(below) takes virtual
reality for a test drive.
Oculus headsets
treat mental health
symptoms with a
guided meditation
experience.
A new virtual reality therapy program is being provided to some residents at San Quentin State Prison to get a meditation experience unlike any other.
The TRIPP Company app for Oculus device users was approved by Warden Ron Broomfield and Dr. Schmidt of the Enhanced Outpatient Program in H-Unit. San Quentin is the first location using the program.
“The idea comes from my patients saying that they didn’t have a place to quietly meditate,” said Dr. Michael Chazan, who requested permission to use the program. I thought I would have a difficult time getting the group approved, but I got the OK right away.”
Chazan bought the device in December 2020. “My idea was this technology would address issues like hyper-vigilance and having a quiet, safe space to learn how to meditate.” he said.
These guided meditation apps are used to treat anxiety, depression, adolescent Attention Deficit Disorder, substance abuse, drug craving, work stress and burnout. Participants with schizophrenia who go through virtual reality therapy also show significant reduction of aggressive behavior, according to studies from the TRIPP Company.
TRIPP’s website says it is a pioneering research-based company with a focus on wellness and substance-free mental health solutions.
The company’s virtual reality meditation app encourages users to focus on their breath while viewing engaging visuals. This app enables feelings of awe, relaxation, mindfulness and connection with fellow meditators.
“TRIPP has mind-altering capabilities with binaural [soft musical] beats that act like a recreational drug to the human mind,” according to the company.
Dr. Chazan brings his personal headset to the program group in San Quentin. He fits the headset on each patient when it’s their time and puts on one of the 50 available programs. The patient is sitting when the program begins; however, while the program is running they can get up and interact how they want with what they’re seeing.
“Soothing narrations, audio-visuals and the occlusion effect gives the mind a feeling of relaxation. The feeling literally shuts the head down and takes one to a whole new world,” according to TRIPP. “One forgets their depression for a while.”
The meditation therapy program lasts 24 weeks.
“I really am able to meditate well,” said one resident participant who didn’t wish to be identified.
“This is the best group I have. I can’t wait for Mondays,” said incarcerated person Mitchell Cash. “I went to one of the groups and was very impressed with how easy it was to follow. It was like floating through space.”
Another patient said he found it to be an excellent program, working wonders for mental health therapy. He said the hope is it can be expanded to help more incarcerated people suffering from serious mental health conditions, especially those who are afraid of the side effects from medication.
“Users can change their emotions and alter their feelings without the need to travel or take drugs,” according to TRIPP.
Crochet master Steve Joyner displays a hand-made masterpiece: a crocheted blanket for homeless pets awaiting adoption.
