Immersion therapy is a psychological technique which allows a patient to overcome fears (phobias), but can be used for anxiety and panic disorders.
Many research studies are being conducted in regard to achieving immersion therapy goals in a virtual computer based program, although results are not conclusive.
The virtual coach worked alongside the VR programmed and would mention things like "We're discovering what happens when we venture into a situation we'd normally try to avoid."
[6] Although, this is evidence to suggest how virtual computer based immersion therapy works, the research within this area of Psychology is scare, thus more testing needs to occur, to fully implement this type of technology.
Immersive virtual reality may be identified as something that is a potentially revolutionary tool for psychological treatment of mental disorders, which may gradually be adopted in regular clinical practice in the coming years.
[7] Virtual reality has significantly been evolving over the last few years due to many advancements in technology, thus enabling us to understand the constant need for new research to take place.
Another benefit of VR is that it can offer 'direct therapeutic intervention', which is often lacking in conventional clinical settings, allowing for treatments to be delivered faster and more efficiently.
Additionally, patients are more open to experimenting with new therapies because they are aware they are in a secure stimulation setting, in which the exposure to the stimuli can occur in different stages and not just one go.
[8] Immersive therapy can provide a distinctive and engaging experience that allows for overcoming fears, gaining self-confidence and creating coping strategies.