SickKids Hospital’s Support Groups for Teens with Serious Illness

by Pia Behmuaras

May 10, 2024

Shaindy Alexander, certified child life specialist at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), led a 6-month pilot study using Foretell Reality to conduct weekly VR support groups for teens with serious illnesses. In the linked video, Shaindy explains “Teens awaiting organ transplants or battling with cancer often feel isolated and lonely because they struggle to connect with their peers due to fatigue, physical limitations, and body image issues”.

Thanks to the Foretell Reality platform, the teens in the pilot bypassed the physical and psychological barriers their illness brought and roamed around the playful virtual environments without limitations. They used customized avatars that helped them socialize without worrying about their appearance, and connected with peers they could relate to without the need to leave their homes. The teens also had a safe space to talk about what was on their minds while participating in activities like 3D drawing, roasting marshmallows around a campfire, and playing with dogs in Foretell’s dog park.

Preliminary data showed that the support groups had an 87.5% retention rate and very positive remarks from the participants and their families: “I think I’ve been happier and more like, social, and that’s made my mood better. And I don’t feel as alone, that much anyways.” said one of the pilot participants. “[The best part is] just seeing … that the other people there are all kind of like me. And just feeling like it’s a safe space, and I can actually share.”

As Foretell Reality, we are excited about the next steps of the pilot study and look forward to expanding this program to teens in need. Foretell is dedicated to improving the lives of patients and healthcare providers through the transformative power of virtual reality. To learn more about Foretell and how it is transforming the healthcare landscape, visit our website.

Therapy and Support

The Team at Yale Medical School Talks About Their Emotional Support Program for Adolescent Cancer Patients Using Foretell Reality

by Pia Behmuaras

November 27, 2023

“It’s that point in growth where you are stuck. You’re in between childhood and adulthood. You are trying to work your way through … the social structure of the world.”

-Asher Marks, MD

“And then you throw a cancer diagnosis on top of that, and … everything else takes a back seat.”

-Amanda Garbatini, LCSW

Meet Dr. Asher Marks and Amanda Garbatini

At Yale Medical School, Dr. Asher Marks and Amanda Garbatini are at the forefront of bridging the gap between medical treatment and mental health support for adolescents with cancer. Their commitment to improving the well-being of these young patients is truly commendable. They work with a population with particular struggles, conducting clinical research using emerging technology and writing a protocol to address every possible challenge that might occur using virtual reality remotely with the pediatric population.

Research Population and Measures

One of the significant barriers to effectively treating adolescent cancer patients is their mental health. Anxiety and depression can hinder the healing process, making it crucial to integrate mental health support into their treatment plans. Yale’s groundbreaking research focuses on assessing the impact of VR-based interventions on adolescent cancer patients’ resilience, depression, and anxiety. By carefully measuring these parameters, they aim to understand how VR can be used to bolster psychological well-being during cancer treatment.

Results That Inspire Hope

The clinical progress observed through this innovative approach is nothing short of inspiring. Preliminary results indicate that VR experiences provided using Foretell’s platform can significantly enhance the resilience of adolescents with cancer while reducing their levels of depression and anxiety.

The Power of VR

Foretell’s VR platform offers a diverse range of activities that cater to the unique needs of adolescent cancer patients. From guided relaxation sessions to immersive experiences that transport them to serene environments, VR becomes a therapeutic tool to ease their emotional burden. As Amanda Garbatini aptly puts it, VR creates a “safe space” for these young individuals. It offers them a respite from the harsh realities of cancer treatment and allows them to explore soothing and engaging environments, fostering a sense of empowerment and control over their own experiences.

Conclusion

Yale Medical School’s collaboration with Foretell is an example of how innovative technologies can enhance the treatment of difficult diseases. By addressing the mental health needs of adolescents with cancer, they are not only enhancing their quality of life but also paving the way for connections, friendships, and support within an isolating journey. Through VR peer support groups, the journey of healing becomes a holistic experience that empowers young patients to conquer their challenges and emerge stronger than ever before.

Read the research protocol below:

JMIR Research Protocols – Use of Immersive Virtual Reality Spaces to Engage Adolescent and Young Adult Patients With Cancer in Therapist-Guided Support Groups: Protocol for a Pre-Post Study

About Foretell

Foretell is dedicated to improving the lives of patients and healthcare providers through the transformative power of virtual reality. To learn more about Foretell and how it is transforming the healthcare landscape, visit our website.

