Virtual Reality as an Advanced Imaginal System: A New Experiential Approach for Counseling and Therapy

GIUSEPPE RIVA; FRANCESCO VINCELLI

Authors

GIUSEPPE RIVA Author
FRANCESCO VINCELLI Author

Keywords:

cognitive therapy

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR), an exciting new technology, can be used as an advanced imaginal system: an experience that is able to reduce the gap existing between imagination and reality. In that sense, VR can improve the efficacy of a psychotherapy by reducing the distinction between the computer's reality and the conventional reality. That experience can induce in the patient an awareness of being more skilled in the difficult operations of recovery of past experiences through the memory and in foreseeing of future experiences through the imagination. Starting from the existing research in this area, the authors discuss the possible use of virtual reality in counseling and therapy, its underlying possible advantages, and its existing constraints.

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Virtual Reality as an Advanced Imaginal System: A New Experiential Approach for Counseling and Therapy

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