Method for conducting a corrective eye movement desensitization session using virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of medicine, psychology and psychotherapy, as well as to computer information technology. It is based on the 8-phase psychotherapy technique of F. Shapiro for treating stress and post-traumatic stress disorder in patients. The technique involves eight consecutive phases (EMDR Association (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), https: / / emdr.ru / news / 2018 / emdr-terapiya-obzor-razvitiya-i-mekhanizmy-deystviya). The prototype of the claimed invention is the method described in 'Intelligent virtual environment for treating anxiety exploring the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing technique' (https: / / www.researchgate.net / publication / 357606075_Intelligent_virtual_environment_for_treati ng_anxiety_exploring_the_Eye_Movement_Desensitization_and_Reprocessing_technique). A disadvantage of the prototype is that artificial intelligence is used in a limited fashion merely to determine the level of anxiety and adjust the movement of the ball in accordance therewith, and to record information. Furthermore, the prototype presupposes the involvement of a therapist, albeit to a lesser extent than in the previous version. A virtual therapist interacts with patients by means of speech, and responses to questions from a real therapist, in addition to anxiety level and heart rate, must be logged by the real therapist with the aid of a keyboard during communication with patients in virtual reality. A further disadvantage of the prototype is its focus on solving a limited number of patient problems (relieving stress and PTSD), i.e. only one protocol is used, and the fact that it cannot be used without the involvement of a therapist. The prototype is unable to provide a diagnostic assessment of problematic states of a wide range of psychological problems, select a corrective protocol, monitor the effectiveness of correction, and propose additional methods of correction. The claimed invention solves the technical problem of broadening the range of negative and problematic states that can be diagnosed (not just the level of PTSD) and making it possible to select and implement the specific protocol required to correct the problem identified, as well as to assess the effectiveness of correction and to propose additional solutions, wherein all of these aims are achieved without involving a therapist. A significant defining feature of the proposed method is the possibility of identifying a problem state in an initial step and selecting a suitable software-automated protocol tailored to each identified category of problem.

Description

[0001] A method for conducting a corrective desensitization session using eye movement techniques using virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to the field of medicine, psychology, psychotherapy, as well as to information computer technologies.

[0004] It is based on F. Shapiro's 8-step psychotherapy method for relieving stress and post-stress states in patients. This method includes eight sequential stages (EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Association, https: / / emdr.ru / news / 2018 / emdr-terapiya-obzor-razvitiya-i-mekhanizmy-deystviya

[0005] 1. The therapist examines the patient's history and plans psychotherapy. They identify how patients reflect on their traumatic memories and what they believe may be the source of the problem, and analyze the connection with life events that have similar experiences.

[0006] 2. The therapist explains to patients how EMDR works.

[0007] 3. The therapist defines the target of intervention. They identify the image of the negative thought stored in memory, identify the negative belief, define the desired future positive belief, and focus patients on the emotions and sensations associated with the experience. The therapist asks patients to rate the intensity of their emotions.

[0008] 4. The therapist conducts eye movement desensitization. The therapist asks patients to focus on a mental image of their traumatic memory and the bodily sensations it evokes. The therapist then moves a finger (or another stimulus) left and right, while the patients follow it with their eyes.

[0009] 5. The therapist instructs patients to recall their positive belief established at the beginning of the session. The therapist also uses eye movements to install the positive belief.

[0010] 6. The therapist asks patients to scan their bodies to identify any residual physical tension related to the situation. They perform desensitization using eye movements—moving a finger left and right. 7. The therapist concludes the reprocessing by instructing patients on relaxation and emotional stabilization techniques. They offer relaxation techniques and the "Safe Place" method.

[0011] 8. The therapist analyzes the effect of the steps taken, invites patients to analyze the thoughts and feelings that arose after the last session regarding the negative experience in the next session.

[0012] This is a basic, well-known protocol. Unlike similar approaches, we use not only the basic protocol but also protocols for various categories of illnesses and psychological difficulties, allowing us to treat a wider range of patient problems.

[0013] The following analogs of the claimed invention are known from the prior art:

[0014] 1. Systems and methods for desensitization and treatment of the eyes. https: / / patents.google.com / patent / US20230290447Al / en?inventor=Lisa+LaRosa

[0015] This method is aimed at conducting therapeutic procedures using the EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) method and is an application for communication between the therapist and the patient.

[0016] A form of psychotherapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may be a form of treatment for patients who may exhibit negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be the result of unprocessed memories (such as patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder - PTSD).

