Harnessing AI, VR, and the Metaverse in Therapy: Innovations for Treating Youth Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression
- Speaker:
- Varleisha Lyons, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS
- Duration:
- 2 Hours 03 Minutes
- Format:
- Audio and Video
- Copyright:
-
Aug 14, 2025
- Product Code:
- POS150240
- Media Type:
- Digital Seminar
Description
In today's fast-paced world, youth are increasingly impacted by trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress, leaving you with the challenge of finding effective and innovative treatment strategies.
Enter AI, VR, and the Metaverse—cutting-edge technologies that can transform how we address these conditions. But with these innovations comes a new set of considerations. How do we leverage these tools while maintaining clinical integrity and understanding their effects on young minds?
In this cutting-edge session, you’ll learn to:
- Select the most effective technology-driven interventions in therapy for youth with trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress
- Use customizable therapeutic exposure tasks, monitor progress in real-time, and adapt treatment plans dynamically
- Apply technology to address social trauma, promote self-regulation, emotional resilience, and healing
- Understand the neurological foundations of mental health conditions, including the prefrontal cortex, neurotransmitter imbalances, and neuroplasticity
Through hands-on case studies, you’ll be able to directly assess how AI, VR, and the Metaverse can be used to tailor interventions that meet the unique needs of each young client. You'll leave this session with actionable strategies to enhance your clinical practice and offer an innovative approach to trauma-informed care.
Credit
Handouts/Brochure
| File type | File name | Number of pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual - Harnessing AI, VR, and the Metaverse in Therapy (2 MB) | 32 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Harnessing AI, VR, and the Metaverse in Therapy (176.1 KB) | 33 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Speaker
Varleisha Lyons, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS Related seminars and products
Varleisha D. Lyons (formerly Gibbs), PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, is an occupational therapist and author with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing disorders and neurological disorders. She developed and founded Delaware’s first occupational therapy program and became the first black indigenous American woman to serve as the Scientific Programs Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation.
Varleisha continues to lecture and provides training on sensory processing strategies and self-regulation to practitioners, parents, and teachers throughout the country and internationally. As co-author of Raising Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders, she has provided families with strategies to understand and care for their children. Dr. Lyons is the developer of the Self-Regulation and Mindfulness program and author of the best-selling book, Self-Regulation and Mindfulness: Exercises and Worksheets for Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (PESI Publishing & Media). She is the co-author of Trauma Treatment in ACTION: Over 85 Activities to Move Clients Toward Healing, Growth and Improved Functioning (PESI Publishing & Media). Her areas of expertise include neuroanatomy, self-regulation strategies across the lifespan, health inequities, and trauma responsive approaches.
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this presentation belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organization, committee or other group or individual. Varleisha D. Lyons PhD, OTR/L is employed by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This work is independent of her role and not affiliated with AOTA, Inc.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Varleisha Lyons maintains a private practice and is the founder and CEO of Wasut Sanctuary & Education, LLC. She receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Lyons receives a speaking honorarium, recording and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Varleisha Lyons is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus. She serves as a board member of the National Association for Hearing and Speech Action.
Additional Info
Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)Access never expires for this product.
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Objectives
- Determine how depression, anxiety, stress, and childhood trauma influence the selection of technology-based interventions in treatment planning.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating Metaverse and AI technologies into treatment plans for youth with trauma, anxiety, depression.
- Utilize case study to demonstrate the integration of AI, VR, and the Metaverse in clinical practice.
Outline
Introduction to Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Childhood Trauma and Social Trauma
- Diagnosis overview
- The impact on the nervous system
- Review of the neurological underpinnings of depression, anxiety, stress, and childhood trauma
- Social Trauma and how it intersects with depression, anxiety, stress, and childhood trauma
- How technology impacts the nervous system
The Opportunities to Incorporate Technology into Support Approaches for Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Childhood Trauma
- What is the Metaverse
- How does AI intersect with the Metaverse
- The role of social context in trauma
- Technology powered approaches for assessment and intervention planning
- Immersion therapy
- Task management tools
- Mobile apps
- Cognitive training tools
- Emotional regulation tools
- Support systems
- Limitations and Risks
Applying Our Knowledge
- Ethical considerations
- Case scenarios
- Adolescent male with a late age diagnosis of depression, anxiety, stress, and childhood trauma transitioning from high school to living independently and gaining employment
- Elementary school age male with a history of trauma and is individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and childhood trauma
- Self-assessment of knowledge gained
Target Audience
- Addiction Professionals
- Case Managers
- Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Psychologists
- School Administrators
- Social Workers
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
Reviews
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