ZHdK, Department Interaction Design, 2016
Usage of Virtual Reality in Cognitive Therapy
"SIT" is a therapeutic tool for psychologists in treating patients with a social phobia.
The set-up consists of a computer screen, a VR headset and a control app on an Ipad for the therapist. The virtual space, which the patient enters via headset, is an anthology of adjustable situations in which the patient can encounter his insecurities and social fears. The therapist chooses such social personas from the vast library, and places them in the virtual room around the patient's avatar. The interactions are controlled by the therapist.
SIT supports conventional conversation therapy with an additional visual and auditory layer and creates a new possibilty of conversation between therapist and patient.