[0017] The primary function of EMDR is to guide patients through bilateral simulation (e.g., using rapid side-to-side eye movements or hand tapping) while simultaneously recalling distressing images. Standard EMDR may involve developing dual (e.g., simultaneous) attention on traumatic thoughts, images, or sensations and bilateral stimulation, as described above. In EMDR, this dual attention can provide a mental state conducive to mental processing, which can assist in overcoming negative thoughts, feelings, or behaviors arising from unprocessed memories. This method also includes the possibility of implementing this technique using virtual reality, specifically:

[0018] - it is possible to connect a therapist (session leader, doctor, psychologist, accompanying specialist) to the session

[0019] - It is possible to create a virtual reality room for the session. The room is a virtual space where a screen for processing and an image of a moving ball (stimulating eye movement for processing negative experiences using the EMDR method) are set up. A psychosomatic screening and processing of the negative experience are performed.

[0020] - the ability to configure the room is provided, i.e. the choice of the screen image on which the ball will move for visual stimulation, the determination of the speed of the ball's movement,

[0021] - conducting a basic screening - determining the patient's emotional level on a scale of 1-10.

[0022] - conducting a set of sessions and conducting screening after the session.

[0023] All of the above is implemented sequentially, step by step.

[0024] A significant limitation of this method is that the session must be conducted by a therapist, who monitors and organizes the process. A virtual space—a virtual room—is created to which the patient and the therapist connect, working with the patient using the EMDR method.

[0025] The claimed invention overcomes this limitation by using artificial intelligence to perform diagnostics, select the appropriate protocol, and conduct the entire session with patients without the involvement of a therapist. All processes are fully automated and require no therapist involvement: the app operates from the very beginning and performs all necessary steps without therapist supervision.

[0026] Another significant drawback of the aforementioned analog is that it only addresses a limited range of conditions, namely anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. This limits the scope for addressing various other related patient concerns and issues. The EMDR method includes specific additional steps for each issue, extending beyond the basic protocol, while the analog only uses the basic protocol.

[0027] In our proposed version, the program includes numerous protocols - action algorithms suitable for specific problems that go beyond anxiety and PTSD (for example, a protocol for working with eating disorders; depression; panic attacks; pain, etc. - a total of up to 80 protocols are integrated into the program)

[0028] Artificial intelligence helps to select the required protocol.

[0029] 2. Another analogue of the claimed method is known, which we consider a prototype. This prototype is described in the article "Intelligent virtual environment for treating anxiety exploring the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing technique" https: / / www.researchgate.net / publication / 357606075

[0030] The prototype integrates artificial intelligence into the eye movement desensitization therapy session. The AI ​​helps determine patients' anxiety levels before the session by analyzing their heartbeat.

[0031] Artificial intelligence (AI) also adjusts the speed of the eyeball based on anxiety levels, and heart rate data is recorded to analyze anxiety levels. The AI ​​transmits these data and stores information from the sessions.

[0032] A drawback of the prototype is its limited use of artificial intelligence: it only detects anxiety levels and adjusts the ball's motion accordingly, storing information. Furthermore, the prototype involves the participation of a therapist, although to a lesser extent than in the previous version. The virtual therapist interacts with patients through speech, and answers to the real therapist's questions, as well as anxiety levels and heart rate, must be typed by the real therapist during the virtual reality conversation.

[0033] Thus, the prototype's drawback is its focus on addressing a limited number of patient problems: anxiety and PTSD relief. This means it uses only one protocol, and it is also incapable of working without the participation of a therapist. The prototype cannot provide diagnostics for a wide range of psychological problems, select a treatment protocol, monitor the effectiveness of the treatment, or suggest additional treatment methods.

[0034] The technical problem solved by the claimed invention consists of expanding the spectrum of diagnosed negative and problematic conditions (and not just the degree of PTSD), ensuring the possibility of selecting and implementing a specific protocol necessary for correcting the identified problem, assessing the effectiveness of the correction and providing additional solutions, with all of these tasks being solved without the involvement of a therapist.

[0035] A key distinguishing feature of our proposed method is the ability to identify the problematic condition and select an appropriate protocol for it at the initial stage. Examples of protocols used include grief, eating disorders, phobias (with various stimulus materials tailored to the specific phobia), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), somatoform disorders, addictions (food, alcohol, etc.), and others.

