Individuals experiencing bullying or hostile voices may discover tranquility through therapy utilizing computer-generated avatars, as highlighted in recent research.
The digital representations are developed by those suffering from psychosis to align with the voices they perceive.
Participants then engage in role-play with the avatar under the supervision of a therapist, acquiring techniques to confront their aggressor.
The avatars are utilized in therapeutic role-play
A study conducted by clinical psychologists at Kings College London (KCL) indicates that just a handful of avatar therapy sessions can significantly lessen both the distress and occurrence of voices.
Ruth, who was hospitalized for over five years due to her condition, has transformed her life after undergoing therapy with a personalized avatar.
Now married and on the brink of commencing a new job, she shared her experience with Sky News. “When the voices echo in my mind, I perceive them as if they are right behind me, whispering in my ear with their taunts,” she expressed.
She elaborated: “At times, they commentate on every action I take.
“On other occasions, it feels as if they are screaming directly into my ear. It can be utterly draining.
“Initially, engaging with the avatar was starkly challenging; the things it would articulate were quite harsh.
“However, with time, I discovered my ability to dominate that voice.”
Ruth underwent over five years of hospitalization due to her illness but is now married and ready to start a new job
‘Confronting the Issue’
The therapeutic journey initiates with individuals crafting a digital avatar that symbolizes the voices they encounter.
Initially, they choose the appropriate vocal tone for the avatar.
Subsequently, akin to developing a police identikit image for a suspect, they select distinctive facial features to generate a likeness that corresponds with the voice they perceive.
During sessions, they engage in a dialogue with the avatar, which remains under the control of a clinical psychologist, learning to confront the distressing voices encountered.
Digitally created avatars are developed by individuals with psychosis to assist them in confronting distressing voices
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Dr. Tom Ward, a clinical psychologist at KCL, noted: “It’s generally an incredibly impactful moment for the individual.
“The voice is something they may have been evading for many years, and now they are confronting it directly, which can understandably evoke anxiety.
“The therapist’s role is to ensure that the environment feels secure enough for them to engage with the avatar.”
‘Remarkable Discovery’
Research involving 345 participants, funded by the Wellcome Trust and published in the journal Nature, demonstrated that avatar therapy facilitated distancing the voices, allowing individuals to lead more typical lives.
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Professor Philippa Garety, the principal investigator, remarked that this therapy is the first to demonstrate a lasting effect on the frequency of auditory hallucinations.
“This represents an incredibly important breakthrough,” she stated.
“Experiencing fewer voices, less often, or an absence of voices can profoundly influence their everyday experiences.”
NICE, the organization that oversees treatments within the NHS framework, has endorsed the therapy.
It will now be expanded to clinics across England for further practical evaluation.
