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Kim Bullock, MDClinical Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University
Delivering VR Exposure TherapyLesson 16 of 50
What if the Client Says Virtual Reality Doesn't Feel Real?
1:36
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