[0036] The solution of the above technical problem by the claimed invention leads to the achievement of the following technical results:

[0037] - creation of an automated diagnostic system for diagnosing a wide range of patient problems and selecting methods and protocols for their most effective correction in the EMDR method;

[0038] - creation of a correction system that does not take up the therapist's time, or takes up very little time, while patients work independently and remotely, and the method reproduces all the steps of consultation and correction using the EMDR method, from request to implementation;

[0039] - creation of a method that implements a basic, blind (i.e., universal, and suitable for all cases of patients with negative experiences) correction protocol, and on its basis, protocols in the EMDR method for individual patient problems (approximately 80) were developed and implemented in the software, with these protocols being subject to further development; - ensuring the possibility of the most effective correction environment in virtual reality using additional audio, video, and kinesthetic stimuli.

[0040] These results are achieved as follows:

[0041] 1. Artificial intelligence at the entrance helps define the session objectives and its process, namely: through a series of questions and tests, it identifies the key patient complexity, focusing on the diagnostic and classification system of ICD-11, Chapter 06 (ICD-11 is the eleventh revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Chapter 06 of ICD-11 "Mental and behavioral disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders"), determines the necessary protocols for this problem for correction, suggests protocols for completion, and evaluates effectiveness. It is planned to additionally include other artificial intelligence capabilities to help clarify the diagnosis (for example, diagnostics based on the analysis of video-nonverbal manifestations, audio-verbal manifestations, electroencephalograph, heart rate monitor data, etc.)

[0042] 2. Protocol (therapy scenario) selection can also be determined based on patient needs and concerns using artificial intelligence. A therapist can also recommend a protocol, or patients can independently select the desired protocol from a list. Some protocols can be made available only to therapists (this option is adjusted during use based on the specific needs).

[0043] 3. The proposed method provides the ability to access a set of protocols (correction algorithms in the EMDR method, fully automated) for various patient problems in a single application database.

[0044] 4. This method fully implements all 8 steps of the basic protocol, but allows it to be implemented more fully - with the inclusion of the “Safe Place” technique (a necessary part of the work in the EMDR method).

[0045] 5. The proposed method involves the sequential translation of all individual (non-basic) EMDR protocols into virtual reality. These protocols, developed for various problems (depression, PTSD, panic attacks, etc.—around 80 in total—are being added to the system.

[0046] 6. To enhance the effectiveness of therapy, additional stimulus environments—videos and photos from the application database—can be added to the system. Audio stimulation is supplemented with bilateral music, alternating sound effects on the left and right hemispheres, thereby enhancing the EMDR method. Alpha-rhythm music has also been added, enhancing the feeling of safety and relaxation during the initial and final stages of EMDR, deepening the effect of state correction. A significant distinguishing feature of our proposed method is the following: the visualization solution itself is implemented not simply by selecting and changing the background against which the ball moves, as in analog therapy, but by creating various spaces in which the user finds themselves with a feeling of complete immersion, able to move within them at will. Several locations in the virtual environment for the "Safe Place" technique are available to choose from (forest, mountains, lake, etc.).In addition to fully immersive virtual reality, special meditations and audio text for this method have been added. The practice of a safe place is essential for the correct and safe completion of the EMDR method. Our method, for the first time, has been implemented in conjunction with the basic EMDR protocol in a single system. A choice of various virtual therapists (psychologist avatars) is available to support the process.