Therapy and Support

Group Therapy and Peer Support with Foretell Reality: Get to Know Each Other Anonymously, Overcoming the Fear of Stigma and Judgement

by Pia Behmuaras

October 16, 2023

Introduction

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has made significant strides in transforming the way we connect, communicate, and heal. One groundbreaking application of VR technology is in the realm of peer support and group therapy, where platforms like Foretell Reality are revolutionizing the way people access mental health services. In this blog post, we’ll explore 8 ways in which Foretell Reality is being used to provide an innovative and effective approach to support groups and group therapy.

1. Get to Know Each Other Anonymously

Foretell Reality provides a unique opportunity for individuals to participate in support groups and therapy sessions while maintaining complete anonymity. This anonymity is crucial for those who may fear judgment based on their physical appearance or social factors. With avatar representations and voice masking options, participants can engage authentically without the fear of being judged, enabling them to open up and share their experiences without reservations.

2. Practice Coping Skills with Immersive Exposure

VR offers an immersive environment for individuals to practice coping skills and emotional regulation techniques. Through immersion, users can confront and navigate challenging situations safely. This is especially valuable for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, or phobias, as they can gradually expose themselves to triggers in a controlled and supportive environment.

3. Stretch and Meditate in a Serene Temple

Foretell Reality offers a range of serene environments, including a meditation temple on a secluded island. These environments are designed to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-grounding. Users can engage in meditation and mindfulness workshops, fostering a sense of calm and inner peace in a tranquil virtual setting.

4. Share Your Feelings in a Safe Setting

In Foretell Reality, participants can communicate through 3D avatars, which enables natural communication using voices, body language, facial expressions, directional gaze, and hand gestures. This immersive interaction creates a sense of presence, facilitating more open and honest conversations compared to traditional video or phone calls.

5. Exercise and Play with Your Peers

Foretell Reality incorporates various activities and games that promote bonding and teamwork among participants. From ball games to spatial drawing, users can engage in playful activities that help break the ice and create lasting bonds. The platform also allows users to explore 360-degree images and videos together, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared experiences.

6. Engage in Fun Group Activities

The virtual environments in Foretell Reality are designed to evoke awe and create a sense of community. Users can engage in group activities like going to the movies, swimming, or sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows. These environments support up to 25 active participants, and the number of seats can be adjusted to create an intimate setting, even when connecting with a larger group.

7. Express Yourself with 3D Art Therapy

For those who find it challenging to express themselves verbally, Foretell Reality offers a unique avenue for self-expression through 3D art therapy. Participants can create art in a virtual space, allowing them to convey their emotions and experiences in a creative and therapeutic way.

8. Relieve Physical Stress and Discomfort

Foretell Reality aims to make support groups and group therapy accessible to individuals facing physical and technical limitations. The platform offers both seated and walking modes, accommodating users with varying levels of physical mobility. Users can engage in activities and therapies that cater to their specific needs, reducing physical discomfort and barriers to participation.

Conclusion

Foretell Reality is reshaping the landscape of peer support and group therapy by harnessing the power of virtual reality. By eliminating barriers to access, offering anonymity, and providing immersive experiences, this platform is enhancing the way individuals receive support and connect with their peers. As we move forward, the potential for VR technology to revolutionize mental health care continues to grow, offering hope and healing to those in need.

Collaboration, Therapy and Support, VR-Related

Unleashing Joy and Healing: Foretell Reality’s Dog Park

by Pia Behmuaras

August 31, 2023

One unique application of VR is found in Foretell Reality’s virtual dog park—a digital haven designed to combine the therapeutic benefits of social recreational activities and the unconditional love of our furry friends: Crumb Bun, Gooby, and Mabel!

A “Pawsitive” Approach to Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapy has long been recognized as an effective way to enhance physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Its goal is to help individuals cope with challenges, improve their quality of life, and achieve a sense of joy and accomplishment. With the advent of virtual reality, this therapeutic approach has taken a giant leap forward, allowing users to engage in activities that transcend the limitations of the physical world.

