In this deeply moving episode of MHVR Bytes, Dr. Adam Baldowski and Dr. Jessica Stone sit down with the incredible Dr. Kimberley Hieftje, Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine and co-director of XR Pediatrics, to talk about trauma, VR, and the power of storytelling.

🎧 You’ll hear how Kimberley’s personal journey through unimaginable loss inspired Year of the Cicadas, a breathtaking VR narrative experience that transforms grief into immersive healing. From her work in immersive pediatric care to finding meaning in the noise of cicadas, this conversation will leave you inspired, emotional, and full of hope.

👀 Whether you’re a clinician, a researcher, a parent, or simply someone curious about the intersection of VR and human experience, this episode will stay with you.

🔗 Learn more about Year of the Cicadas: https://www.yearofthecicadas.com

💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to all things mental health and VR innovation.

#MHVRBytes #virtualrealitytherapy #YearOfTheCicadas #griefsupport #VRforhealing #pediatricmentalhealth #XRinhealthcare #VRnarrative #VRgriefsupport #VRexperience #healingwithtech #VRstorytelling #childlossawareness #mentalhealthinnovation #VRcommunity #gametherapy #digitalhealing #immersivetherapy #techforgood #traumarecovery

✨**Lights, headset, action!**🎭🕶️

What do you get when you mix drama therapy, virtual reality, and a global crew of mental health innovators? This joyful episode of MHVR Bytes!

Join your fave co-hosts, I am Dr. Adam Baldowski and my partner, Dr. Jessica Stone as we beam in Monique Hill (from Germany) and Lebogang “Lebo” Mokgatle (from South Africa) for an international conversation full of creativity, connection, and VR-powered healing.

💡 In this episode:

✨Why VR might be drama therapy’s next big stage

✨How “pretend play” and personal stories heal real trauma

✨What happens when embodiment meets technology

✨The surprisingly heartwarming backstory behind their MHVR book chapter

✨And why even the most tech-shy therapists might want to give this a try 👀

Spoiler: there’s laughter, inspiration, and just enough tech hiccups to prove it’s real life 🙃

If you've ever wondered “Can therapy be fun?” this one’s your sign. ✅

#virtualrealitytherapy #dramatherapy #MHVRbytes #playtherapy #VRinmentalhealth #digitalhealing #embodiedhealing #VRforgood #creativecounseling #storytellingtherapy #globaltherapists #VRpsychology #immersivehealing #techandtherapy #traumahealing #virtualconnection #therapistswhoplay #MHVRcommunity #mentalhealthinnovation #VRintherapy

🔥 What happens when you throw a clinical psychologist, a chatbot named Nova, and 30 years of VR madness into one podcast episode?

Let’s just say... things get wild 🤯 and a little emotional 🤖❤️

We sat down with the legendary Dr. Skip Rizzo for this episode of MHVR Bytes, and we went ALL IN 💥
We talked about PTSD, AI hallucinations, naming your digital assistant (yep, that happened), and why the future of therapy might live inside a headset 🥽

👀 In this episode:

🎮 Skip’s journey from '90s VR to modern virtual humans🧠 Why most therapists are missing the tech wave (and what to do about it🤖 What happens when AI gives you therapy suggestions that are better than the DSM📉 What’s REALLY holding back mass adoption of VR (hint: not what you think)🚨 The juicy behind-the-scenes of what’s going down at the VA with thousands of headsets📡 And yes… how Skip’s AI bestie “Nova” talks to him like they’ve been dating for weeks 😂

If you’re a therapist, a tech lover, or just want to know what’s next in mental health, this episode is your backstage pass to the future 🌌

👇 Comment below 👇
Would YOU trust a virtual therapist? Or name your AI? Let’s talk.

📲 Like, Subscribe & Share this with your nerdiest, therapist-iest friend 💬
⚡ This one’s a wild ride you don’t wanna miss 🎢

Hey! Welcome to another episode of MHVR Bytes! This episode is a wild ride.Me and Dr. Jessica Stone sat down with the Dr. Howard Gurr, one of the OGs of tech in therapy. He was using the internet for his practice when people still thought AOL was a good idea. Now? He’s helping clients face their fears with virtual reality, and doing it so well they’re done in just a few sessions. We’re talking spiders, planes, public speaking... all handled with a headset and some serious know-how.

We get into the juicy stuff:

• 🎧 Why VR therapy isn’t just a gimmick
• 🧠 How it cuts treatment time (and yes, insurance might cover it now)
• 🕹️ The plank story that made Howard say, “Nope, I’m not stepping off”
• 📈 Why so many therapists are still behind on this game-changing tech

Plus, Dr. Howard shares his vision for the future of mental health, building a worldwide VR therapist directory, and what’s stopping clinicians from diving in.

