AVATAR therapy offers a new approach to working with distressing voices (auditory hallucinations). It involves innovative use of digital technology to allow ‘face-to-face’ dialogue between the voice-hearer and a computerised representation of their voice (the avatar), with a therapeutic focus on increasing power and control over the voice.
The digital technology allows us to bring the person’s experience of hearing the voice into therapy in a new and potentially powerful way.
Building on pioneering work by Professor Julian Leff, we have developed the AVATAR therapy approach. In a recent trial, we found that it reduced the distress experienced by people who hear voices when compared to supportive counselling. We are now taking this forward in the AVATAR2 trial.
AVATAR2 – Information Video
For the most up to date information about AVATAR2 please go to our trial website – www.avatartherapytrial.com.
Group lead
Professor of Clinical Psychology