The use of VR tilt brush in art and psychomotor therapy: An innovative perspective

Abstract

Digitisation requires mental healthcare workers to be competent in using technology. Virtual Reality offers unique treatment possibilities because of its presence, its immersiveness, and the affect responses it produces. Although VR has been used in psychotherapy, it is fairly new in the field of art therapy. Painting applications such as Google Tilt Brush provide opportunities for practice, but art therapists have reported that they do not feel competent enough in the use of digital tools and online therapy. On another front, there have been no studies in clinical practice using Tilt Brush. In this study participants (N = 7, five art therapists, two psychomotor therapists) were given the opportunity to experiment with the Tilt Brush application in their clinical practice, using the Lean Startup Method. Participants filled out preparatory questionnaires, and a semi-structured interview was held at the end of the three-month trial to gain insight into experiences. The results showed that art and psychomotor therapists view Tilt Brush as an application with much potential in therapy practice. Participants said they gained competence and insight into how to use this application in therapy. This paper discusses qualities of Tilt Brush as well as its advantages and disadvantages in practice.