We have been developing and improving ProReal over the past seven years, combining insights from academic studies with feedback from our clients and practitioners. There is a growing body of evidence for the effectiveness of our software in different settings.
Research Findings in Adults
ProReal helps people to:
Develop insights, into their selves, their relationships and their emotions
Identify and label thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and recognise relationships between themes
Express and gain distance from difficult thoughts and feelings
Engage and participate in talking therapies, counselling and coaching that they have previously found difficult
Develop empathy for others and understand others’ perspective
In common with other virtual reality interventions, ProReal provides a powerful experience which can be a useful for complex environments and difficult situations.
Research Findings in Young People
ProReal helps young people to:
Express themselves and externalise their inner worlds
Address presenting psychological issues
Engage in talking therapies or counselling, which many young people find difficult
Communicate better with their counsellor or therapist
Reappraise difficult thoughts, feelings and experiences
Gain insights into their emotions and relationships
Be more self-compassionate and mindful
ProReal is associated with significant reductions in psychological distress, particularly in young males and clients who may find verbal expression difficult, when used as part of a school counselling intervention. Use of the software has low drop-out rates and high ratings of satisfaction.
We have been pleased to work with independent academic researchers from some of the most highly regarded universities and research facilities in the world. To find out more, use the links below:
November 2023
D. Bayntun-Lees, C. Paine Schofield | Hult International Business School
January 2022
E. Robson and K. Greenwood
June 2021
ProReal®: The ‘good enough’ online alternative to face-to-face Dramatherapy (click to open in a new tab) Quigley, C.A.
November 2020
Using Avatar Software as an Adjunct to Clinical Interventions and Reflective Practice in a Medium Secure Setting (click to open in a new tab) S. Bicknell et al.
March 2020
Searching for safety: Building meaning bridges using digital imagery in school counselling with a female adolescent, ‘Sally’ (click to open in a new tab) Dr, Biljana van Rijn , Prof. William B. Stiles , Dr. Evi Chryssafidou
October 2019
August 2018
Avatar-Based VR in CAMHS Case Study (click to open in a new tab) Dr Caroline Falconer, Rebecca Grist, Bethan Davies, Prof. Paul Stallard
November 2017
Evaluating Avatar-Based Therapy for Young People with Eating Disorders (click to request a copy) Liv-Rebekka Pedersen
October 2017
Adjunctive Avatar Therapy for Mentalisation-Based Treatment for people with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (click to open in a new tab) Dr Caroline Falconer, Penny Cutting, Bethan Davies, Prof. Chris Hollis, Prof. Paul Stallard, Dr Paul Moran
February 2017
Avatar-Based Counselling within a School Setting. Case Study ‘Richard’ Research Report (click to open in a new tab) Dr Biljana vn Rijn, Dr Caroline Falconer, Prof. Mick Cooper, Dr Evi Chryssafidou, Prof. William Stiles
June 2016
ProReal Avatar-Based Counselling with Young People (click to open in a new tab) Prof. Mick Cooper, Dr Evi Chryssafidou, Dr Biljana van Rijn
July 2015
Avatar-Based Therapy within Prison Settings: Pilot Evaluation (click to open in a new tab) Prof. Mick Cooper, Dr Evi Chryssafidou, Dr Biljana vn Rijn, Andrew Jackson