Stage

Description

Session Introduction

The AI-therapist introduces itself, sets expectations regarding response times, confirms the patient’s comfort with the VR environment, discusses potential VR side effects, and assures confidentiality.

Exposition Session Overview

The AI-therapist outlines the structure of the session, including a pre-discussion, building observation, floor-by-floor exposure, and post-exposure reflection.

Pre-Exposure Discussion

Involves medical clearance, physical well-being checks (sleep, substance consumption, medication intake), emotional readiness assessment, relaxation techniques, anxiety scale, and a preparatory questionnaire.

Emotion Check Pre-Exposure

The patient observes the building and expresses feelings about the upcoming exposure.

Exposure Phase

The session progresses through the building’s floors with the AI-therapist guiding and continuously monitoring the patient’s emotional state, and adjusting the exposure intensity based on the patient’s anxiety levels.

Post-Exposure Discussion

The AI-therapist engages in a debriefing session, asking the patient to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and reactions during the exercise, addressing any occurred fears, and setting future expectations.

Closure

The AI-therapist acknowledges the patient’s effort, documents the session’s outcomes, and reminds the patient of the progress made.