[0047] The proposed method is implemented as follows: patients gain access to a virtual reality headset with software installed, specifically developed for the method by the inventor. The software includes a basic EMDR protocol for virtual reality (VR), a set of additional EMDR protocols with the ability to be expanded, several virtual reality environments (mountains, forests, lakes, virtual rooms, etc.), audio stimuli, visual environments (video, photos), and an artificial intelligence diagnostic system. A monitor with buttons in the virtual environment is used to select a scenario. A specially developed program is used to conduct a preliminary diagnosis of the psychological problem category using artificial intelligence algorithms and questionnaires built into the program. The patient's mental state is assessed, identifying issues that may hinder the correction process.Patients can also choose a correction protocol independently or in consultation with a supporting therapist (in person or online). An artificial intelligence algorithm selects the desired protocol from a predefined list and offers additional recommendations on how to correct the condition, if needed. Patients select an avatar (image) of a virtual psychologist from the suggested options, who will accompany them during the correction process, demonstrate the process, and provide verbal instructions. Patients can also create their own image. Patients receive audio, text, and demonstration instructions in the virtual space from the virtual psychologist's avatar to understand the essence of the therapy process and learn how to interact with stimuli proposed during further work to achieve the effects of the EMDR / EMDR method. Patients navigate the virtual space by pressing navigation buttons.Patients navigate virtual spaces to a special virtual lobby—a location where they can choose a virtual setting for the "Safe Place" technique (mountains, sea, lake, etc.). Patients virtually enter the chosen location, which has created the positive resources necessary for performing EMDR using the "Safe Place" method. Patients listen to special meditations while within the chosen natural space and receive additional harmonizing effects through binaural or bilateral music, audio, text, and visual stimuli, a specific kinesthetic bilateral stimulation algorithm, and a proposed system of mental images designed to create psychological resources and a safe, relaxing state.Patients complete a screening—an assessment of their safety and comfort level—through interactive interaction with software. Specifically, they select their level of emotional well-being on a 10-point scale and press the corresponding number. Upon reaching a level sufficient for further work, the program switches spaces and transfers patients to a workspace for processing negative experiences. Patients find themselves in a special interactive virtual reality space that recreates a psychologist's office. The software implementing the office includes all the necessary functions and stimuli for processing and bilateral stimulation.Patients assess their psychosomatic state in relation to a selected negative experience by selecting the corresponding button on a 10-point negative assessment scale. They receive instructions from a virtual psychologist on self-diagnosis based on the proposed parameters (feelings, sensations, images, sounds, and thoughts that capture negative experiences). This scale is integrated into a system of continuous interactive monitoring of the patient's state at all subsequent stages of processing the negative experience. The program algorithm displays a set of negative beliefs on the screen in accordance with the EMDR methodology. Patients select the corresponding belief in the negative experience. Patients sequentially process the negative experience. To do this, they retain in their memory and sensations the negative images, feelings, sensations, and negative beliefs associated with the negative event, while simultaneously receiving desensitizing bilateral stimulation.Audio (bilateral music), visual (moving a ball along various trajectories on a screen, followed by the eyes; presentation of other photo and video stimuli according to a separate protocol), and kinesthetic (body touching according to an algorithm demonstrated by a psychologist avatar, as defined in the selected correction protocol). During each session, patients rate their psychoemotional state using a scale. Patients receive additional working memory tasks, if necessary, to accelerate the processing process. The program algorithm determines the need: it analyzes the effectiveness of the correction session and, if necessary, interactively provides additional tasks such as reciting texts aloud, counting, naming words according to an algorithm, etc., in accordance with the selected correction protocol. Processing continues until the negative experience is rated 0-1 on the negative state scale.Patients select a positive belief from those offered, rate the intensity of their positive self-concept on a seven-point scale, and reinforce it in their system of self-concepts and future visions through a series of sessions using bilateral stimulation (audio, visual, and kinesthetic). Upon achieving a score of 7 on the positive self-assessment scale, patients are moved to the next stage of processing. Patients undergo the "Erasing" stage of remnants of negative feelings through bilateral stimulation procedures, assessing them on a negative experience scale and selecting a score. A score of 0-1 initiates the next step.

[0048] 16. Patients are transferred to the “Safe Place” virtual space as a buffer zone before exiting the system, which provides the opportunity to integrate new experiences.

[0049] 17. If necessary, it is possible to store session data in the database.

[0050] The proposed algorithm can be supplemented by implementing specialized protocols for specific patient needs (e.g., anxiety, depression, eating disorders, etc.—the entire list of methods that can be translated into VR, including specialized protocols developed within the EMDR / EMDR methodology). The algorithm can also be supplemented with specialized audio-video and text instructions, including those delivered by a psychologist avatar.

[0051] Exposure therapy can also be added if necessary. This involves selecting videos from a series of anxiety-provoking scenes (elevator, airplane, heights, etc.) and relieving anxiety through simultaneous bilateral stimulation with audio, video, and kinesthetic stimuli. This is especially true if the patient has difficulty reproducing the distressing situation in their present experience.

[0052] The advantages of implementing a "blind protocol" are that it allows you to go through a full session - all the necessary steps for high-quality processing in accordance with the EMDR methodology (9 steps are described below - 8 from the protocol, the first is specific to our method), without the need to talk about the content of the topic on which processing is taking place, without the need for additional support from a psychologist, for any current situation.

[0053] The selection of the necessary protocol is carried out by the AI, the patient independently, or the therapist.

