XR Therapy Treatment on the “And Breathe” Podcast: How Extended Reality is Transforming Mental Health Care

In a powerful new episode of the And Breathe podcast by Anxiety UK, listeners are introduced to the revolutionary world of XR therapy treatment — a cutting-edge approach using extended reality to support individuals living with anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions.

Hosted by David Smith, the episode features an in-depth conversation with Penny from XR Therapeutics and Katheryn from Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. Together, they explain how immersive technology is creating faster, more effective outcomes for people facing challenges that traditional therapy may not fully address.

Listen to the full podcast here or on Anxiety UK’s website.

What Is XR Therapy Treatment?

XR therapy (Extended Reality therapy) combines immersive technology with psychological treatment — creating realistic, controlled environments to help people confront and manage their fears. Unlike conventional VR, which is often used for distraction, XR Therapeutics uses clinically designed exposure therapy for anxiety-related conditions.

On the And Breathe podcast, Penny highlights that the technology is co-developed with therapists and users, ensuring each scenario is purpose-built to support mental health recovery.

“We recreate real-life situations that provoke anxiety and help people gradually face and overcome those triggers in a safe environment,” she explains.

Highlights from the Podcast: Key Takeaways

During the 30-minute episode, Penny and Katheryn share how XR therapy is already being used across the UK to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety and communication difficulties
• Specific phobias, including emetophobia (vomit phobia)
• Trauma and PTSD

One particularly moving story shared in the episode involves a client named Sarah, an NHS worker living with an extreme fear of vomit. After working with XR Therapeutics, she shared:

“I owe my life to XR Therapeutics.”

This powerful testimony captures the life-changing impact XR therapy treatment can have on individuals who have struggled to find relief through traditional routes.

Where Is XR Therapy Treatment Available?

The podcast also outlines where and how clients can access XR therapy treatment. XR Therapeutics is currently working with:

• Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
• Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust
• London-based NHS Trusts
• Charities including the Toby Henderson Trust
• Private clients through in-house clinicians

Clients can receive treatment in person at XR Therapeutics' studio, remotely via telehealth and digital XR sessions, through private insurance, or by self-funding with flexible finance options.

Why XR Therapy Works, Faster and Smarter

One of the standout themes in the podcast is the efficiency of XR therapy. Katheryn points out that traditional CBT can take 6–20 weeks, while many clients using XR therapy see results in as little as 2–3 weeks.

Penny adds that young people, in particular, engage more readily with this tech-enhanced method. The draw of immersive screens and interactive environments helps clients begin difficult exposure work with more confidence.

“Facing anxiety is tough — sometimes technology can give you just enough curiosity or comfort to start the process.”

A Game-Changer for the NHS and Beyond

The And Breathe podcast also touches on how XR therapy can help reduce NHS waiting lists and support overburdened mental health services. By improving treatment speed and offering alternatives to resistant clients, XR Therapeutics could become an important part of healthcare transformation.

“Every department has its own challenges,” Penny notes. “So we spend time co-designing with clinicians — to make sure this tech actually solves the problems they’re facing.”

Looking Ahead: Will XR Therapy Become Mainstream?

When asked how long before XR therapy treatment becomes commonplace in every hospital and primary care setting, Penny answers honestly:

“Ideally tomorrow — but implementation takes collaboration and listening.”

Still, the momentum is strong. With government conversations around AI and tech transforming healthcare, XR therapy is likely to become a major part of mental health services in the years ahead.

Final Thoughts: Tune In, Get Inspired

This And Breathe podcast episode is essential listening for clinicians and therapists interested in XR therapy, people living with anxiety, trauma or phobias, parents and carers seeking new tools for young people, and policymakers exploring digital innovation.

XR therapy treatment isn’t just a new idea, it’s already changing lives. And thanks to the thoughtful collaboration between tech providers and NHS clinicians, it’s poised to become an accessible, effective therapy for thousands more.

Find out how XR therapy can be used in your trust or organisation by clicking here.