The EMMA project is part of the new computer-generated technology called virtual reality (VR). This technology is based on the creation of three-dimensional environments and allows people to feel and interact in these environments in real time. The VR software called the “EMMA’s World” was developed within a research project of the 5th European Union Framework Project (“EMMA”, IST-200-39192). What EMMA brings to the VR field is a great adaptability and flexibility due to mainly the use of symbols. These symbols are in a timeless space, that can be represented using different landscapes.

The most important clinical feature of EMMA is its ability to provoke and evoke emotional reactions, which promote the processing, acceptance and learning of what happened and, thus overcoming the problem that the person is facing. Furthermore, its adaptability allows adjusting the treatment to the characteristics and needs of each person attending, to the specific meaning the problem has for each individual. Therefore, EMMA has allowed to introduce the use of VR in the treatment of complex psychological problems such as PTSD, pathological grief or AD and is facilitating, in many cases, the application of treatment.

Finally, its great flexibility, the use of symbols, the attractive environments and the interaction possibilities that offers, make it a special tool that can facilitate the    adherence to the treatment of patients who, by their very nature, could be especially difficult, as for example the treatment of children.

In all cases mentioned, there are already data that suggest the effectiveness of EMMA as a valuable therapeutic element.

For more information click here.