Virtual Toy Box

As advances in technology allow us to connect and communicate with others in ways that were previously impossible, the field of mental health is increasingly turning to tele-health and virtual treatment options. While tele-health has been great for treatment with older populations, it has been less effective for younger populations who often lack the verbal capabilities necessary to effectively engage in normal "talk therapy". 

Other mediums of self-expression such as play, art and stories are generally preferred in psychotherapy with children, but options to engage in these activities virtually are sparse. Obviously, this can be tough for mental health practitioners trying to work with children via tele-health. One clinical therapist working virtually with children exclaimed in exasperation "Trying to connect with a four-year-old through a screen can be like pulling teeth"! 

With this experiential tool, we hope to make this important work a little easier. Harnessing the powers of augmented reality, we place a wide variety of toys, with proven therapeutic benefits, virtually in the hands of young clients. Children get to keep playing, practitioners get to keep working, and nobody has to lose any teeth.