Areas of intervention

Anxiety and anxiety disorders

What is anxiety

Anxiety is a complex combination of emotions that include fear, apprehension and worry; it is characterised by a sense of agitation, worry and threat, accompanied most often by a somatic reaction that alarms the body.  When anxiety becomes intense, persistent and impairs the individual's normal level of social, family, personal and work functioning, it is called an anxiety disorder.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety is characterised by manifestations acting on three levels:

cognitive;
behavioural;
physiological

What are the causes of anxiety?

There are multiple causes that can contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder. Here are some of the main causes:

genetic factors;
biological factors;
environmental factors;
physical health conditions

How to treat anxiety?

One of the most suitable therapeutic strategies is exposure therapy, based on the idea that avoidance of feared situations reinforces anxiety symptoms. On the contrary, facing feared situations progressively helps to reduce symptoms.

What is our immersive reality treatment for anxiety?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a model of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviour. CBT within immersive virtual reality combines the techniques of cognitive-behavioural therapy with virtual reality: in the treatment of anxiety disorders, patients are exposed in a controlled and incremental manner to anxiety-triggering situations or objects, allowing for deep reworking in a safe virtual environment.

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Self-esteem

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is the set of evaluative judgements the individual has of himself, it is the result of our experiences compared to our ideal expectations: the greater this discrepancy, the lower our self-esteem will be.

What are the symptoms of low self-esteem?

There are certain signs that indicate the presence of low self-esteem. Recognising problems with one's self-esteem is an important step towards improving one's psychological well-being.

What are the causes of low self-esteem?

The causes of low self-esteem can be many and vary from individual to individual. Here are some of the most common causes:

lack of affection during childhood;
overprotective or oppressive, hypercritical or demanding parents;
confrontation with societal role models;
failure in social relationships;
trauma or abuse experiences;
health problems;
problems in relationships;
unrealistic goals and failure.

How can you work on your self-esteem?

Working on one's self-esteem is a process that takes time and commitment, but it can bring enormous benefits and lead to a more fulfilling life. Here are some essential points to focus on: self-acceptance;

valuing and celebrating successes;
identifying and challenging negative thoughts;
setting realistic goals.

What is our treatment with immersive virtual reality to work on self-esteem?

Immersive virtual reality can be a powerful tool for studying and improving self-esteem. This technology makes it possible to create fully controlled environments and situations in which individuals can safely experience and interact.  Virtual reality allows one to work on one's self-image by manipulating the characteristics of one's avatar; it also allows one to experiment in a safe environment in which one can work on one's emotions and self-esteem, carrying out a process of introspection and self-knowledge.

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Personal growth

What is personal growth?

Personal growth is a process of self-improvement involving the refinement of skills, competencies, knowledge and moral and personal qualities. This process is continuous and lasts a lifetime.  It can involve different spheres of life, not just professional life, and it involves the inner self of the person. Personal growth is like a journey in which rather than focusing on the final destination, one chooses to enjoy the journey and the journey itself.

Why pursue personal growth?

Going on a personal growth path has many benefits. Here are some of the main reasons:

improved personal and professional skills;
self-knowledge and self-esteem;
personal fulfilment;
individual well-being;
improved quality of life.

How to approach a path of personal growth?

Undertaking a personal growth path with an online psychologist consists of a series of virtual meetings in which the person, with the support of the therapist, works on him/herself to bring about the changes he/she desires.  The psychologist will use various tools and exercises along the way to foster personal development and change.

What is our treatment with immersive virtual reality in a path of personal growth?

Aesthetically pleasing and relaxing virtual environments in which to practice simulations allow users to learn and practice relaxation and coping techniques in simulated environments, including breathing and muscle relaxation exercises. Virtual reality allows a level of immersion that is difficult to achieve with traditional methods.

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Depression and depressive disorders

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder and one of the most common and disabling mental disorders. People suffering from this disorder show frequent and intense states of dissatisfaction and sadness, with negative and pessimistic thoughts about themselves, others and their future. It is often family members who notice the social withdrawal or rejection of occupations previously considered pleasant.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The most common symptoms of depression can be divided into:

physical;
emotional;
cognitive;
behavioural.

