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Delivering VR Exposure TherapyLesson 16 of 50

What if the Client Says Virtual Reality Doesn't Feel Real?

1:36

Kim Bullock, MDKim Bullock, MDClinical Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University

Lesson summary

Realism matters far less than clients assume. Exposure works on the 'reptilian brain', which responds to symbols rather than fine detail — and the uncanny valley means hyper-realism isn't needed for a cue to trigger and desensitise. Focus on presence and expectation, not graphical fidelity.

Key learning points

  • Why presence matters more than realism
  • The reptilian brain responds to symbols
  • Working with the client's expectations