[0054] Thus, the set of essential distinctive features of the claimed invention, ensuring the achievement of the claimed technical result, is as follows:

[0055] - Use of artificial intelligence to determine the category of psychological problem and select the appropriate EMDR correction protocol, evaluate its effectiveness, and introduce necessary supplements and incentives. - Translation of protocols for various categories of psychological problems into virtual reality. Fully automated patient flow through the protocols.

[0056] - connection with the “Safe Place” method, necessary for safe and high-quality processing using the EMDR method.

[0057] - a fully automated process for determining the patient's condition, selecting a correction method, implementing a correction protocol in the EMDR method, and assessing the condition from the beginning to the end of sessions.

[0058] 5. Brief description of the drawings (if included in the application) A list of figures is provided with brief explanations of what is depicted on each of them.

[0059] The stage of diagnostics and selection of protocols for patients is explained by the figures: Fig. 1 shows a diagram of the selection of existing categories of EMDR protocols based on the diagnostic system and classification of ICD-11, Chapter 06 (ICD-11 is the eleventh revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Chapter 06 of ICD-11 "Mental and behavioral disorders and disorders of neuropsychiatric development"), Figs. 2, 3, 4 show examples of protocols with the results of the study of the effectiveness of the claimed method.

[0060] The proposed method can currently be implemented using virtual reality headsets, such as the Oculus Quest, as well as VR headsets designed for mobile phones. Perhaps as technology advances, new solutions for immersive virtual reality will emerge, and the proposed method can be applied to any such solutions.

[0061] It can also be used in conjunction with various biofeedback devices for additional state monitoring. For example, an EEG (electroencephalograph) system allows for tracking and training of the necessary brain states to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of security. Devices for measuring heart rate and anxiety management through heart rate monitoring are also available.

[0062] This method can also be used with a therapist in person. In this case, the specialist can converse with patients wearing virtual reality headsets and following the steps outlined in the program. During the diagnostic phase, the therapist can clarify the patient's condition and needs and recommend a specific treatment protocol. As patients progress through the protocol, the therapist can ask questions about their well-being, images, and memories after each session (bilateral stimulation step) and suggest additional corrective interventions, including those from other psychotherapeutic modalities (hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and others from the specialist's expertise).Patients listen to the therapist and can incorporate their recommendations into the protocol by visualizing specific images, adjusting beliefs, introducing additional kinesthetic methods of bilateral stimulation that the therapist may suggest (e.g., steps), and completing other tasks in parallel with the protocol. The therapist can creatively incorporate their psychotherapeutic methods into the correction process.

[0063] A study has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The study was supported by the Neurology Research Institute. Its effectiveness has been confirmed by study protocols (officially 60 participants). Examples of protocols for some patients are included. The study results will be presented at the 7th Russian Congress with International Participation "Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine" on December 12, 2023.

[0064] Two variants of the method application were developed and studied:

[0065] 1) completely independent completion of the EMDR program by patients using virtual reality glasses.

[0066] 2) Therapist support as needed during the patient's session. Whether in person or online does not change the process.

[0067] Example 1.

[0068] An option for implementing the method is to independently undergo EMDR in virtual space.

[0069] Request. A patient presented with a situation of constant anxiety about her son's health and life for many years. Her son's health is fine and there is no threat. The patient understands rational arguments, and she recognizes that there are no objective reasons for concern. However, the anxiety is exhausting for the patient and the entire family, as confirmed by test results and psychosomatic manifestations. While describing the situation, the patient identified her initial anxiety level in a conversation with the therapist as very high, 8 points on a 10-point scale. The patient was advised to practice the proposed method independently. She donned virtual reality goggles and connected to an EMDR session. The patient chose to undergo the basic EMDR protocol.

[0070] She listened to the instructions, description of the method, and steps she would follow to implement the technique from the psychologist's avatar. The transition between steps is controlled by pressing the "Next" button or by the program algorithm when the desired state is assessed as achieved.

[0071] I moved to a safe place in the virtual space, where I was able to restore the feeling of safety and rate it on a scale from 0 to 10 at level +8.

[0072] She moved to a working space to process the negative experience. She assessed her current anxiety level related to the situation—8 points on the negativity scale. She identified her earliest memory of anxiety related to her son's health, a situation in which he fell as a child. She selected the corresponding negative belief from the list: "I am powerless." She identified the sensations, feelings, and images associated with the situation.

[0073] The anxiety level was consistently processed according to an algorithm - kinesthetic stimulation, eye movements, and bilateral audio in virtual space were carried out.

