“I don’t stutter anymore”: How Virtual Reality Is Transforming Therapeutic Pathways
The Power of a Sentence
“I don’t stutter anymore.”
This simple yet powerful statement marked the turning point in a teenager’s journey through a unique therapeutic process that combined psychological, linguistic, and technological elements. More than just a personal victory, it highlights a new direction in how we approach human development through immersive tools.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
The case emerged from a collaboration between Centro Elpis (Michaela Fantoni, Laura Lazzari, Francesco Palazzo) and Vrainers, and included:
🔹 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
🔹 Traditional Speech Therapy
🔹 Virtual Reality Training
Despite two prior therapy cycles, the teenager’s stuttering persisted. Only with this integrative, experiential method did significant progress occur.
VR Public Speaking Simulation: A Turning Point
A key innovation was the use of Vrainers’ Virtual Reality public speaking simulation, which offered progressive exposure to high-pressure speaking situations in a safe and controlled environment.
The VR experience acted as a powerful accelerator, enabling the patient to gradually reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and apply learned techniques in real-life contexts.
Real Results, Lasting Transformation
This blended approach led to a concrete behavioral shift—demonstrating that VR-based exposure therapy can enhance and accelerate both psychological and speech-related progress.
It’s not just about the technology itself, but about how we design and apply immersive tools to support personal growth and therapeutic outcomes.
Featured in My New Book
This case study is featured in Chapter 8 – “Augmented Human Skills” of my new book, where I explore how immersive technologies are reshaping the way we develop soft skills, learn, and overcome challenges.
About the Author
Matteo Zaralli is a Fulbright Fellow, author, and founder of Vrainers and the VR-AI Academy. With a background in business, philosophy, and immersive technologies, he explores the intersection of innovation, human potential, and the future of learning. Routledge publishes his books, and his work has been recognized globally, including at the House of Lords and the Internet 2.0 Conference in Dubai.
