Ukraine has created an innovative psychological recovery programme called “The Path to Peace” — a VR solution that combines science, art and technology to reduce anxiety and train self-regulation. The project is aimed at veterans, military personnel and civilians who have experienced trauma.
The key feature of the programme is real-time biofeedback. During a 15-25 minute VR session, the helmet reads the user’s pulse, breathing and brain activity (EEG) and creates a virtual environment that adapts to the person’s condition. In this way, the VR space literally “breathes” with the user, creating an effect of immersion and control. The effectiveness of each session is measured both by physiological indicators and by special questionnaires.
Project author Valery Korshunov explains that the main goal is to create a scalable psychological assistance tool that can be used in rehabilitation centres, hospitals, veteran hubs, universities, or corporate wellness programmes. “Our goal is to give people meditation that they don’t have to imagine. All it takes is a breath, a glance, and a few steps — and the world around you adjusts to your rhythm, helping your body remember calmness,” he says.
The project’s psychologist, Tetiana Vakhnytska, adds that VR creates a safe environment in which a person can relearn how to feel calm and inner stability: “When traumatised, imaginary images often don’t work. We help to form a new experience — a warm space in which the brain gradually regains its ability to self-regulate.”
Korshunov’s team has already begun pilot studies at the Y. I. Kundiev Institute of Occupational Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. Psychologists, art therapists, neurophysiologists, and experienced VR developers are participating in the development. The project is being implemented with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation.
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