By Derek Sienko, M.A., in Military Psychology, BSW., RSW, Chaplain, RTWDM, & CVRP.
Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and operational stress injuries can profoundly impact our ability to thrive, often leaving us feeling overwhelmed. However, the power of 21st-century technology, combined with the guidance of a highly experienced clinical therapist, can help alleviate emotional pain and support meaningful recovery.
Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) is an innovative, evidence-based approach to mental health care that uses immersive technology to create safe and controlled environments where individuals can address challenges, practise coping strategies, and build resilience. In clinical practice, VRT is increasingly used in Canada as part of individual counselling to support recovery from anxiety, depression, phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and operational stress injuries (OSIs).
Anxiety and Social Anxiety
A landmark Canadian randomized controlled trial compared virtual reality exposure with traditional in-vivo exposure in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. Results showed that both interventions were effective, but VRT produced stronger post-treatment improvements and was rated as more practical by clinicians (Bouchard et al., 2017). These findings highlight how VRT can enhance therapeutic engagement and outcomes in anxiety disorders.
Phobias
Canadian researchers were among the first to demonstrate that VRT is effective for specific phobias. For example, a study using virtual spiders showed that participants reported reduced behavioural avoidance and fear responses following VRT, suggesting it is a viable alternative to traditional exposure therapy (Bouchard et al., 2006). Such controlled simulations allow gradual exposure in a safe setting, which is particularly helpful for individuals reluctant to face real-life phobic stimuli.
Generalized Anxiety and Depression
In addition to phobias and social anxiety, VRT has been adapted for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Research in Québec demonstrated that VR-based standardized scenarios can reliably trigger worry, making it possible for individuals to practise coping and cognitive restructuring skills in real time (Guitard et al., 2019). Importantly, reductions in depressive symptoms were also observed in these trials, suggesting that VRT may support improvements in mood alongside anxiety treatment (Bouchard et al., 2017).
PTSD, Operational Stress Injuries, and First Responder Training
VRT has also been applied in treating PTSD and operational stress injuries, particularly among Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans. A Canadian randomized controlled trial protocol introduced 3MDR (Multimodular Motion-assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation), an immersive VR-based treatment designed for combat-related PTSD (Jones et al., 2020). Subsequent pilot studies reported significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and related mental health measures among Canadian military personnel who had not responded to conventional treatments (van Gelderen et al., 2022).
Beyond clinical treatment, VRT has also proven effective as a training tool for first responders. By simulating operationally stressful or traumatic scenarios in a controlled environment, VRT can help police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and other public safety personnel rehearse coping strategies, build resilience, and enhance readiness for real-world challenges.
Clinical Implications
The growing body of Canadian research demonstrates that VRT can:
- Provide controlled, repeatable exposure without leaving the clinic.
- Enhance practicality and safety for both clients and clinicians.
- Promote engagement and presence, strengthening learning and coping skills.
- Offer viable solutions for populations facing barriers to traditional exposure, including first responders, Veterans, and individuals with OSIs.
- Tailors every experience to your comfort level and your goals.
Take the First Step
If you are feeling the weight of stress or trauma you don’t have to carry it alone. VR Therapy offers new hope for healing and recovery. To learn more about how VRT can support your journey, please contact us at info@diversifiedrehab.ca or visit www.Diversifiedrehab.ca
References
Bouchard, S., Dumoulin, S., Robillard, G., Guitard, T., Klinger, É., Forget, H., Loranger, C., & Roucaut, F.-X. (2017). Virtual reality compared with in vivo exposure in the treatment of social anxiety disorder: A three-arm randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 210(4), 276–283. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.116.184234
Bouchard, S., Côté, S., St-Jacques, J., Robillard, G., & Renaud, P. (2006). Effectiveness of virtual reality exposure in the treatment of arachnophobia using 3D games. Technology and Health Care, 14(1), 19–27. https://doi.org/10.3233/THC-2006-14103
Guitard, T., Bouchard, S., Bélanger, C., & Berthiaume, M. (2019). Exposure to a standardized catastrophic scenario in virtual reality or a personalized scenario in imagination for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(3), 309. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8030309
Jones, C., Smith-MacDonald, L., Miguel-Cruz, A., Pike, A., van Gelderen, M., Lentz, L., … Brémault-Phillips, S. (2020). Virtual reality–based treatment for military members and Veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder: Protocol for a multimodular motion-assisted memory desensitization and reconsolidation randomized controlled trial. JMIR Research Protocols, 9(10), e20620. https://doi.org/10.2196/20620
van Gelderen, M., Nijdam, M. J., Jones, C., Smith-MacDonald, L., Brémault-Phillips, S., Vermetten, E., & Jetly, R. (2022). Quantitative changes in mental health measures with 3MDR treatment of combat-related, treatment-resistant PTSD: Canadian military members and Veterans. Brain and Behavior, 12(8), e2694. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.2694
