Confronting Auditory Hallucinations Using Virtual Reality: The Avatar Therapy

Mar Rus-Calafell*, Philippa Garety, Tom Ward, Geoff Williams, Mark Huckvale, Julian Leff, Thomas K J Craig

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The AVATAR therapy is a computer-based intervention which aims to reduce the frequency and severity of voices. The approach is based on computer technology which enables each patient to create an avatar of the entity (human or non-human) that they believe is talking to them. The therapist promotes a dialogue between the patient and the avatar in which the avatar progressively comes under the patient's control. Using real-time voice conversion delivery software, the therapist can modify the relationship between the patient and his/her voice. The innovation of this new intervention is discussed in the present paper as well as the advantages of using a computer based system. The subjective view of the technology from a participant's point of view is also presented.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAnnual Review of Cybertherapy and Telemedicine 2015: Virtual Reality in Healthcare: Medical Simulation and Experiential Interface
PublisherIOS Press
Pages192-196
Number of pages5
Volume219
ISBN (Print)9781614995944
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume219
ISSN (Print)09269630
ISSN (Electronic)18798365

Keywords

  • Auditory hallucinations
  • avatar
  • psychosis
  • virtual reality
  • voices

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