A Case Study on the Use of Hypnosis Combined with Virtual Reality in Psychological Partner Violence

This case study investigated the application of hypnosis and Virtual Reality (VR) using the Meta Quest headset, aimed at alleviating psychological partner violence mental health consequences. The subject of the study was a 56-year-old woman, originally from Mauritius, who has been residing in Italy for the past 33 years. The study employed a series of hypnosis and VR sessions, with the subject demonstrating a high susceptibility to hypnotic induction and a positive response to VR. Despite occasional distractions, she maintained a state of relaxation throughout the sessions. The VR applications used were “Nature Trecks”, “Liminal”, and “Cosmic Flow”. The use of the Meta Quest headset provided an immersive and realistic experience for the patient, showcasing the potential of health informatics in therapeutic contexts. However, the study found that the subject's condition did not significantly improve. She continues to grapple with anxiety, disappointment, and sleep disorders, and her family situation remains challenging. Despite these hurdles, the subject consistently expressed a strong desire to use VR, which provided her with moments of tranquility. This suggests that hypnosis and VR could offer some degree of emotional stress relief, even if they cannot resolve the underlying issues. In conclusion, this case study offers valuable insights into the potential of hypnosis and VR as therapeutic tools for domestic discomfort and mental health issues. It underscores the need for further research to fully explore the long-term potential of these approaches.