Sunday, May 27, 2001

VIRTUAL CURES Doctors go high-tech to help patients conquer phobias

Robert Reiner], who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, helps his patients overcome their fear of flying or public speaking. In his groundbreaking approach, virtual reality replaces patient visualization, which can be inconsistent and hinder progress.

Though I am not phobic about flying, it does cause me some anxiety. I gripped the armrest as I felt the rumble of the plane. As we …