NELFT is one of four primary Trusts involved in the groundbreaking AVATAR 2 trial, providing participants and training clinicians in the advanced software. Designed to address hearing voices, the use of avatars has shown results in reducing the frequency and distress of these experiences. 

Psychosis, a mental health condition that affects 2 to 3 people in every 100, can leave individuals feeling disconnected from reality. For those who hear distressing voices, the impact on daily life can be severe. This innovative approach enables patients to confront and reframe their relationship with these voices through a digital process. 

The therapy involves guided sessions where participants interact with an animated digital representation of the voice they hear. Using advanced voice conversion software, therapists create the avatar's appearance and voice based on the service user’s description. In these three-way conversations, therapists facilitate a dialogue between the patient and the avatar. Over time, patients learn to challenge the voice, build resilience, and regain a sense of control. 

Results from the trials are encouraging. Participants in the AVATAR-Extended therapy reported significant improvements in voice-related distress and severity after 16 weeks, along with reductions in voice frequency sustained at both 16 and 28 weeks. These findings published in Nature Medicine, highlight the method's potential to transform the lives of individuals living with psychosis. NELFT’s involvement in the trial highlights the commitment to develop mental health interventions that make a meaningful difference in patients' lives. 

Miriam Fornells-Ambrojo, Professional and Strategic Lead for Psychological Services for First Episode Psychosis in NELFT and Associate Professor at UCL said: 

‘'This large multi-site study replicated previous trial findings, showing that voice hearers experience rapid reductions in voice-related distress with AVATAR therapy. 

The extended version of AVATAR therapy led to sustained reductions in voice frequency and improvements in wellbeing and it is therefore recommended for implementation in routine NHS settings. NELFT in an excellent position to achieve this, as we trained the largest cohort across sites (eight NHS clinicians across Early Intervention in Psychosis and Wellness Teams) to deliver AVATAR therapy. 

Next steps include seeking for funding to support AVATAR software development and supervision for large scale implementation across the NHS.''

As research continues to advance with further trials planned, AVATAR therapy offers a glimpse of how technology can be used to address complex mental health challenges, leading to effective, compassionate care. 

Find out more here - AVATAR Therapy