6 Ways VR Therapy Helps Kids Thrive—And Why Parents Love it
- Prue Longstaff, Psychotherapist
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
What You’ll Learn in This Blog
How VR Therapy helps children build lasting social skills
Why VR Therapy supports behaviour with compassion
Ways VR Therapy boosts communication confidence
Why engagement is key and how VR makes therapy fun
How VR Therapy is designed especially for neurodivergent kids
Information on NDIS support and why parents trust VR Therapy
As a qualified children's and family counsellor and educator based in Mansfield, I understand how challenging it can be when your child struggles with social situations, communication, or managing big emotions.
Traditional therapy and counselling sometimes feels overwhelming or just doesn’t quite click for them. What if there was a way to help your child build these essential skills — but in a way that feels more like play than pressure? That's where VR therapy comes in.
At Better You HQ, we’re proud to offer an innovative VR therapy program that many families in Mansfield and surrounding areas are are calling a game-changer for their child’s social and emotional growth.
Our VR Social, Behavioiural and Communication Skills Program is designed especially for kids aged 8 and up, including those who are autistic, have ADHD, anxiety, or are neurodivergent. It creates a safe, supportive space where children can practice and grow at their own pace — all while having fun.
Here’s why VR therapy might be the breakthrough your family has been waiting for.
1. Social Skills That Truly Stick
Many children find face-to-face social situations overwhelming or confusing. Simple things like joining a conversation, reading body language, or sharing turns can feel stressful.
VR therapy offers a safe space for your child to practice these skills repeatedly, without fear of judgement or failure. Imagine scenarios like ordering at a café, joining a group game, or resolving a disagreement — all in a virtual environment where your child can build confidence and feel in control.
Because VR therapy feels real to the brain, the skills they learn here often transfer into everyday life. This helps your child approach social moments with more ease and less anxiety.
As a result, children who engage in VR therapy often find that the lessons learned during these sessions help them navigate social moments with greater ease and less anxiety. They can rehearse and refine their responses to social cues, understand body language, and practice initiating conversations in a way that feels natural and less intimidating. The repeated exposure to these scenarios in a virtual setting helps reinforce their confidence, making it easier for them to apply these skills in real-life situations, such as at school, during playdates, or in family gatherings.
2. VR Therapy for Behaviour Support That’s Compassionate
Kids often labeled as “challenging” are sometimes simply struggling to regulate their emotions or feel understood.
Our VR therapy uses a coaching, strengths-based approach rather than focusing on compliance or punishment. It helps children build self-regulation, problem-solving, and flexible thinking skills through interactive, engaging virtual challenges.
The virtual world offers immediate, gentle feedback — encouraging your child to take risks and try new strategies safely. Many children who have resisted traditional therapy feel more open and engaged with VR therapy.
3. Growing Communication Confidence, Step by Step
For many kids, talking about feelings or practicing conversations can be intimidating. VR therapy provides a pressure-free way to develop these skills without the stress of real-time conversations or eye contact.
Your child can rehearse speaking up, asking for help, or setting boundaries — experimenting with tone, expression, and words — in a supportive environment. This is especially helpful for autistic children, those with selective mutism, or anyone who feels socially anxious.
VR therapy lets kids take their time and try again as often as needed, building lasting confidence.
4. Engagement That Feels Like Play
Therapy is most effective when children want to participate. The immersive, game-like nature of VR therapy keeps kids coming back because it feels fun and rewarding.
Parents often tell us, “He thought he was just playing, but we saw real changes in his confidence and behaviour.”
This kind of engagement helps children learn without feeling like therapy is a chore or that something is wrong with them. It’s a powerful shift towards joy and growth.
5. Designed for Neurodivergent Learners
Many children we support are autistic, have ADHD, or learn differently. VR therapy respects their unique needs by offering:
Predictability: knowing what to expect every time
Adjustable sensory input to suit comfort levels
Visual and hands-on learning — perfect for non-verbal or picture thinkers
A low-pressure environment without forced eye contact or small talk
This neuro-affirming approach builds skills while honouring your child’s true self.
6. NDIS-Friendly and Parent-Approved
Our VR therapy program at Better You HQ is fully NDIS-supported under therapeutic supports and social/community participation. Whether your child’s plan is self-managed or plan-managed, VR therapy might be an excellent option to explore.
This program is designed to cater specifically to the unique needs of children, offering a safe and engaging environment where they can explore therapeutic activities that promote emotional and psychological wellbeing. Whether your child’s NDIS plan is self-managed or plan-managed, VR therapy could be an excellent option to explore, as it allows for flexibility and customisation to meet individual goals and preferences.
The integration of virtual reality into therapy sessions opens up a world of possibilities, allowing children to immerse themselves in interactive scenarios that can help them develop essential skills. These scenarios can range from social skills training, where children practice interactions in a controlled setting, to exposure therapy for those dealing with anxiety or phobias. The immersive nature of VR can enhance engagement, making therapy sessions more enjoyable and effective. Additionally, the program is designed with the latest advancements in technology, ensuring that each session is not only beneficial but also aligns with the best practices in therapeutic interventions.
Therapy That Feels Like the Future — Because Your Child Deserves It
As a Mansfield counsellor, I believe therapy should empower your child in a way that fits their unique style and needs. VR therapy is an exciting step forward, and we’re proud to be among the first providers in Australia offering this innovative, effective service.
If your child…
Finds social situations tricky or stressful
Has felt overwhelmed by group therapy
Is autistic, has ADHD, or experiences anxiety
Needs help with managing emotions or communicating...
...then VR therapy could make a real difference.
📍 Now taking bookings, with limited spots available.
📞 Contact us today to learn more and secure your child’s place — we’re here to help your family thrive.
About Prue and Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic
Prue is an ACA registered and qualified child and family counsellor with a passion for helping children and parents navigate emotional challenges. As the founder of Better You HQ Therapy and Counselling Clinic, she specialises in supporting neurodivergent children, anxiety, emotional regulation, and social-emotional development. With experience in education and a deep understanding of childhood mental health, Prue offers evidence-based, compassionate support to families.
Better You HQ provides in-person counselling in Mansfield, Victoria, and online services Australia-wide, including assessments, emotion coaching, and parent support. Prue believes that emotional skills can be taught and that every child deserves a roadmap to thrive.