electrical activity of
the hippocampus has historically revealed
two distinct neural activity patterns: theta and large irregular activity
(LIA) modes (i.e., slow-wave sleep). Theta activity
registers when the being is active, alert, moving, and during rapid eye movement (REM)/dreaming, sleep (Rice University, n.d.).
Recent research has discovered another rhythm, eta. Eta was discovered during research regarding the effects of virtual reality use on the brain, but is not limited to virtual reality use. Neurons have a cell body and long dendrites (tendrils) that connect with other neurons. These neurons and connections communicate the theta and eta waves between them (UCLA, 2021). These rhythms are essential to neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to adapt and reorganize based on needs (Ackerman, 2021). The theta and eta communications between neurons afford this neuroplasticity. A lack of neuroplasticity results in
Neurogenesis is a process by which the brain cells adapt and reconnect, even regrow or replenish (Ackerman, 2021). The implications of this are enormous. Previously, brains were believed to be “hardwired” and largely unchanging, particularly after the completion of brain development. After brain development, cells were thought to begin to die, and nothing research found that stress can change the functions of the brain and the happen for the “good” (neuroplasticity, regrowth, etc.).
Researchers have shown recently that navigating within virtual reality interneurons (Safaryan & Mehta, 2020, p. 1). Improving the theta waves is believed to improve, and even restore, memory and learning functions. Prior to virtual reality, there were no known ways to strengthen theta waves. Safaryan and Mehta (2020) found that theta waves became stronger with virtual
reality use as compared to experiences in a
natural environment. The hypothesis is that a virtual reality user’s brain is gathering and processing a different set of stimuli to make sense of the environment, which leads to different theta and eta rhythms. Mehta explained: “Previous studies have shown that the precise frequency of the rhythm makes a big difference to neuroplasticity, ... just as the precise pitch of a musical instrument is critical for creating the right melody” (UCLA, 2021, para 20).
Case Example Debbie (pseudonym) presented for individual therapy having experienced decades of different types of sexual trauma. She expressed Although she could verbalize the concepts of her self as separate from her traumas, she could not separate her beliefs about herself from those dictated by her abusers. She longed for empowerment. After
a series of talk-only sessions, the author presented virtual reality to Debbie within a session. The author chose virtual reality to activate several therapeutic powers of play categories, including facilitating communication, fostering emotional wellness, and increasing personal reality hardware and software. She selected a boxing program and chose her opponents, a particularly “sleazy” looking male who the client Initially hesitant and passive, Debbie became more comfortable, and accessed her newfound power through the channeled aggression offered by the virtual reality support to pummel the representation of her abusers and verbalize to them what she thought and felt, much like children do to Bobo dolls in the playroom. When she took off the HMD,
Conclusion Virtual reality, along with many other digital tools, has earned a powerful place among other amazing, traditional play therapy tools, highlighting on emotional, cognitive, and neural levels. With training, supervision, offer virtual reality interventions to adult (and other aged) clients with fantastic results. Have fun, be playful, and harness those important therapeutic powers of play in a variety of ways!
References Ackerman, C. E. (2021, May 2). What is neuroplasticity? A psychologist explains. Positive neuroplasticity/
Psychology.
https://positivepsychology.com/
in cognitive aging. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. https://www. Motor_Practice_in_Cognitive_Aging
Decker, L. (2010). Pearson.
Adult neuroplasticity: More than 40 years of
research. Hindawi.
Kendall, J. (2003). Adult group play therapy. In C. E. Schaefer (Ed.), Play (pp. 301-316). Wiley.
, Integrating technology into modern therapies
The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.(3), 103- 113.
Rice University. (n.d.). Hippocampus.
https://www.caam.rice.edu/~cox/ wrap/hippocampus.pdf
Effects of training and experience on brain and behavior. METROPOLIS/REFERENCES/Rosenzweig.pdf
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