What is Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy?
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Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is a form of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), that uses immersive Virtual Environments (VE’s), to expose clients to their phobic stimuli in a controlled and safe manner. In this way, clients can face their fears and anxieties head-on in a safe, practical, confidential way which would be impossible in real life. Developed in the 1990s, VRET builds on traditional exposure therapy by using advances in Virtual Reality (VR) technology. The first applications targeted fear of heights (acrophobia) and flying (aviophobia), with studies demonstrating that VE’s could effectively trigger fear responses similar to real-life situations.
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Now you can fly in virtual planes, stand at virtual heights, or speak to a virtual audience, whilst being monitored and coached by a qualified therapist.
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Over the past three decades, VRET has expanded to treat various specific phobias, including arachnophobia, claustrophobia, and social anxiety disorder. Research has consistently shown that VRET is comparable in efficacy to in vivo exposure therapy, with the added benefits of privacy, customizability, and easier access to feared stimuli. Meta-analyses indicate significant reductions in phobic symptoms after VRET sessions, and the gains are often maintained at follow-up assessments.
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With the increasing affordability and accessibility of VR technology, VRET has become more widely used in hospitals and clinics worldwide, as a flexible tool for anxiety and phobia treatment, especially when integrated with broader therapeutic approaches.
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What is a Virtual Environment?
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A Virtual Environment (VE) is an immersive digital simulation created through VR. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
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In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, clients can engage in meaningful experiences tailor-made to reduce their individual phobia.
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What can I expect over the 5 sessions?
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Evaluation
Your therapist will ask you about your phobia in detail to fully understand your anxiety and agree a personal treatment plan with you.
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Relaxation and coping techniques
Your therapist will introduce you to various relaxation and grounding techniques that you will use when immersed in a VE, to manage your anxiety and lower your heart rate at any given time.
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Immersion
You will be immersed in virtual environments specifically designed to re-create anxiety-provoking situations relating to your specific phobia, allowing you to confront them safely. Your therapist will be there by your side to guide you through the different environments and help you face your fears. He will ensure that this is done at a safe pace which is right for you.
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Cognitive restructuring
You will unlearn negative reactions, such as catastrophic thoughts (“I’m going to lose control”) and rebuild positive thought patterns (“I can handle this”).
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Repetition
Through repeated exposure, these new patterns will quickly and permanently become part of your mental framework.
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Progressiveness
The progressive increase in the difficulty of VE’s will allow you to gradually desensitize yourself to the anxiety and regain confidence in your abilities.
What does it cost?
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We are currently offering an introductory package of five ninety-minute sessions for a total price of £395. This should be sufficient to significantly reduce your phobia but if you feel you need more sessions or a follow-up session, then this can be arranged.
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When are sessions held?
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Sessions are held on a weekly basis between 10am and 5pm, at The Wellbeing Centre, Chepstow.
Get in touch
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Please complete the form below to register your interest and join our waiting list. From September 2026, we will be offering treatments for acrophobia (fear of heights), aviophobia (fear of flying) and glossophobia (fear of public speaking). If you have a different phobia, please let us know - we will be bringing in further treatments later in the year and we will contact you when available.