:
*Fear of Heights
*Fear of Public Speaking
*Guided Meditation
*Relaxation Instruction
*Flying Anticipatory
Anxiety Management
*Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder
Advantages of VR Therapy
include:
*Reduced costs as
compared to traditional "in-vivo" exposure (use of
actual life situations)
*Ability to remain in the
clinic office while maintaining total control over the
experience
*Offering a new method of
treatment for clients who have not previously responded
to therapy
*Training sessions can be
repeated at a pace that maintains the client's level of
arousal
To find out more about VR services
available from BHA please call our office at
806-795-3911.
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