What are the causes of depression?

Depression has no single cause but is the result of a combination of biological, psychological, environmental and genetic factors.

How to treat depression?

Depression is a complex disorder that does not always present itself clearly and may be associated with other pathologies. For this reason, therapy is highly individualised.  Some of the possible interventions are:

cognitive-behavioural therapy;
psycho-education;
interpersonal therapy;
relaxation techniques.

What is our immersive reality treatment for depression?

Immersive virtual reality (VR) is used to create pleasant and relaxing virtual environments that can help people suffering from depression improve their emotional state and experience satisfying activities.  Through this approach, patients can gain psychological benefits through immersiveness, improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety levels.

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Eating disorders

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders (EADs) are disorders characterised by altered eating habits and an excessive preoccupation with weight and body shape. They mainly occur during adolescence and mainly affect the female sex.

What are the causes of eating disorders?

Understanding the causes of eating disorders is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and targeted treatments.  Treatment often requires an integrated approach that considers the various factors involved, with targeted medical, psychological and pharmacological interventions.  The causes of eating disorders are complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors

What is our immersive reality treatment for eating disorders?

The proposed treatments use controlled virtual environments to address various aspects related to eating disorders, such as self-image, body perception, food-related anxiety and dysfunctional eating habits.  Virtual reality allows the therapist to monitor patients' reactions in real time, providing immediate and personalised feedback; it also allows the therapist to create situations that are difficult to replicate safely in the real world.

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Sleep disorders

What are sleep disorders?

The term 'sleep disorders' does not only refer to insomnia but also to all situations in which, although sleeping, one feels sleep is not very restful and restful, or when one manages to fall asleep but wakes up frequently.  All these disturbances affect the quality of life, generating and amplifying fatigue and irritation during the day, compromising personal and social security, and worsening one's state of health.

What are the physical and psychological symptoms of sleep disorders?

Symptoms of sleep disorders may vary depending on the type of disorder, but in general they may include a range of physical and psychological symptoms.

What are the causes of sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders can be caused by many factors, including anxiety, stress, daily worries, recurring thoughts, traumatic events (e.g. bereavement), family, work or health problems and others.

What are the types of sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders are classified into several categories, including insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders (DRS), circadian rhythm sleep disorders, and sleep-related movement disorders.

How to treat sleep disorders?

There are several treatments for sleep disorders, including, psychotherapy, sleep hygiene and drug therapy.

What is our immersive reality treatment for sleep disorders?

The integration of immersive reality for sleep disorders and scientifically validated psychotherapy techniques offer a complete and integrated therapeutic experience, exploiting both the traditional tools of psychotherapy and the immersive and personalised potential of virtual reality and the metaverse.

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Sexual disorders

What are sexual disorders

Sexual disorders (or dysfunctions) are conditions that negatively affect a person's ability to have a satisfying sex life.  These disorders can involve various aspects of sexual response, desire, arousal, orgasm and pain during sexual activity. Sexual disorders can be caused by a combination of physical, psychological, emotional and social factors.

What are the causes of sexual disorders?

The causes of sexual disorders can be multiple and include:

Biological factors;
Psychological factors;
Social factors;
Relational factors.

How to treat sexual disorders?

The treatment of sexual disorders depends on the specific condition and the underlying causes, which may be physical, psychological, or a combination of both.  First of all, it is essential to consult a professional for a complete evaluation to determine whether sexual disorders are due to medical conditions, medication or other physical causes.

What is our immersive reality treatment for sexual disorders?

Many sexual disorders have a psychological component, so a course with an experienced psychotherapist can be particularly effective Immersive virtual reality offers a safe and controlled environment in which patients (whether individuals or couples) can address and work on their problems. For sexual pain disorders, virtual reality can offer the possibility of practising muscle relaxation and breathing techniques that reduce pain and anxiety.