Step into the Virtual Dog Park

Imagine putting on a VR headset and finding yourself standing at the entrance of a picturesque dog park with an urban background, bathed in warm sunlight. Lush greenery surrounds you, and the air is filled with the joyous barks and playful antics of virtual dogs of different breeds and sizes. This is the virtual dog park offered by Foretell Reality—a digital space where users can immerse themselves in an oasis of serenity and happiness.

The Healing Power of Interaction

The heart of the virtual dog park lies in its lifelike interactions. Users can approach the virtual dogs, kneel down, and even pet them using VR controllers. They can also give them treats, throw them toys, and play games with them and their peers. Studies have shown that physical interaction with animals can lead to reduced stress, lowered blood pressure, and increased release of oxytocin—the “bonding hormone.”

A Sense of Presence and Belonging

For those who may be physically restricted or unable to access traditional outdoor spaces, our virtual dog park offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and animals as well as bond with other people. The immersive environment fosters a sense of presence and belonging, allowing users to temporarily escape from the confines of their physical limitations and experience the joys of being outdoors and surrounded by the companionship of dogs.

Tailoring the Experience

Foretell Reality’s virtual dog park allows users to customize their surroundings, choosing from various interactive elements like a hot dog cart, a swing set, and a dock on a lake. You can sit in a semicircle and have a discussion while the dogs come to you to play or choose a more active setting to play around with the dogs and chase them around.

The Therapeutic Potential

While the virtual dog park undoubtedly offers moments of fun and delight, its potential for therapeutic use is profound. Research has demonstrated that interactions with animals, even in virtual environments, can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Moreover, the sense of accomplishment that comes from bonding with virtual dogs and engaging in playful activities can boost self-esteem and overall mental well-being.

Closing Thoughts

As technology evolves, so too does our understanding of its potential to improve our lives in unexpected ways. Foretell Reality’s virtual dog park is a shining example of how virtual reality can be harnessed for recreational therapy, offering individuals a chance to experience the joys of canine companionship and the healing power of nature, regardless of their physical circumstances. With each interaction, users can find solace, happiness, and a renewed sense of connection—one virtual dog park visit at a time.

Coaching, Collaboration, Other, Soft Skills, Therapy and Support, VR-Related

Explore Foretell Reality’s Accessibility Features

by Pia Behmuaras

July 26, 2023

At Foretell Reality, our mission has always been to create inclusive and immersive experiences that enhance human interaction. We believe that emerging technology should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or preferences. This month, we are thrilled to showcase our commitment to accessibility and highlight the various options we have integrated into our platform to enhance user experiences for individuals with diverse needs.

1. Closed Captioning for a Seamless Visual Experience

Understanding the importance of accessibility in media content, we have taken significant steps to ensure no one is left out of the experience. With the addition of closed captioning, our users can now enjoy private and group conversations, irrespective of hearing impairments. Whether it be a group conversation or a one-to-one private chat, closed captioning ensures that the narrative reaches everyone.

2. Enlarged Text for Improved Readability

We recognize that users may have varying visual capabilities, and reading small text can be a challenge for some. To address this, we’ve introduced an option to enlarge text across our entire UI system, including notifications, closed captioning, and tooltips. By making text size customizable, users can adjust it to suit their comfort and avoid eye strain, providing a more enjoyable reading experience for all.

3. Real-Time Spoken Notifications for Visual Impairments

For individuals who face difficulties in visually identifying notifications, we’ve incorporated a spoken notification feature. Users now have the option to receive the notifications in spoken form, ensuring they never miss an essential update.

4. Optimized App for Colorblindness

Accessibility shouldn’t be limited to 95.5% of the population with great color vision. Color plays a significant role in design and user interfaces, especially in VR. Foretell’s new design ensures that vital information is conveyed through visual cues such as tooltips, icons, and animations, allowing colorblind users to engage seamlessly with the platform. We have also redesigned the color scheme to be higher in color contrast, accommodating the potential needs of those who are colorblind.

5. Single-Hand Mode for Different Levels of Mobility

For individuals with both temporary and permanent mobility issues, we’ve implemented a single-hand mode feature. Navigating through our platform using just one hand is now possible, providing greater convenience to those who may have limited mobility.

At Foretell Reality, accessibility is an ongoing journey, and we remain committed to continuously improving and expanding our features to cater to diverse needs. We firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the wonders of virtual reality and related technologies.

