VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State University professor Dr. Bobbie Tickner has devised a way to merge her passionate interest in technology and criminal justice by using virtual reality with cognitive behavioral therapy.
An associate professor for six years, Dr. Ticknor specializes in anthropology, sociology, and criminal justice. She managed to have a career in software development for 15 years and then go back and get her doctorate in criminal justice.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is already one of the most effective therapy methods for inmates, VSU Spectator reported. When paired with virtual reality it can demonstrate how an inmate going through rehabilitation will respond in the normal world outside of prison. Cognitive behavioral therapy is meant to interrupt thoughts that can result in negative emotions and actions and replace them with more productive thoughts that will prevent re-offending. Through the process of virtual reality, Dr. Ticknor has been able to innovate how inmates receive this therapy.
By using virtual reality methods in “skills streaming,” or “skills training,” Dr. Ticknor was able to help inmates deal with conflict, rejection, and develop better self-control strategies.
Using simulated realities, participants in this group therapy were able to immerse themselves in a virtual scenario to see how they would cope in the real world.
Dr. Ticknor’s pilot program was at a juvenile corrections facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the inmates joined in the group therapy sessions using the simulated realities and responded favorably. They felt like it was easier to open up since they were using an avatar and it felt enough like a game to ease their tensions.
These simulations involving cognitive behavioral therapy also incorporated basic life skills such as folding laundry or going to the grocery store for those who have long-term sentences.
On the VSU campus, Dr. Ticknor has a virtual reality lab where she conducts cutting edge research, VSU Spectator reported.
Written by Jaelyn Campbell, Caitlyn Shelton and Coast Stefan. Photo courtesy of The Spectator.
