Field observations of therapists conducting virtual reality exposure treatment for the fear of flying

Abstract

Recent research suggests Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) for the treatment of fear of flying as an important reliable technique for this phobia. This paper focuses on the role of the therapist during an exposure session. Six therapists were observed in 14 sessions with 11 different patients. Results show that in 93 % of the observed sessions, therapists started with a similar flight pattern. Furthermore, a total of 20 errors were observed where therapists initiated inappropriate sound recordings such as pilot or purser announcements. Findings suggest that the system might be improved by providing the therapist with automatic flying scenarios.