FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF DISSOCIATION SKILLS USING VR TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PROVISION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE

Abstract

The article presents the experience of using VR technologies in the process of forming and developing dissociation skills during psychological assistance. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing need for methods of psychological self-regulation, emotional stabilization, and reduction of traumatic experience intensity under conditions of increased psycho-emotional stress. Particular attention is paid to clients who experience difficulties using classical dissociation techniques due to insufficient imagination development, excessive emotional involvement, or difficulties with concentration.

The purpose of the article is to present practical experience in the application of VR technologies for the formation and development of dissociation skills in the process of psychological counseling and psychocorrectional work.

The research methodology is based on the analysis of contemporary approaches to the study of dissociation, bodily self-consciousness, and the use of virtual reality technologies in psychological practice. The study was conducted during 2020–2026 and involved 54 participants who experienced difficulties applying classical dissociation techniques. The work employed accessible low-cost VR solutions based on VR headsets, smartphones, Wi-Fi cameras, and video/audio streaming systems.

The article describes the features of technologically mediated dissociation implemented through VRassisted dissociation using visual and auditory spatial displacement of perception. The results of applying multisensory distancing are presented, in which the combination of visual and spatial-auditory dissociation facilitated a faster transition of clients into the observer position and reduced the emotional intensity of experiences.

The scientific novelty of the work lies in presenting practical experience of using accessible VR technologies as a tool for developing dissociation skills in psychological assistance; describing low-cost technical solutions for implementing VR-assisted dissociation; identifying the role of multisensory distancing and spatial-auditory dissociation in facilitating entry into a dissociative state; as well as distinguishing factors influencing the effectiveness of VR technologies, including clients’ emotional states, medication effects, and physiological limitations.

Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that the use of VR technologies can significantly facilitate the formation of dissociation skills by reducing the cognitive load on imagination and concentration. The most effective approach proved to be the combination of visual distancing with spatially displaced auditory perception. At the same time, the application of VR requires consideration of clients’ individual psychophysiological characteristics, adherence to ethical safety standards, and further methodological improvement.