VR Therapy — relief from phantom pain & trauma symptoms
We are designing an EU-based VR therapy program to complement medical and psychological care for people living with phantom limb pain and trauma-related symptoms after war. Your support helps move this concept from the planning stage to a safe, clinically guided pilot.
Why this matters
Phantom limb pain and trauma-related symptoms can trap survivors in years of insomnia, anxiety, and disability. Large reviews estimate that around six in ten people with an amputation experience phantom limb pain at some point after surgery, with many reporting long-lasting suffering. PTSD and related conditions after war also remain a major cause of lost quality of life and impaired daily functioning.
Virtual reality is emerging as a promising adjunct to standard care, not a replacement. Clinical studies and meta-analyses suggest that immersive VR can produce moderate reductions in PTSD symptoms and clinically meaningful reductions in pain scores in different patient groups, including people with phantom limb pain. Evidence is still developing and results vary, but it is strong enough to justify carefully designed, clinician-led VR programs for war survivors.
Our planned VR Therapy program aims to make this kind of support accessible to people affected by war in Europe, with clear screening, clinical oversight, and respect for each person’s safety and dignity.
How VR therapy is planned to work
Guided VR sessions
In our future program, licensed therapists will lead structured VR sessions that combine exposure-based techniques and cognitive tools. The goal is to help participants gradually re-process traumatic cues in a controlled environment while maintaining a strong sense of safety and control, in line with published VR exposure protocols for PTSD.
Mirror-therapy environments
For phantom limb pain, VR scenarios can simulate the presence and movement of a missing limb, similar to mirror therapy and sensorimotor VR approaches studied in rehabilitation. These visual and sensory illusions may help recalibrate body maps and reduce pain intensity for some participants, although outcomes differ widely and are not guaranteed.
Counselling & group support
VR sessions are intended to be part of a broader care pathway, not a stand-alone fix. Each participant would have access to one-on-one support from mental-health professionals and, where appropriate, moderated peer groups. This integrated model is designed to build resilience, improve coping skills, and support healthier relationships beyond the headset.
Projected funding goal – €370 000 for the first year of operations
We estimate that €370 000 will be needed to launch and run the first full year of a VR Therapy program in the EU. This projected budget covers equipment, software, staff training, centre operations, and an initial therapy cohort of up to 100 survivors, if fully funded.
Therapists & training
Approximately €120 000 is planned for certified trauma specialists and staff training in VR-based protocols.
Centre
operations
Around €70 000 is allocated for rent, utilities, and essential services to run the centre during its first year.
VR equipment & medical software
Roughly €60 000 is planned for medical-grade VR headsets, biosensor-capable PCs and licensed therapy software.
Patient care & therapy programs
About €70 000 is earmarked for six-week VR therapy courses and counselling for the first cohorts of war survivors.
Program development
Approximately €50 000 supports clinical QA, accessibility improvements and contingency, helping make the program sustainable.
How funds are handled & measured
Donations are processed via Stripe over PCI DSS–compliant, SSL-encrypted checkout, with corporate matching available on Benevity (search “Helping War Victims Foundation”; ID 440-5594181167525_f524). Once the program is live, we plan to track and report key indicators such as sessions delivered, pain and symptom scores (VAS and other scales), attendance and completion rates on a regular basis.
Planned first-year impact (once launched)
Up to 100 survivors
Our target is to enable up to 100 war-affected participants to complete a six-week VR-supported course with licensed clinicians during the first full year of operations, subject to funding and clinical capacity.
Evidence-based symptom reduction
We model our expectations on published protocols using mirror therapy and VR, which often report clinically meaningful reductions in phantom limb pain and PTSD symptoms, though results vary widely and are never guaranteed.
Families supported
We also plan to include psychoeducation and group support for family members and caregivers, helping them understand phantom pain, trauma, and how to support their loved ones through rehabilitation and reintegration.
Rehabilitation centre roadmap
Site & renovation
Identify an accessible EU location, secure premises and complete basic renovation work (structural safety, accessibility, climate control) before any patients are admitted.
Equipment Installation
Equip the centre with medical-grade VR headsets, compatible PCs, biosensors and secure software infrastructure, followed by technical testing and clinical safety checks.
Staff Training
Train and certify therapists in evidence-based VR exposure protocols, trauma-informed care and CBT integration, in cooperation with clinical partners.
Pilot cohorts
Once equipment and protocols pass clinical QA, admit initial six-week cohorts of participants and refine the program based on measured outcomes and participant feedback.
Planned location: EU. Accessibility standards, clinical quality assurance and data protection requirements will be applied in line with local regulations and ethical guidelines.