Simulating Psychedelic Therapy Through Mediated Reality
Figshare January 1, 2017 Andrew Hillstead
Because psychedelic substances are illegal, many people with psychiatric conditions cannot access effective psychedelic therapy. This analysis, combining practical application with literature and conference review, examines whether computer-mediated realities can convincingly simulate such therapy. Augmented reality and modulated realities like modified and diminished reality show insufficient evidence for practical use. Augmented virtuality, mixed reality, virtual reality, and modulated virtuality have characteristics that could simulate mind-manifesting psychedelic therapy, but mediated reality appears extraneous for mind-loosening therapy. Virtual reality currently shows the greatest potential for healing and exploring the psyche by simulating closed-eye psychedelic experiences. The author proposes a proof-of-concept for a neurofeedback-driven VR experience that simulates phosphenes transforming into geometric hallucinations, aiming to provide safe, accessible simulated psychedelic therapy.