Psychological intervention with traumatized children in care with the use of virtual reality.
Project Description: The goal is to collaborate with the PEDIMET project by creating an assessment space, diagnosis and specialized treatment of children in care in order to respond to developmental, emotional and behavioral problems through new technologies of the information society, in particular virtual reality.
The intervention comprises psychological assessment through a specific protocol for post-traumatic reactions in childhood, and later psychological treatment adapted to the symptoms seen in children so as to decrease this psychopathology and to strengthen their resources. As a therapeutic tool the Virtual Reality device "EMMA CHILD" (Engaging Media Applications for Mental Health) will be used. This innovative virtual reality device is based on the latest technology adapted for use with children and brings an open environment for the treatment of post-traumatic disorders . Through its custom settings it allows simulating reality with a high degree of realism, offering children with difficulties in imaginative ability the possibility to confront their fears (trauma) in a safe environment and in a controlled and rigorous way, thus helping them to elaborate aspects of the "family trauma" in a less aversive manner, both for children and therapists. It's an excellent tool facilitating the painful process of evocation, exposure, acceptance and transformation of the traumatic experience with their families, allowing greater personal, social, and school adaptation for these children.
Funding: Obra Social La Caixa,
Date: October 2014 - October 2015.