The Use of Extended Reality in Cognitive Therapy for Individuals in Psychosocially Vulnerable Situations

To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, researchers from the Grupo de Tratamiento de Imágenes (GTI) at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Marta Goyena and Martina Merolli, conducted a workshop titled "The Use of Extended Reality in Cognitive Therapy for Individuals in Psychosocially Vulnerable Situations" at Colegio Isaac Newton in Madrid in collaboration with Fundación Juan XXIII. This activity, part of the Incluverso project, aimed to explore various applications for cognitive training, ranging from traditional methods to tools based on virtual reality.

The workshop was structured in several phases. First, a group brainstorming session was conducted in which participants proposed ideas for possible cognitive training applications. Using post-its, different proposals were collected and organized on a whiteboard, allowing for a collective discussion on various options, including paper-based exercises, interactive games, and applications in virtual reality environments.
Next, a demonstration was carried out showcasing three different approaches to cognitive training:

• Paper-based exercises, using worksheets provided by Fundación Juan XXIII.
• Use of the NeuronUp digital platform on a computer.
• A virtual reality application developed within the Incluverso project, where participants experienced two different environments: a café and a supermarket.

Attendees were divided into groups and tested each tool, rotating between the different scenarios to experience the various approaches. Following the practical session, another brainstorming session was conducted, where participants reviewed and refined their initial ideas based on what they had learned.

The workshop was very well received, with high participation and notable interest from attendees. Many highlighted that the experience was enriching, engaging, and highly useful in understanding the potential of cognitive training with new technologies.

From GTI, we would like to thank Colegio Isaac Newton and Fundación Juan XXIII for their collaboration in this initiative. We reaffirm our commitment to research and the application of innovative technologies to improve the quality of life for people in psychosocial vulnerability.