Virtual Reality (VR) is no longer just a technical experiment. It has proven to be an effective tool in many areas of psychotherapy, particularly for anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and various behavioral therapy issues. At Lab E virtuallythere, we are actively committed to ensuring that this still young method is not only discussed theoretically but also responsibly integrated into psychotherapeutic practice. A key lever for this is qualified, practice-oriented training.
Training courses that deepen knowledge and enable application
The training courses offered by virtuallythere on VR in psychotherapy are accredited according to the guidelines of the therapists' chamber and certified with CME points. They are aimed at psychological and medical psychotherapists, psychotherapeutic practitioners, as well as other professionals in the field of mental health. The content ranges from the basics of VR application in psychotherapy to specific areas of application such as exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, emotion regulation, mindfulness training, and inhibitory learning.
These events not only provide an overview of the current state of research but also demonstrate, through concrete case examples, how VR can be used in therapeutic practice. Participants will gain access to real VR applications that they can subsequently test in their own therapeutic routines.
Modules for Different Experience Levels
The training program is modular in structure and specifically targets three groups: beginners who want to gain an initial overview of technology, evidence, and clinical relevance; practitioners who have already taken their first steps and now need further impulses and want to deepen their knowledge systematically; and advanced professionals who wish to exchange ideas with other experts to engage with factors of influence, ethical questions, or the transfer into complex therapy settings.
Pionierin mit Vision und Verantwortung
Virtual reality has not yet become a systematic part of the training and education for psychological psychotherapists. It is all the more remarkable that our cooperation partner, the Tübinger Academy for Behavioral Therapy (TAKT), VR has integrated into the training in a binding and structured manner as one of the first training institutes in Germany. With this, TAKT sets a strong example for a modern, practice-oriented, and future-oriented psychotherapy training.
A particular concern for us at Lab E is the personal commitment of our founder Carola Epple. As one of the pioneers of VR in psychotherapy in the German-speaking world, she recognized the potentials early on, but also the challenges. For years, she has been advocating that VR should not be seen as a technical toy, but as a serious, evidence-based tool. Her experience with the first progressive therapists from clinical practice and current clinical research directly informs the design of the training programs.
Change requires attitude – and knowledge
Changes in therapeutic approaches do not happen on their own. If new methods like VR are to be integrated into care, professionals need, in addition to reimbursement codes, primarily solid knowledge, practical training, and the opportunity for exchange. We at Lab E are convinced: Only when therapists are well-informed and confident in using new tools can innovation succeed in the interest of patients.
We also address the fundamental question: What role can Virtual Reality meaningfully play in psychotherapy? Digital tools like VR open up new therapeutic approaches, streamline processes, and can save valuable time. In our work with clients, we experience a noticeable openness and growing willingness to utilize these possibilities.
However, for the potential of digital methods to truly reach practice, targeted training and active involvement of the practitioners are needed. Only by empowering them to use new technologies safely and responsibly will innovation become a part of care.
Current Training Dates
Alle anstehenden Veranstaltungen – darunter CME-Webinare für Einsteiger:innen, vertiefende Workshops und themenspezifische Module – finden Sie auf der Website von virtuallythere. We are happy when you become an active part of the change and just join in.
