Students will be offered more effective and engaging mental health support thanks to a ground-breaking QUT counselling pilot program.
The program integrates virtual reality (VR) into its mental health services, offering students new ways to address a range of mental health issues such as managing public speaking anxiety and enhancing mindfulness practices.
The VR program has been initiated by QUT Manager of Counselling and Psychological Wellbeing, Donald Crowley, who commended its potential in the mental health services space.
“The immersive nature of VR allows us to create controlled environments that are incredibly realistic,” Mr Crowley said.
Using VR, therapists can create tailored environments that simulate real-world scenarios from the safety of the counselling room, improving accessibility while allowing a greater degree of control and customization.
The program will play a part in the comprehensive mental health services, that already include counselling, mental health nurses, psychologists and a range of other initiatives that focus on student wellbeing.
It is expected to be particularly beneficial in the management of stress and anxiety around public speaking, especially in academic environments where presentations and group discussions are frequent.
The VR program allows students to practice their speeches in front of a simulated audience, which can be programmed to ask questions about the content – giving students the chance to develop their presentation skills and address any fears they have in a safe and controlled environment.
“As a university, we are able to focus on the needs of students and offer early intervention support which can help students stay on track during difficult times, as well as increase and rebuild resilience,” Mr Crowley said.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques will also be targeted through the pilot program.
“By transporting students to tranquil environments VR may help students achieve a state of calm more effectively than traditional mindfulness practices,” he said.
“These immersive experiences can be particularly beneficial for students who struggle with traditional meditation techniques or have difficulty finding a peaceful environment for relaxation. Mindfulness is a critical component of mental wellbeing.
“The VR environments we’ve developed provide a perfect setting for students to practice mindfulness and stress reduction, while the sensory immersion helps them stay present and fully engaged in the moment, which is often a challenge in our busy lives.”
Mr Crowley said incorporating VR into QUT counselling services was a further demonstration of the QUT commitment to innovation as well as the institution’s dedication to providing cutting-edge support for student mental health.
As the program evolves, it promises to set a new standard for mental health services in academic institutions.
“We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible in the digital therapy space,” Mr Crowley said.
“The intersection of technology and mental health is incredibly exciting, and we’re committed to exploring every avenue to support our students’ wellbeing.”
The program will be open to QUT students with a referral in October 2024.
Image at top: Donald Crowley, Manager, Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing Service at QUT with a VR Headset
QUT media contact:
Natassja Sharp, 07 3138 1842, natassja.sharp@qut.edu.au
After hours: 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
