Integrating virtual realities and psychotherapy: SWOT analysis on VR and MR based treatments of anxiety and stress-related disorders

The use of virtual reality (VR) and mixed (MR) technology in clinical psychology is growing. Efficacious VR-based treatments for a variety disorders have been developed. However, the field technology-assisted psychotherapy constantly changing with advancement technology. Factors such as interdisciplinary collaboration, consumer familiarity adoption VR products, progress science all need to be taken into consideration when integrating technologies psychotherapies. We aim present an overview current expert opinions on treatment anxiety stress-related disorders. An anonymous survey was distributed select group researchers clinicians, using analytic framework known Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT). Overall, respondents had optimistic outlook regarding well future development implementation interventions. MR psychotherapies offer distinct advantages that can overcome shortcomings associated traditional therapy. acknowledged discussed limitations They recommended consolidation existing knowledge encouraged standardisation both theory practice. Continued research needed leverage strengths develop better treatments.Abbreviations: AR: Augmented Reality; MR: Mixed RCT: Randomised Controlled Trial; SWOT: Threats; VR: Virtual VR-EBT: Reality Exposure-Based Therapy