Virtual Reality Assisted Trauma Focused CBT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Feasibility of Virtual Reality-Assisted Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for PTSD: A Mixed-Methods Study
IRAS ID
348005
Contact name
Paul Best
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Propeer Solutions LTD
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming an increasingly important tool in mental healthcare, offering new ways to enhance patient treatment. Over the past decade, there's been growing interest in using VR therapies because they create immersive, controlled environments tailored to individual therapeutic needs. In a safe and controlled, therapeutic setting, these environments can help patients work through difficult emotions and experiences. However, despite its potential, the widespread adoption of VR in routine mental healthcare has been slow due to the high costs of the necessary technology, making it less accessible for many patients and therapists.
VR is particularly valuable in mental health therapy because it can evoke strong cognitive, emotional, and physical responses, much like traditional therapeutic techniques that use imagery or visualisation. Research has shown that VR can offer unique benefits, such as real-time monitoring of a patient's responses and creating customised exposure therapies that safely mimic real-world scenarios. These features can be incredibly effective in treating conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and phobias.
This study aims to overcome the barriers to VR adoption by developing a more affordable approach to creating virtual environments that can be used in everyday mental healthcare. Collaborating with a software company called ProPeer Solutions, the project has created a process called "VR Photoscan." This method allows for the creation of virtual environments at a lower cost, making it more accessible to clinics and therapists. The ultimate goal is to integrate VR into standard mental health treatments, making this innovative technology available to more people who could benefit from it, specifically within routine psychological therapy services for adults with PTSD.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
25/NI/0071
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion