Psychology.ie

Diploma in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

VR heightens the brain’s rewiring process, de-stresses the nervous system, and quiets negative thought processes.

A CPD-Certified program.

Virtual Mental Health Therapy

The Digital Evolution of Irish & UK Mental Health Care
 

This Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy course provides a comprehensive introduction to immersive digital health for psychologists and counsellors. Designed for practitioners in Ireland and the UK, this self-paced diploma explores the theoretical frameworks of VRET and its integration into modern mental health care. Learn the evidence-based mechanics of treating specific phobias within a safe, controlled virtual environment. This informational program requires no specialised VR hardware, serving as a foundational stepping stone for professionals navigating the intersection of technology and clinical care.

 

The Future of Mental Health Care in Ireland and the UK

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is rapidly becoming a core component of modern psychological practice. As health services across Ireland and the UK move toward digital health integration, this diploma offers the essential theoretical framework to understand how immersive technology can be used to treat psychological distress.

Foundational Training for the Modern Clinic

This online program introduces the fusion of immersive visual devices and therapeutic environments. Designed as a high-level informational resource for busy practitioners, the course is entirely self-paced and does not require specialized VR hardware to complete. It serves as an ideal entry point for healthcare professionals in private practice or the public sector (HSE/NHS) looking to understand the mechanics of VRET.

Evidence-Based Insights into Specific Phobias

Gain a deep understanding of how virtual environments provide a controlled, regulated setting for addressing anxiety disorders and specific phobias. From the theory behind social anxiety simulations to the logistics of real-world triggers encountered in daily Irish and British life, this course provides the knowledge needed to bridge the gap between traditional consulting and digital intervention.

Theoretical Foundations & CPD Standards

Fully accredited by the CPD Certification Service, this program focuses on the theoretical and ethical considerations required for responsible VRET exploration. This course provides clinicians with the critical knowledge base required to understand this innovative field and its evolving role within the local clinical landscape.

 

Course Benefits

BY THE END OF THIS COURSE, STUDENTS WILL be able to:

⚡️ Foundational Understanding: Gain a foundational understanding of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) principles, including theories and models.

⚡️ Hardware Examination: Examine and compare the hardware used for Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) applications.

⚡️ Practical Application: Demonstrate proficiency in navigating virtual environments and applying VRET techniques to address psychological issues.

⚡️ Ethical Competence: Evaluate and apply ethical considerations associated with the use of VRET in mental health treatment.

⚡️ Assessment Skills: Assess the suitability of VRET for different psychological conditions, considering its effectiveness and limitations.

⚡️ Communication Proficiency: Effectively communicate VRET concepts to diverse audiences and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

⚡️ Critical Thinking: Apply critical thinking skills to analyze research, critique various models of VR therapy, and understand the theories of VRET.

⚡️ Motion Sickness Recognition: Recognize and understand the phenomenon of Virtual Reality motion sickness and its implications for VRET.

This self-paced online program is designed to be accessible to everyone, and no specialized VR equipment is required. All learning materials, including theoretical content, practical applications, and assessments, can be accessed using standard devices with internet connectivity. This ensures that you can explore the fascinating world of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy without the need for additional hardware or devices. Dive into the course at your convenience, from the comfort of your own computer or tablet.

 

VR is FUN!

►Virtual reality makes treatment enjoyable. It is simpler to do the work in the game, which may result in better outcomes. Pleasure and enjoyment are excellent motivators.

Evidence based

► According to studies, virtual reality may be a helpful technique for treating mental illness. Virtual reality facilitates brain rewiring and the development of healthy pathways that increase resilience, relaxation, healing, and outcomes.

Professional

►A trained therapist can provide a customized treatment plan and frequent consultations. Access to an in-app messaging platform allows prompt communication with the therapist between sessions. No more delay!

Course Content

Module 1

The History -.The Virtual environment - Definitions of VR - Concepts of VR.- Simulation/Computer simulation - Virtual reality interaction -Virtual Reality Immersion:-Virtual Reality Telepresence:

Module 2

The 3D environment-Virtual Reality Head Mounted Display:=Virtual Reality Hand Gloves - Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy -Research and practice of VR Therapy worldwide.

Module 3

Introduction to Computer Simulation -Techniques to replace or amplify real experiences with planned experiences -Applications of simulation -Conceptual models -Simulation Based Training

Module 4

Exposure Therapy – Foundation: Types of Exposure Therapy-InVivo-Imaginal-Flooding-VRET-What conditions exposure therapy can treat.

Module 5

Conditions that ca be treated.-VR for flying phobia- VR for Arachnophobia- VR for PTSD-VR for Anxiety-VR for Thanatophobia

Module 6

VR Relaxation: VR experiences of pleasant and calming virtual environments, immersive relaxation sessions -VR Mediation for stress

Entry requirements

The course is intended for people who have never had previous training in VR. To participate, no formal educational qualifications are required.

The course is suitable for beginners, right through to established practitioners.

Previous participants have included mental health staff in a range of different professions including Nurses, probation officers, Prison wardens, psychologists, GPs, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counsellors, Drugs workers, social workers, occupational therapists, counselling and psychology students.

Virtual Reality can cure phobias

COURSE DELIVERY & EVALUATION

The course is delivered completely online through our website. Each unit comprises reading material, short videos, and slide presentations.

ONLINE QUIZ

The online quiz is an assessment that is completed on our learning platform.  The questions are a combination of short answer questions, multiple-choice questions. . Questions will require students to have knowledge and understanding of the subject to be able to apply it to the questions.

 

Expert tuition

The tutor for this course is Dr John Crimmins. John has over 20 years experience working as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. He is also a specialist in Eating Disorders. He is available for discussions and questions regarding course content.

Accreditation

We are an approved Training Provider with The CPD Certification Service in London.

 

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 as the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the Continuing Professional Development policies of professional institutes and academic bodies. The CPD Certification Service provides support, advice and recognised independent CPD accreditation compatible with global CPD principles

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Cost of full course €345 (£295)

Once payment is received we will register you to begin the course immediately. We will send you the course log in details by email and you can  log straight into the course dashboard where all the course materials are contained.

The cost of €345 (£295)  is the total cost of the training, this includes the Diploma which is emailed to you on successful completion of the course. There are no extra or hidden charges.

Your tutor is available by email to answer any questions relating to the course and assignments1

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