Dr. Tara Donker, from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, is convinced that accessible and affordable treatment for specific phobias, such as fear of heights, is possible by making smart use of existing technology and recent scientific insights. At the moment, Donker is developing a self-help therapy for fear of heights called ‘OPhobia’. You can follow this therapy yourself on your smartphone and a simple VR viewer.
Virtual reality
Donker, a clinical psychologist by training, developed a therapy using virtual reality to overcome fear of heights. This therapy is designed as a game, for which you need basic VR goggles and a smartphone. Ophobia is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, a therapy that has proven its effectiveness for treating different types of disorders.
Smartphone app
You can follow this therapy on your smartphone. Because of its self-help nature, regular visits to a therapist to get rid of your fear are no longer be necessary.
Game
During the short symposium, this method was demonstrated. You are virtually taken to the altitude, so that while you play, your fear of heights becomes less and eventually disappears.
Entire article from VVAO
