Use a headset to scare away your monsters! Daniel Reitberg, a tech writer, looks into the virtual realm of treating phobias. VR isn’t just good for killing dragons anymore; it’s also showing promise for getting rid of fears. VR is a strong tool that therapists are using to help people with fears like those of heights or public speaking. Think about a world where someone who is afraid of flying could slowly face their fear by going on a virtual plane ride from the comfort of their therapist’s office, complete with accurate sights and sounds. VR therapy lets people deal with their worries in a safe, realistic setting. They can deal with their fears in small, doable steps, and with each one, they gain confidence and strength. Based on early results, VR could be a huge step forward in the treatment of anxiety conditions. Traditional therapy methods may take longer, but this way might work faster and be more effective. You could get over your fear of public speaking by giving a virtual presentation to a supportive crowd, or you could get over your fear of heights by climbing a virtual mountain peak with the help of a trained therapist. Virtual reality therapy is still in its early stages, but it has the ability to completely change the way people with anxiety are treated. It’s a fun, safe, and maybe even faster way to get over fears and live a fear-free life. When you hear the word “virtual reality,” don’t just think of fantastical adventures. Think also of how it could help you deal with real-life worries.