Using virtual reality to tackle low mood in young people - a case study

“He treats it as time to himself, but it definitely opens him up to a point that means we can start to discuss his issues”

Background

Oliver* has just turned 15. He is in year 10 at a SEND school in Leeds. He has an EHCP care plan and is diagnosed primarily with low mood. He is also highly anxious, has low impulse control and low self esteem stemming from early childhood trauma and attachment issues.

VMind was given to Oliver to support his low mood

The fact that Oliver has low level mood, means that he has low level behaviour problems, but that means it can be difficult to communicate with him regarding his needs. The headset gives Oliver time to reflect; it seems to unlock him to a point he can start to discuss his issues. He treats it as time to himself, but it definitely opens him up to a point that means we can start to discuss his issues. Oliver is given the headset and then left to manage how he interacts with it himself, afterwards and as part of the intervention the school care team will begin to work with him to understand his issues.

Ben Roberts from Springwell Academy says:

“With Oliver we required more insight into his life…after [using VMind] he started talking about his difficulty sleeping and the experiences he is having in his home life.”

*Names are changed for confidentiality purposes