[0074] She underwent a series of revisions - steps of bilateral stimulation with an intermediate assessment of the condition on a scale of 0-10.

[0075] Processed the negative experience (images, sounds, sensations, beliefs associated with the situation) to the level of its severity assessment of 0 on the self-esteem scale over the course of a series of sets, approximately 35 minutes.

[0076] The next step was to install the chosen new resource belief. From the suggested list, the belief was "I can make a choice." The installation was also carried out using bilateral stimulation—eyes following the ball's trajectory, kinesthetic stimulation according to the algorithm demonstrated by the avatar, and bilateral music. The stimulation was carried out in a series of steps with intermediate assessments on a positive state scale of 1-7 points.

[0077] After scoring 7 on the confidence scale for belief and positive self-perception, the program algorithm moved the patient to the next step.

[0078] Following further instructions, the patient returned to the initial situation and monitored any residual unpleasant sensations in her body. She completed another short set aimed at erasing any residual negative sensations. After reaching a zero-level score on the residual negative experience scale, the program algorithm moved her to the next step. She then returned to a safe place and restored a sense of safety through a series of bilateral stimulations.

[0079] The session concluded. The next session followed a similar pattern with a second past situation involving a health hazard to the son.

[0080] By the third session, the patient experienced a significant reduction in anxiety about her son's situation and other life situations. Her family members also noted these significant changes. The final session focused on integrating ideas about future situations and how the patient would behave and feel in them.

[0081] A month later, the patient underwent re-evaluation on the stress and anxiety scale, including a subjective assessment of the severity of anxiety regarding her son's health. Positive changes in her beliefs and state of mind persisted.

[0082] This version of the method differs from the prototype in that the correction process is fully automated and easily understood by the patient, without the need for a therapist. The patient is immersed in a safe location. The correction process is entirely controlled by the program.

[0083] Example 2.

[0084] An option for implementing the method is to complete the program in virtual reality accompanied by a therapist.

[0085] The patient presented with complaints of poor sleep, frequent awakenings, and general anxiety. This condition began after experiencing the tragic death of a loved one.

[0086] The work was also carried out step by step in accordance with the proposed method. A protocol for working with anxiety was developed. The reduction in negative experience on the scale occurred significantly more slowly. The program activated processing by reloading working memory (counting aloud according to an algorithm, saying words aloud that begin with specific letters).

[0087] Differences from Option 1:

[0088] Therapist involvement—selected at stage 6 on the negative scale—was suggested adding images of helpful figures to the images and pictures of the negative situation being processed. The patient selected male family members (a technique derived from trance states). After this involvement, the patient's negative feelings and self-beliefs significantly decreased. The patient was able to process the negative state and transition to a resourceful state associated with the new belief, "I am doing the best I can."

[0089] Three sessions were also conducted. The overall condition improved significantly.

[0090] The assessment of the traumatic experience remained at a stable level, as no longer disturbing, and the conviction about oneself was a resource.

[0091] Differences between this version and the prototype:

[0092] Inclusion not in the entire process, but only at the stage of additional trance resource images - the therapist included a new method in the process.

Claims

A method for conducting a corrective desensitization session using eye movement techniques using virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies FORMULA 1. A method for conducting a corrective desensitization session using eye movement techniques using virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies, including the following steps: -connect to a virtual space to conduct a correction session using the eye movement desensitization (EMDR) method and eye movement reprocessing; - the patient on the screen chooses a belief in a negative experience, - determine the category of the patient’s mental and behavioral problem and select a category-appropriate version of the corrective protocol for the eye movement desensitization technique; - evaluate the psychosomatic state in relation to the negative experience, - the patient receives instructions from a virtual psychologist on self-diagnosis based on the proposed parameters - feelings, sensations, images, sounds, thoughts that record negative experiences, - patients undergo a session to correct a psychological problem - carry out consistent processing of negative experiences using the method of eye movement desensitization and bilateral and binaural stimulation, - receive an additional load on working memory, - reinforce a positive belief and state, - go through the stage of “Erasing” the remnants of negative feelings, - after completing the previous stages, they move to the virtual space “Safe Place” to integrate the experience, while - the above steps are implemented through an automated virtual reality system of a specialist working in the EMDR method, using which the source of the problems is diagnosed and identified, - all steps are carried out independently by the patient, - the "Safe Place" virtual space is used in a single algorithm with eye movement desensitization protocols. 16 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)