We can slow it down with the cooperation of the patient. According to Ready, treatment is free and available for Vietnam veterans who appear likely to benefit from this study, based on an independent evaluation at Emory. Veterans who participate will go through eight to ten sessions of VRE therapy and four assessments. Sessions generally last an hour and a half. During that time, the veteran's heart rate is monitored while he or she is introduced to the computer-generated surroundings.
Situations gradually increase in intensity as the veteran feels more comfortable.
Throughout the session, veterans are asked to describe what they are seeing and feeling, while being provided with adequate corrective therapeutic interventions. In the helicopter scenario, participants are asked to sit in a bucket-like seat that simulates helicopter vibration while flying at various altitudes. The visual is simulated terrain in Vietnam. Both Alarcon and Ready agree that virtual reality exposure is intensive therapy. Exposing veterans to the painful memories that they have been avoiding is a delicate process.