If you’re a therapist, mental health nerd, or just curious about how sci-fi is turning into real life therapy tools, this one’s for you.

🎯 Find Dr. Howard Gurr here:👉 VR Therapy Info👉 LinkedIn

Leave a comment if you’ve ever tried VR or if you’re now seriously considering it.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with that one friend who still thinks tech has no place in therapy.

Welcome to the show! I’m Adam Baldowski, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Media Psychologist, joined today by Jessica Stone, mental health expert and author. In this exciting episode, we dive deep into the world of Virtual Reality Therapy with Dr. Elizabeth McMahon — licensed psychologist, author, and pioneer in using VR for mental health treatment.

Dr. McMahon explains how VR is transforming therapy — from overcoming fear of flying, anxiety, and panic attacks to helping clients master breathing techniques, mindfulness, and exposure therapy. Through powerful examples and science-backed insight, we explore how virtual reality can create life-changing breakthroughs in a safe, controlled environment.

Whether you're a therapist, tech lover, or someone curious about mental health innovations, this episode is packed with fascinating insights, personal stories, and therapeutic strategies.

🎧 This episode was recorded prior to Dr. McMahon’s passing. We honor her groundbreaking work and lifelong dedication to helping others. Her legacy continues to shape the future of therapy.

🕊️ In loving memory of Dr. Elizabeth McMahon.

🔗 Books Mentioned:

• Virtual Reality Therapy for Anxiety

• Overcoming Anxiety and Panic: An Interactive Guide

Please like, comment, and subscribe!

#VirtualRealityTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #AnxietyRelief #TherapistTalks #VRHealing #DrElizabethMcMahon #InMemoriam #FearOfFlying #ExposureTherapy #PsychologyPodcast #TraumaHealing

🎉 Buckle up, friends — today's episode of MHVR Bytes is basically a virtual joyride! 🛼💨 Dr. Adam Baldowski and Dr. Jessica Stone are hanging out with the brilliant, hilarious, and wonderfully sparkly Dr. Rachel Altvater!

We’re talking about how a random social media scroll turned into a life-changing career pivot, the fateful moment she met Dr. Stone (it’s giving destiny ✨), and how she became one of the leading voices in digital play therapy and virtual reality magic.

Ever wonder if you can form real human connections through a headset? Spoiler alert: YES, you absolutely can — and Dr. Altvater is here to explain the science, the feels, and why your brain thinks your avatar is actually you. 🧠💥

Expect lots of laughter, some serious brainy moments, Target shopping sprees gone VR-wild, and behind-the-scenes peeks at the upcoming MHVR book! 📚🚀

🎧✨ Ready to level up your brain and your inner child?

Hit play now, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a (glowing, obviously) review! 🌟💬

Let’s make some virtual magic together!

#MHVRBytes #PlayTherapy #VirtualReality #DigitalPlayTherapy #TherapyIsCool #MentalHealthMatters #BrainScience #VRMagic #AltvaterAdventures #DrAdamBaldowski #DrJessicaStone #MHVR #HealingThroughPlay #FutureOfTherapy

"We're in an adjustment phase of what this is... and there are a lot of things we're giving up in exchange."→ 💡

Technology is powerful, but it’s not without trade-offs.Join Dr. Adam Baldowski, Dr. Jessica Stone, and guest speaker Triton Ong for this eye-opening podcast episode! 🎧

This conversation dives deep into the evolving nature of community, connection, and identity in the digital age — especially for younger generations. 💬👾💻From VRChat, Discord, and TikTok to telehealth and virtual reality therapy, we explore how people are reshaping how they socialize, express themselves, and find true belonging. 🌍💙

Don’t miss it! 🔗🎙️ Please click follow, like, and comment!

#DigitalIdentity #VirtualReality #CommunityMatters #MentalHealthTech #VRChat #GenZTalks #Telehealth #TechAndTrauma #PodcastDrop #MHVRPodcast #OnlineConnection #TherapistsInVR #FutureOfHealing

In this inaugural episode, hosts Dr. Adam Baldowski and Dr. Jessica Stone introduce MHVR Bytes—a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of virtual reality and mental health. They share the story of how a global group of mental health and tech professionals came together to explore the role of virtual reality in caring for our mental health. Tune in to hear their vision, what listeners can expect in future episodes, and how MHVR Bytes aims to inform, inspire, and connect those interested in virtual reality and mental healthcare.