Method for treating fears and anxieties of abused persons by using virtual, simulated retaliation

摘要

This method provides a way for a user to alleviate feelings of fear, anxiety, helplessness, powerlessness, vulnerability, or other negative feelings that the user has toward another person with whom the user previously had an abusive relationship. Images of the other person and a deadly weapon, such as a knife or axe, are displayed. The user moves the images so that the weapon appears to harm the other person. Unless the negative feelings of the user are ascertained to be reduced by a predetermined amount, the process is repeated. The procedure thus transforms the user in a manner such that at least partial catharsis or discharge of negative cathexis occurs, but without the user believing consciously that the user's simulated actions actually harmed the other person as acted out. A preferred embodiment carries out this procedure by computer means, such as a PC or handheld portable device.