Virtual Reality Therapy (photo supplied by Vision Counselling)

Always up for something new in the quest for stress reduction and wellbeing, a few weeks ago I decided to take part in some Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT). It sounded pretty “space age” and my initial thoughts drifted to popping on some goggles and talking to a robot therapist who would then magically remove all stress from my life.

While only half of my dream bubble came true (I’ll have to find a robot therapist ELSEWHERE!), I was quite delighted by my VRT experience and will explain my findings to you below, cos that’s what I’m here for!

I chose the Stress Reduction VRT, they also have one to assist with quitting smoking.

♥ The therapist, Katie Larkin, explained the whole process thoroughly, I signed some forms to indicate I didn’t have any conditions that may make VRT inappropriate, for example, it is not recommended for severely claustrophobic individuals, although I have to note that I am slightly claustrophobic, however was completely fine during the session.

♥ Seated in a very comfy chair with my legs up and cushions to snuggle into, I put on the VR goggles & headphones. The video started and I was transported to a world where there are gardens, monks, flowing rivers, birds and a tale being narrated about all of the above…

♥ After a while, some hypnotic spirals start integrating into the visual track, after this it gets a little hazy but I’ll do my best to remember!

♥ I’m asked to imagine leaving my body, and am now without the constraints of time & distance (so says my narrator!), so I travel to Northern China to meet with the monks in their garden & monastery.

♥ Travelling across space & time was my favourite part of the whole experience, I was really in the moment and it just felt really ‘right’ and possible, as peculiar as that may sound. In my semi-hypnotised state, I spent some time with the monks reflecting, breathing and being.

♥ I don’t really remember the point where I had to come back to full consciousness, but I definitely didn’t want to go to work afterwards! I felt very calm, relaxed and like I could possibly go to sleep again right then and there!

Overall it was a very positive experience that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend, however at $100 for an hour session it is expensive. That said it is a therapy generally used in conjunction with counseling to address issues on a conscious level as well as subconscious (VRT), so I would suggest it to be suitable for those who are struggling with issues such as stress management, depression & anxiety, or trying to break habits, such as smoking.

Alternatively, if you have money to spare & are keen to try different forms of relaxation then definitely give this a whirl! A course of 4-6 is recommended to see longer lasting benefits.

Therapist: Katie Larkin
Location: Vision Counselling

Vivacious Living Centre
Upper Floor
9 Riseley Square
Applecross WA 6153
Perth, Western Australia

Phone: 0424 298 005
Email: visioncounselling@live.com.au
Website: http://www.visioncounselling.com.au

Be well,

xoxo