What it is
Some situations are too hard, too rare or too risky to practise in real life: a crowded train, a dental chair, a school assembly, a job interview, a thunderstorm. Virtual reality exposure therapy lets a person meet those situations gradually, in a safe room, with a Practitioner beside them and the ability to stop at any moment.
We use VR as one tool inside a broader behaviour support or therapy plan, never as a gimmick on its own.
- People with anxiety, phobias or trauma-related avoidance
- Autistic people preparing for new or overwhelming environments
- Families and support coordinators
- Schools and providers wanting a structured desensitisation approach
Who it's for
VR therapy can help people who:
- Avoid specific places, activities or procedures because of fear
- Become overwhelmed in busy, noisy or unpredictable environments
- Need to rehearse an upcoming event such as a hospital admission, a flight or a new school
- Have experienced trauma and want a controlled way to build tolerance
It is not suitable for everyone. Some medical conditions, sensory profiles or a history of seizures may rule it out. Every participant is screened first.
What it looks like in practice
Screening and planning. We talk through the goal, check for contraindications and agree on a hierarchy: the least frightening version of the situation first, the hardest last.
The sessions. Sessions run 30 to 60 minutes. The person wears a headset while the Practitioner watches the same scene on a screen, controls the intensity, and coaches breathing and coping strategies in real time. The person can pause or remove the headset at any point.
Bridging to real life. As confidence grows, we plan graded real-world steps with the family or support team, using the same coping strategies practised in VR.
Sessions are delivered at our office or, with suitable space, at a school or provider site.
How to engage or refer
Refer through the individual and family referral form and select VR therapy. Existing participants can ask their Practitioner. VR therapy may be accessed using NDIS funding, subject to the person's plan, or privately on a fee-for-service basis.
Outcomes
- Reduced avoidance of the feared situation
- Lower anxiety and fewer behaviours of concern in the real setting
- Successful completion of previously impossible events (appointments, transport, outings)
- Coping strategies the person can use independently
Common questions
Is VR safe for children?
With screening, consent and short sessions, yes. We follow headset manufacturer age guidance and stop immediately if there is any sign of distress or motion sickness.
How many sessions are needed?
Most people see change within six to ten sessions, depending on the goal. We agree on a review point at the start.