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Virtual Reality Therapies Practitioner Training · Module 1 · Foundations of VR Therapy: The Why Before the How

The evidence, the neuroscience, and the stories behind VR therapy — the foundation module for the Virtual Reality Therapies Practitioner Training.
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Rebecca Gill
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Before frameworks, techniques and tools, understand the evidence, neuroscience and human stories that make VR therapy work.

Module 1 lays the foundation for the full Practitioners Training. It introduces the MAPS method; a person-centred framework at the heart of this training. It’s a structured method for accessibility and adaptation, multisensory session design, safeguarding, real-time decision-making during a session, and evidencing outcomes safely and appropriately. Each stage can look simple on the surface — but in practice, it’s where clinical judgement, sensory science and person-centred care all meet.

But first you need the foundations. Here you’ll explore why presence, embodiment and safety make VR therapeutically unique, look at the published evidence base, and meet real practitioners’ stories that show what this looks like in care homes, SEND schools, probation, and NHS settings.

Course materials
BJNN journal VR stroke rehab.pdf
1 mb Download
Enhancing Wellbeing in Care Home Settings Through Technology-Based Activities - University of Northampton, West Northamptonshire Council, VR Therapies.pdf
1 mb Download
VR Therapies Report Summary for Obelisk House Care Home Pilot.pdf
832 kb Download
Virtual_Reality_in_Physical_Therapy_and_Rehabilitation.pdf
384 kb Download
Virtual_Reality_and_Mental_Health_Care.pdf
694 kb Download
Virtual_reality_for_autism_unlocking_learning_and_growth.pdf
146 kb Download
Safety-domestic-vr-systems UK GOV.pdf
1 mb Download
The Use of Virtual Reality Interventions to Promote Positive Mental.pdf
780 kb Download
NICE guidance virtual-reality-technologies-for-treating-agoraphobia-or-agoraphobic-avoidance-early-value-assessment.pdf
140 kb Download
Research_on_the_Therapeutic_Effects_of_Virtual_Reality.pdf
1 mb Download
Virtual Reality Distraction Therapy Report 2022 Leed's Children's Hospital.pdf
935 kb Download
Inclusive Futures Harnessing Virtual Reality for Dementia Care.pdf
21 mb Download
Child Safeguarding and Immersive Technologies NSPCC.pdf
3 mb Download
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and VR.pdf
26 mb Download
Immersive Technologies Overview Ada Lovelace Institute.pdf
3 mb Download
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Module 1 · The Why Before the How
Do I need any experience of VR to start this training?
Not at all. Module 1 is written for complete beginners. You don't need to have used a headset, worked in a tech-forward setting, or have any background in immersive technology. If you work with people and you're curious about what VR therapy can do - you're ready.
Do I need to own a VR headset?
Not for Module 1. This module is about the evidence, the neuroscience, and the case for VR therapy — not the kit. You'll explore what the research says, why VR works therapeutically, and what it looks like in practice across real settings. Hardware and software are covered in later modules.
How long does the module take?
Around 2 hours in total. The module is broken into short lessons so you can work through it at your own pace — pick it up and put it down as your schedule allows.
Who is this training for?
Anyone who works with people in health, social care, education, rehabilitation, mental health, SEND, dementia care, probation, or community wellbeing settings. You don't need a clinical background. You need curiosity, a commitment to person-centred practice, and a willingness to learn.
Is VR therapy evidence-based?
Yes — and Module 1 takes you through exactly why. The research base now covers pain management, anxiety reduction, rehabilitation, neuroplasticity, dementia care, and emotional wellbeing. You'll leave this module able to explain the evidence clearly and confidently to a colleague or a commissioner.
Will this teach me how to deliver VR therapy?
Module 1 gives you the foundation — the evidence, the mechanisms, and the real-world stories that show what therapeutic VR looks like in practice. The MAPS framework, VISTA assessment, safety and safeguarding, and session design are all covered in the modules that follow.
Is this accredited?
The MAPS Method Level 1 programme is currently working toward formal CPD accreditation. In the meantime, the training has been developed from published research, years of direct practice across health, care, education, and justice settings, and peer-reviewed research. Your certificate of completion is a record of genuine professional learning.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate of completion is issued on finishing Module 1. Please contact your tutor if you would like this. When you complete the full Level 1 programme, you'll receive your MAPS Method Level 1 Practitioner certificate.
Can organisations purchase access for teams?
Yes — organisational access, team licences, and group packages are available. Get in touch to talk through what would work for your setting.
What if VR isn't relevant to my setting?
That's exactly where most people start. One of the purposes of Module 1 is to help you see where VR therapy could fit in your context — often in ways practitioners hadn't considered before they started. Many people take this module to make the case to their organisation. It gives you the language, the evidence, and the stories to do that. And remember: this was all inspired by VRforALL - where we make VR accessible for every ability, every story and every person.
What makes this different from other VR courses?
Most VR training is about the technology. This training is about people. The MAPS Method is built on years of real practice — in care homes, SEND schools, probation services, NHS settings, and palliative care — and grounded in published research. You won't just learn how VR works. You'll understand why it works, and what that means for the people in your care.
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Course details
Lectures 10
Quizzes 1
Level Beginner
Course requirements

No prior VR or clinical experience required. Access to a VR headset is helpful but not essential for this module. Suitable for practitioners, carers, educators, and support workers across health, care, education, and community settings.

Intended audience

Anyone who works with people in health, social care, education, rehabilitation, mental health, SEND, dementia care, probation, or community wellbeing settings. This is for anyone delivering — or exploring — VR-based therapeutic support.