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Obsessive compulsive disorder

What is obsessive compulsive disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterised by the presence of obsessions, compulsions or both.  Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images or impulses that cause significant anxiety or discomfort

What are the causes of obsessive compulsive disorder?

The causes of OCD are not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic, neurobiological, environmental and psychological factors may contribute to its development, factors that do not act in isolation but interact with each other.

How to treat obsessive compulsive disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex condition and may require a combination of approaches to be managed effectively.  It is important to consult a qualified mental health professional to receive an accurate assessment and a customised treatment plan.

What is our immersive reality treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder?

Virtual and augmented reality exploit digital immersion to expose patients to situations that trigger their obsessions and compulsions in a safe and controlled environment.  The aim is to help the patient develop strategies to deal with the feared situations in a healthy and progressive way, reducing the associated anxiety.  VR makes it possible to simulate realistic scenarios that are difficult to recreate in real life, simulating everyday activities where the patient's obsessions and compulsions can be triggered.

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Chronic pain management

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that exists when one or more of these conditions are present:

it is recurrent and has lasted for more than three months or for years;
it lasts for more than one month after the resolution of the injury or problem that caused it;
it is associated with a chronic disorder or an injury that does not heal.

What are the causes of chronic pain?

Chronic pain can be caused by various chronic conditions and factors. Here are some possible causes:

chronic diseases;
neurological disorders;
past traumas, injuries and nerve damage;
persistent infections;
musculoskeletal conditions;
mental and psychological states of distress such as anxiety or depression.

Often chronic pain is multifactorial, with multiple overlapping or mutually influencing causes.

What are the symptoms of chronic pain?

Chronic pain may occur in different parts of the body and the sensation of pain may be different. For example, pain may feel pulsating, stabbing, stinging or stinging; it may be constant or intermittent and its intensity may vary.

How can chronic pain be treated?

Effective management of chronic pain often involves an interdisciplinary approach that may include drugs, physical therapies, psychological therapies, surgery and other treatment options targeting the underlying causes and symptoms.

What is our immersive virtual reality treatment for chronic pain?

Virtual reality (VR) therapy and the metaverse offer a powerful innovative contribution, providing significant benefits and guiding clinical practice on the basis of a safe and proven technology.  The rationale for the operation of immersive reality with the metaverse is based on the fact that the perception of pain also has a strong psychological component.

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Social phobia

What is social phobia?

Social phobia (or social anxiety disorder) is a psychological disorder characterised by an excessive and persistent fear of social situations in which the individual may be observed by other people.

What are the physical and psychological symptoms of social phobia?

Symptoms may vary from person to person but the most frequent include:

trembling;
palpitations;
excessive sweating;
hot flashes;
muscle tension;
nausea;
dry mouth;
stiff posture;
slurred speech;
anxiety;
panic attacks.

In addition, the person may experience anticipatory anxiety, which is a permanent anxious state lasting many weeks before a feared social event.

What are the causes of social phobia?

The causes of social phobia can be of different types and include:

learned behaviour;
temperamental vulnerability;
adverse life events and predisposing social situations;
genetic factors.

How to treat social phobia?

The most effective way to deal with social phobia is to undertake psychotherapy, including:

cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy;
exposure therapy;
relaxation and meditation techniques (such as mindfulness);
cognitive restructuring.

What is our immersive reality treatment for social phobia?

Exposure through immersive virtual reality has become an important therapeutic tool, useful to simulate those social contexts that cause distress to the patient and thus allow the therapist to implement an effective intervention.  Through immersive virtual reality, in fact, various social contexts can be simulated, thus allowing the therapist to implement an effective and highly personalised intervention to adapt to the specific needs of each patient.

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Phobias

What are phobias?

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder characterised by an intense and irrational fear of specific objects, situations, activities, animals or places. Phobias can affect virtually anything, from social situations to living creatures and inanimate objects.

What are the psychological and physical symptoms of phobias?