VR is a technology that can unite people from all walks of life but is still behind on some critical accessibility features offered in other devices like phones and computers. At Foretell, we are mindful of the different population segments, as we enhance our platform to foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

Stay tuned for more updates on accessibility and other exciting features from Foretell Reality!

Coaching, Collaboration, Industry News, Soft Skills, VR-Related

Foretell Reality for Co-Existence Through Co-Education in Israel Schools

by Pia Behmuaras

May 26, 2023

In the classrooms of Israel’s middle schools, an extraordinary revolution is happening. This isn’t your typical lesson plan or group project, but an innovative and immersive journey into history using virtual reality (VR). Foretell Reality, a leading virtual reality platform, is the exciting vehicle driving this educational transformation.

Imagine Jewish, Muslim, and Christian students embarking on a virtual journey together. They explore historically significant sites, like Jerusalem, Haifa, Jaffa, Beth Shean, and Ramla, without leaving their classrooms or homes. Yet, they do so as avatars that transcend their personal backgrounds, making them immune to the conventional stigmas and prejudices that could cloud their real-life interactions. This digital exercise levels the playing field, fostering an open exchange of perspectives, and encouraging a deeper understanding of each other’s cultural narratives.

The power of Foretell Reality’s immersive environments lies not only in the ability to show panoramic pictures of these historic sites but also in the unique social interactions they facilitate among the students who are represented as avatars they customized themselves. In Foretell, students gathered around a virtual campfire, sharing PowerPoint presentations about the history of real locations that are related to their heritage. These virtual settings became platforms for playful engagement, whether it’s tossing around a virtual ball, splashing in a digital pool, or simply engaging in one-on-one conversations in various virtual settings.

Click here for more information on the project, and visit our website to learn more about Foretell Reality or to schedule a demo.

Coaching, Collaboration, Industry News, Soft Skills, VR-Related

Foretell Reality’s Conversational AI

by Pia Behmuaras

April 20, 2023

Generative AI-powered language models have exploded in popularity and entered the mainstream in recent months, with the most notable mention being ChatGPT from AI research and deployment company OpenAI.

The new conversational AI feature in Foretell Reality utilizes GPT-3 to enable VR experiences to respond to natural language inputs from users. With this integration, users can communicate with virtual characters in a conversational manner on the Foretell VR platform, similar to real-life interactions. This AI integration could revolutionize the way users interact and engage in virtual environments across multiple industries, including healthcare, education, training, and marketing.

The functionality will provide a higher level of engagement in virtual environments, creating a more realistic and lifelike experience. Applications for the new technology could include soft skills training and enable employees or students to simulate professional and social interactions with customers, partners, and each other.

Foretell Reality General Manager, Dror Goldberg said: “The integration of AI into our VR platform and experiences will help accelerate the adoption of VR technology and make it a more effective medium for our key customers in the education and healthcare sectors. AI can also be used to assess trainees’ performance and provide feedback and analytics.”

Virtual being Jessica listens to voice prompts in VR to answer a user’s questions. The Glimpse Group’s President & CEO, Lyron Bentovim, commented: “This AI integration is expected to be a game changer for the industry driving a much more engaging, realistic, and effective immersive experience. Not only will it enhance the overall user experience but also open up new avenues for interaction and exploration within virtual environments. We are proud to be at the forefront of this technological evolution and will continue to focus on building and implementing the opportunities AI offers across our companies and technologies.”

Foretell Reality’s integration of GPT-3 is certainly another inevitable step towards creating more realistic immersive experiences and is just one of many examples of recent AI integrations that could mark an inflection point for the XR industry in terms of enhanced interactions with virtual beings powered by sophisticated AI models.

For more information or to schedule a demo, please visit our website.

VR-Related

Social Prescription with Virtual Reality

by Pia Behmuaras

February 15, 2023

What is Social Prescribing?

Social prescription is a method used by healthcare professionals to refer patients to non-medical sources of support, such as community groups, charities, or arts and leisure activities. These activities are normally conducted in community centers or social settings. The aim of social prescribing is to help address social, emotional, and practical needs that may be contributing to their health condition.

Why VR?

