Four years ago, I was in a crowded lift when suddenly it jerked to a halt between floors and the lights went out for what felt like an eternity. I was told afterwards that the whole experience had lasted barely 5 minutes but my sense of panic overwhelmed me and I was reduced to a blubbering mess in front my colleagues. As a consequence, I quit my job and never set foot into an elevator again.

Then a few weeks ago, I was offered a terrific job on 29^th floor of a tower in Canary Wharf. My friends and family encouraged me to seize this as an opportunity to finally get over what happened four years ago.

Then I remembered I had seen a leaflet describing VR immersive therapy at a yoga class recently, and figured I had nothing to lose in trying out this new therapy which could also enable me to take the job before it was given to someone else.

I met Raymond and discovered I could use the headset to gradually recreate a similar experience knowing that I was in a safe place and properly looked after as I allowed myself to travel back in time. I was also comforted by the fact we could track my heartrate and other physiological responses in real time and see progress as it happened. But the most useful component of Raymond’s protocol for me was the homework.

As a result, not only did I take the job, but get to boast to my colleagues I can now choose to run up and down the stairs to keep fit!