Facing fears and phobiasFacing fears and phobias
All In The Mind
Would you be comfortable with a Huntsman spider crawling on your arm, or a python slithering over your shoulder? Not many of us would, but when this discomfort causes you so much anxiety that it interferes with your daily life – it’s become a phobia. But there is treatment, and virtual reality can assist.
29:06•5 Jan 2020
Virtual Reality: A New Frontier in Conquering Phobias
“And that problem means that part of the therapy process is helping to get the decision making part of the brain to talk to and to begin to control the situations that drive the anxiety.”
Imagine having a spider crawl up your arm or a snake slither over your shoulder. For many, this is the stuff of nightmares. But when such fears start to disrupt daily life, they turn into phobias. This episode of 'All In The Mind' dives into the world of phobias and how cutting-edge virtual reality technology is being used to treat them.
Corrie Ackland, clinical director of The Sydney Phobia Clinic, shares her expertise on the biology of phobias and the risk factors that make them develop. Ackland discusses how virtual reality can be an effective tool in exposure therapy, helping patients confront their fears in a controlled, safe environment. She also touches on the role of medication in managing anxiety and how our brain's decision-making processes play a key part in overcoming these intense fears.
With personal anecdotes, including her own battle with arachnophobia, Ackland offers a compelling look at how modern technology is making strides in mental health treatment. This episode is perfect for anyone curious about innovative therapies or struggling with their own phobias.
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