EmoVR: Guiding and Visualizing Emotions in Virtual Reality Therapy for Mental Health

Mental health is an increasing concern for both individuals and society. In recent years, the prevalence of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress has risen significantly, impacting personal well-being and productivity. In this context, Virtual Reality (VR) is an innovative approach to promoting mental health. Thus, we proposed EmoVR, an emotional VR therapy application. Based on preliminary findings derived from the literature and expert interviews, we conducted an ideation workshop to form the design requirements and show the conceptual design using personas and scenarios. Specifically, users can narrate their problematic situations to an AI-driven therapist and be enlightened, via individualized VR psychological treatments, to recognize and correctly face their emotions in a visualized healing space. The prototype is designed with regard to five common factors (i.e., Client Characteristics, therapist qualities, therapeutic relationship, change processes, treatment structures) and in three stages (i.e., consultation, treatment process, consolidation). We conclude with its potential use and our future work.