T H E C H A L L E N G E
Clients Struggled to Feel Safe Enough to Open Up
Many of NCA’s clients face a difficult recovery from trauma that leaves lasting scars, making it hard to feel safe, find calm, or begin healing. Traditional mental health tools alone have not been enough to meet their needs.
“One of NCA's key messages is to overcome and reduce gender-based violence against women and girls."
Huda, Innovation GBV Project Officer
T H E P L A N
NCA Introduced VR to Help Clients Find Comfort
So, NCA decided to try something different. It partnered with Healium, an immersive VR solution that helps users manage stress and self-regulate emotions through biofeedback-powered, nature-based experiences.
“This new technology is a significant leap from the traditional mental health and behavioral sciences section (MHBSS) practices."
— Huda, Innovation GBV Project Officer
T H E O U T C O M E
VR Restored Feelings of Safety & Healing
For many of NCA's team members, this was uncharted territory. They had never used VR for trauma recovery, but practitioners quickly saw a change in their clients. Healium provided a relaxing escape where they could truly feel safe to move forward in their treatment.
“Through virtual reality they can see and hear the experience at the same time which is the best way to help them relax and heal."
Dr. Thikra, Mental Health and Psychosocial Centre Duhok
By partnering with Healium, NCA gave trauma survivors in Iraq more than just therapy sessions. They gave them moments of peace, safety and self-regulation, an escape from their otherwise harsh reality.
“This is the best experience for me. I felt like I was in dreamland. The amount of peace and safety is unbelievable. I didn't want it to finish. This helped me to relax and all my stress faded away."
— Alquosh Woman
