Into the Mind, Out of Fear:
How Virtual Reality Therapy Is Transforming Mental Health Care
Author: Dr. Julie. Sorenson, DMFT, MA, LPC
Imagine stepping into a world where you can safely confront your deepest fears, practice life’s most stressful moments, and gain the confidence to face them in real life, without ever leaving the therapist’s office. Welcome to Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT)—an innovative, immersive approach that is changing the landscape of mental health treatment.

VRT combines the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy (ET) with the groundbreaking technology of virtual reality. Together, they offer clients an emotionally safe, highly personalized environment where healing can take root. Research has shown that this fusion is especially effective in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and various phobias (Wei, 2021; Sarkis, 2021).
A New World of Possibility
Unlike traditional talk therapy, virtual reality doesn’t rely solely on imagination or discussion. Instead, it invites clients into dynamic 3D environments that mimic real-life situations—situations that might otherwise trigger overwhelming anxiety. Whether it's public speaking in front of a virtual audience, navigating a crowded room, flying on a virtual airplane, or facing a difficult social interaction, clients can practice these experiences with the support of a trained therapist at their side.
One of the most widely used forms of VRT is Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET). It operates on the principle of gradually exposing individuals to anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled and secure setting. Over time, this repeated exposure helps reduce emotional reactivity and builds resilience. Imagine someone with social anxiety being gently guided through a virtual workplace meeting, a networking event, or even a casual coffee shop conversation. With each session, confidence grows, and fear diminishes.
Personal, Practical, and Powerful
Therapists can tailor VR sessions to meet each client’s specific needs. Using HIPAA-compliant software, they select from an extensive library of preprogrammed scenarios—from test-taking simulations to driving practice to managing triggers for PTSD. Once the client puts on a VR headset, they’re transported into that carefully selected environment. Throughout the session, the client is encouraged to rate their level of distress, allowing the therapist to adjust the experience in real time, ensuring it remains therapeutic and manageable (Psychology Today Think Tank, 2025).
This real-time feedback loop creates a truly collaborative experience, where the client feels seen, heard, and in control.
Healing for Today’s World
The global COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a surge in mental health challenges. People experienced heightened levels of isolation, uncertainty, health fears, and economic stress. In response, mental health care has had to evolve rapidly. VRT has emerged as one of the most promising tools in this new landscape, offering a modern solution for a modern world.
Not only is VR therapy effective, it’s also affordable, accessible, and adaptable to both in-person and virtual therapy models. It can make once-difficult therapeutic experiences more engaging, more comfortable, and more effective for a wider range of clients.
Ready to Step In?
As with any therapy, Virtual Reality Therapy may not be the perfect fit for everyone, but for many, it represents a powerful leap forward in the healing journey.
Starting in May, Dr. Julie Sorenson, DMFT, MA, LPC, will be offering Virtual Reality Therapy at The Teletherapy Group. During your initial assessment, she will work with you to determine whether VRT aligns with your goals, your needs, and your readiness for change.
If you’re curious about how this immersive experience could help you manage anxiety, conquer fears, or overcome trauma in a whole new way, we’d love to talk with you.
Call 269-366-0650 today to schedule your consultation and explore whether VR therapy is the next step in your healing.
References
Mihajlovic, A., & Committee on Technology and Psychiatry at the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry. (2025, March 12). Could virtual reality be a game changer for mental health? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychiatrys-think-tank/202503/could-virtual-reality-be-a-game-changer-for-mental-health
Sarkis, S. (2021, March 3). Virtual reality as an effective form of therapy. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/202103/virtual-reality-effective-form-therapy
Wechsler, T. F., Kümpers, F., & Mühlberger, A. (2022). The effectiveness of virtual reality exposure–based cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(2), e26736. https://doi.org/10.2196/26736