Virtual reality (VR) is conducive to social prescribing as a way to provide people with non-pharmacological interventions for a range of physical and mental health conditions. VR is a technology that supplements in-person or online activities, as well as a standalone intervention. One example of social prescribing in VR is recreational therapy, where patients get together with therapists virtually to play games and sports or to try out new hobbies.

VR transcends the limitations of social prescribing exercises in person because it removes the logistical hurdles of transportation, space, and required equipment. It also surpasses the capabilities of video calling by allowing participants to interact with each other and virtual objects in three dimensions. It offers simulations that would not be accessible in any other format due to the high cost, the physical and mental availability of patients, or even the rules of physics and nature.

How is Social Prescribing Used?

Overall, the use of VR for social prescribing can be a powerful tool for providing non-pharmacological interventions to patients and helping them to improve their physical and mental health. To use VR for social prescribing, healthcare professionals first assess the needs of their patients and determine which VR experiences would be most appropriate. Next, they refer the patients to the right VR program and follow up to monitor their progress and adjust the intervention as needed. This process is sometimes complemented by metrics provided in VR apps such as speaking time, gaze, and other biosensors if provided by the platform and accompanying hardware.

VR Social Prescribing for Mental Health

Luckily, social prescribing in VR can be an effective intervention for many different groups of people with a variety of mental health conditions. Some common examples are as follows:

Anxiety and stress: VR programs that use techniques such as exposure therapy or relaxation training can be helpful for people with anxiety and stress. For example, a VR program might involve mindfulness meditation workshops for multiple people to come together regularly in VR.

Social isolation: VR programs that offer social support and connection can be helpful for people who are isolated or lonely. For example, a VR program might connect patients with similar health conditions in virtual reality support groups, allowing them to share their experiences and offer each other support.

Other mental health conditions: VR programs that offer cognitive behavioral therapy or other mental health treatments can be helpful for people with mental health conditions. For example, a VR program might involve helping a patient with depression to identify and challenge negative thought patterns by utilizing behavioral therapy techniques like cognitive restructuring.

VR Social Prescribing for Physical Health

Chronic pain: VR programs that offer guided relaxation stretching or yoga exercises can be helpful for people with chronic pain. For example, VR programs that guide patients through a series of stretching exercises and relaxation techniques can help them manage their discomfort and learn from each other. When these sessions are conducted in groups, it can encourage participation and build a sense of community over time.

Physical rehabilitation: VR programs that involve virtual reality exercise and movement can be helpful for people undergoing physical rehabilitation. Especially because they can be done from home at the patient’s will. As an example, a VR program might involve recreational therapy activities like VR golfing or ping-pong to help them regain strength and mobility after an injury or surgery. This, in turn, can help them maintain their mental health as well.

These are just a few examples of how VR can be used for social prescribing. VR programs can also be tailored to the specific needs and goals of the patient, making them a highly flexible and effective tool for improving health outcomes.

Foretell Reality

Foretell Reality is a VR platform used to enhance social interaction by allowing professionals to conduct group or one-on-one sessions with their customers. Among our use cases are support groups, soft skills training, exposure therapy, and recreational activities like roasting marshmallows and playing the guitar by a campfire. We offer professionals customizable solutions that are most appropriate for their patients and use cases. Please visit our website to schedule a demo.

References:

Can digital technologies play a role in social prescribing models? (theiet.org)

VR Applications: 23 Industries using Virtual Reality (virtualspeech.com)

Loneliness and Social Isolation – HelpGuide.org

ChatGPT: Optimizing Language Models for Dialogue (openai.com)

The Team at Yale Medical School Talks About Their Emotional Support Program for Adolescent Cancer Patients Using Foretell Reality

Meet Dr. Asher Marks and Amanda Garbatini

Research Population and Measures

Results That Inspire Hope

The Power of VR

Conclusion

About Foretell

Group Therapy and Peer Support with Foretell Reality: Get to Know Each Other Anonymously, Overcoming the Fear of Stigma and Judgement

Introduction

1. Get to Know Each Other Anonymously

2. Practice Coping Skills with Immersive Exposure

3. Stretch and Meditate in a Serene Temple

4. Share Your Feelings in a Safe Setting

5. Exercise and Play with Your Peers

6. Engage in Fun Group Activities

7. Express Yourself with 3D Art Therapy

8. Relieve Physical Stress and Discomfort

Conclusion

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