FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
From the evolutionary point of view, fear is one of the oldest and strongest emotions. We experience fear at the thoughts-level, but it also triggers a strong bodily reaction. When facing danger, primarily, a special brain-area known as amygdala activates .When activated, the amygdala sends signals to the nervous system in response to the stimulus that caused fear. As a result, the body immediately releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, increases blood pressure and heart rate. Our breathing speeds up and blood flow changes. The blood flows into the limbs, which facilitates the much-needed arousal and fast movement. Our body thus prepares for the ancient automatic reaction—fight or flight. If the fear becomes too strong or if there is no way to escape, individuals may get stuck in an unpleasant paralysis, also known as "freeze".
Fear is a natural reaction to certain events, objects, or situations we encounter over the course of life. However, if it begins to interfere with the ability to function normally and starts causing a long-term decline in the quality of our lives, it is time to talk about a phobia or an anxiety disorder. Phobias belong to a group of anxiety disorders. A simple definition of phobias could be that they present an 'excessive fear of harmless objects or situations that lasts long enough to significantly interfere with the quality of life.' It is quite understandable for you to experience a slight restlessness or even fear in a gloomy cellar, especially after watching a horror movie. Such a reaction is completely appropriate. However, if the mere thought of staying in a cellar or any dark room causes you a great deal of stress for several months, this clearly is a phobic reaction. And this is just one example, as the number of phobias really is countless.
At VIRTUO, we help our clients gain control over their phobias and anxieties as soon as possible. We use the most effective methods, verified by years of scientific research and practice. We are convinced that only those who understand their fear can effectively defeat it. When regaining control over fear, it is therefore important to understand that all your physical and mental reactions in unpleasant situations follow certain patterns. Avoiding feared situations is also a habit that actually perpetuates the vicious circle of phobia and anxiety.
Face your fears to get over themUnlike traditional exposure therapy, where confronting feared stimuli in real life is a fundamental part of the treatment, virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) uses the innovative technology of virtual reality, which enables confrontation with feared stimuli in a variety of virtual environments. In addition to changing unproductive thinking about feared situations and reducing avoidant behavior, VRET includes gradual exposure to stimuli that cause anxiety and disrupt the normal functioning of affected individuals in their everyday lives. VRET presents a modern psychological treatment, with high treatment efficacy that has been continuously confirmed since the 90s. It represents a practical stage between a conversation about a dreaded situation and a confrontation/ exposure in real life. One of the greatest advantages of VRET is that clients can face dreaded objects or situations in a secure, controlled, and predictable environment. The severity of a situation can be individually adjusted according to the client’s treatment progress, and the confrontation with the feared situation can be repeated until the fear drops to the required level. In this way, users gradually gain control over their fears and learn that they can live a more relaxed life. Want to change your life for the better now? Schedule an appointment!
The method of VRET offers various advantages over traditional exposure delivery, such as allowing clients to interact with virtual stimuli in a safe and controlled environment, which makes it easier to get accustomed to the feared stimuli. As such, VRET presents a platform where effective relaxation training can be easily incorporated. In virtual reality, the whole exposure process can be repeated as many times as necessary, which is clearly a major advantage over conventional exposure interventions. Examples from real-life practice show that when trying to confront feared stimuli in vivo, it is usually difficult to repeat the exposure as much as needed within a short period of time. For instance, individuals affected by an excessive fear of flying usually experience difficulties practicing multiple exposures in real life, as air travel is still a costly and logistically demanding mode of transportation. In virtual reality, you can practice the exposure as many times as needed. In addition, findings from scientific research show significant fear reduction after only about 8-10 sessions, which makes virtual reality exposure therapy one of the most cost-efficient treatment interventions for phobias. Scientific studies confirm that virtual reality exposure therapy is highly preferred among young people and individuals suffering from specific phobias such as fear of driving, public speaking, medical examinations and blood sampling, or claustrophobia, and many others. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for more information Schedule your first appointment now.
Virtual reality has undergone meticulous study over many years, providing us with a precise understanding of its functionality. While some individuals from older generations may perceive virtual reality as unfamiliar or potentially hazardous, the experience within virtual reality is entirely safe.
For those who may still struggle to grasp the concept of virtual reality, consider envisioning it as a miniature cinema hall, with you seated in the front row while a movie unfolds before your eyes. If you have ever visited a movie theater and donned 3D glasses, you have experienced a sensation akin to virtual reality.
To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, we recommend taking breaks every 30 minutes, removing the headset, and allowing yourself a moment to rest—perhaps by simply sitting still. With these precautions in place, you can enjoy the virtual reality experience with peace of mind. .In case you are still having difficulty with the concept of virtual reality, try to imagine it as a tiny cinema hall, with you sitting in the front row and a movie running in front of your eyes. If you've ever visited a movie theater and worn 3D glasses, you've had an experience similar to virtual reality.
We recommend taking a break every 30 minutes, removing the headset, and waiting a while, e.g. just sitting. Then, the VR experience can continue safely.
