24-hour International Event to Showcase Benefits of Virtual Environments for PTSD Survivors

24-hour International Event to Showcase Benefits of Virtual Environments for PTSD Survivors


why Second Life?





Within Second Life, Fearless Nation offers:



Spirit Lodge (landing point): A library on PTSD subjects, and meeting space.

Ganesh Center: An art gallery and creative space to make music, art, or writing.

Mocean Station: A space for avatar physicality: Yoga, dance, tai chi, meditation, and other bodywork.

Thermal Pools: Avatar physicality and education about detoxification and bodywork for substance abuse, relaxation, stress reduction, mastery over the fear response, reintroduction to touch by others.

Nidra House: Yoga nidra spaces. Yoga Nidra is a listening form of yogic sleep that research has shown reduces anxiety, promotes better physical/mental health, and control over the fear response.

The Borealis Center for community events and classes.

Blackheart Gardens for remembrance and honor.

Ventura Beach: Education and avatar interaction with companion animals and interaction with psychiatric service dogs, horses, dolphins, and other mammals.

Billabong Beach: Surfing, swimming, and hanging out places to relax and interact.





The ‘HEALING WORLDS’ Approach to PTSD Recovery in SL

This model uses the SL VRE (Virtual Reality Environment) to give traumatized individuals experiences in social interaction and avatar activities that promote trust, skill mastery, and health through:



Creation of a flexible “physical” presence (the avatar)

Control over environment (can build, create own space, choose interactions

Education bout PTSD (knowledge is power)

Trying activities that diminish fear and anxiety such as:

Talking openly in a safe space about traumatic experiences

Progressive muscle relaxation (avatar yoga, movement, dance)

Performance (music, singing, speaking, poetry, storytelling, dance, showing art, speech-making, etc.)

Creative expression (music, art, poetry, clothing, etc.)

Social interaction with others (rebuilding social skills)

Supporting other PTSDers

Receiving support from other PTSDers

Advocating for PTSD awareness and treatment

Experimenting with new ways to approach problems, re-conceive the perception of traumatic experiences.
http://www.fearless-nation.org/Fearless-in-Second-Life.html
PTSD Awareness Event Coming to Second Life December 19