Immersive VR Grief Therapy
What is VR Grief Therapy ?
VR grief therapy is a form of therapy that uses virtual reality (VR) technology to help people cope with grief and loss. It creates immersive environments where users can process emotions, engage in therapeutic exercises, or even interact with virtual representations of lost loved ones
How It Works:
Guided Therapy Sessions: Users wear a VR headset and engage in guided experiences designed by therapists. These might involve revisiting cherished memories, relaxation techniques, or storytelling.
Avatar Interactions: Some programs allow users to interact with a digital recreation of a deceased loved one using generated quotes, A,I and old recordings. This is controversial but may help some with closure.
Soothing Environments: Users might explore calming virtual spaces (e.g., beaches, gardens, or spiritual realms) to process emotions in a safe way.
Exposure Therapy: Some VR therapies simulate real-life situations to help individuals adjust to life after loss (e.g., being at a family gathering without the deceased).
Our Research
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Using AI and VR to Support Grieving Parents
Lets explore how virtual reality (VR) and generative AI can be combined to support parents grieving the loss of a child. We introduce a VR system that allows parents to connect in shared virtual spaces, create memorial art, visualize meaningful memories, and engage in therapy sessions. Our goal is to make grief support more accessible and interactive.
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Death Anxiety and Advance Care Planning in Hospice and Funeral Workers
Do those who work closely with death—hospice and funeral home employees—plan better for their own end-of-life care? This study investigates whether their exposure to mortality reduces death anxiety and increases advance care planning. The findings may surprise you.
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Intersections: Social Work and Community Resilience Post-COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how social workers engage with vulnerable communities. How have they adapted, and what role does telehealth now play in reducing barriers to care? This article examines the evolving landscape of social work in a post-pandemic world.