The symptoms of phobias, which can vary from person to person, can be

psychological
physical.

What are the causes of phobias?

The causes of phobias can result from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. Phobias can be complex and influenced by a variety of interconnected factors.

How to cure phobias?

Phobias can be treated with different therapeutic approaches, which can be used individually or in combination, depending on the patient's individual needs. It is important to consult a mental health professional for an accurate assessment and a customised treatment plan.

What is our immersive reality treatment for phobias?

Virtual reality (VR) has become increasingly used in the treatment of phobias due to its ability to provide a safe and controlled environment for gradual exposure to fear triggers. Virtual reality can be used to simulate the environment or situation that triggers the patient's phobia.

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Stress management

What is stress?

The term 'stress' derives from the Latin to tighten, to bind with force: its etymology points out the close correlation with a sense of oppression. In its definition in psychology, stress is understood as an organism's response to an 'exceptional' demand from the external environment. Stress can be understood in a positive or negative sense.

What can be the causes of stress?

Stressors are the stressful events, i.e. nothing else but the causes of stress. In order to solve the problem and treat stress, it is necessary to identify stressors, i.e. the events and situations that cause stress. These can be grouped into different categories:

environmental causes;
organic causes;
social causes;
psychic causes.

What is our treatment with immersive reality for stress management?

Immersive virtual reality represents an innovative and powerful tool for emotional elicitation, combining the advantages of traditional therapeutic methods and overcoming their limitations. Thanks to this innovative technique, it is in fact possible to simulate and assess a person's emotional responses in a highly controlled and protected context. This is profoundly relevant at a clinical level; thanks to these characteristics, this technology is used in programmes for the prevention and support of psychological stress management.

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Problems at work

What are work problems?

Work problems are the challenges, tensions and difficulties that can arise within the work environment and that negatively affect employee performance, satisfaction and well-being. These problems can be very numerous and varied in nature, depending on the work context in which the person finds him/herself, its dynamics and the group of professionals with whom one works. It is very important to address these problems with effective strategies to improve the work environment and productivity.

What are the symptoms of problems at work?

Symptoms may vary from situation to situation, but some of the most common are: stress (which can develop into burnout), tiredness and fatigue, lack of energy even after resting, irritability and nervousness, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, headaches, stomach ache and/or changes in appetite and sleep, feeling of dissatisfaction, lack of motivation and feeling emotionally empty.

What are the types of work problems?

Work-related problems can have different psychological origins and can manifest themselves in various ways. Here are some of the most common psychological types of work-related problems:

work-related stress;
burnout;
mobbing;
sexual harassment;
interpersonal conflicts;
eadership problems.

How can work problems be managed through therapy?

For the management of work-related problems, several solutions can be used:

individual psychotherapy together with a professional;
group therapy;
mindfulness.

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Reports

What is a relationship?

A couple relationship is an emotional or sentimental bond that is established between two people. In a couple relationship, the two people share experiences, emotions and goals, and work together to build a common future.  Each couple relationship is unique and can vary according to the personalities of the partners, their expectations and emotional needs.

What are the symptoms of a problematic romantic relationship?

A romantic relationship can become problematic for various reasons and can manifest itself through various symptoms.  Here are some warning signs to look out for:

lack of communication;
lack of trust, esteem, respect and contempt;
frequent and repetitive quarrels and abuse;
emotional dependency.

How are relationship problems dealt with in psychotherapy?

In psychotherapy, different factors can be worked on depending on the situation: it helps individuals to better understand themselves and each other, to improve communication, understanding, to build mutual trust and to find shared solutions to problems in the relationship.

How can problems in a relationship be addressed through online psychotherapy and virtual reality?

Within a couples psychotherapy process, immersive virtual reality can also be a valuable tool. The advantage of being able to conduct distance couple therapy sessions allows partners to participate in therapy even if they cannot be physically present in the same place. In the case of therapy with the aid of immersive virtual reality, there is even the possibility of being virtually in the same room even if the two partners are geographically distant.

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