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Blog - Phobias
How To Overcome Fear Of Work: Ergophobia Therapy With PsyTech VR
By Inna Maltzeva, Chief Scientific Officer at PsyTech VR
March 05, 2025
PsyTechVR
Work, which is generally regarded as an essential responsibility, can feel impossible for certain individuals to carry out as a result of fear. The fear of work (ergophobia) is a condition that has been recognized for over a century now, and within this period, there have been several developments of treatment options for both its management and cure. As we progress in this article, we will be focusing on one of the most recent treatment options - virtual reality and how it can be used to overcome ergophobia.
What Is Ergophobia?
Ergophobia (also known as ergasiophobia, ponophobia, or work aversion) can be described as an irrational, extreme, debilitating, and persistent fear of work that is capable of causing high levels of anxiety and distress. This fear, in some cases, is not only limited to work-related tasks, but it also extends to work-related tasks and public speaking.
Defining Ergophobia And Its Impact
Ergophobia is unlike the typical stress most people have prior to workdays. It is a debilitating type of fear that impairs an individual’s ability to function in any workspace. People diagnosed with ergophobia are known to fear different aspects of work, some of which include interacting with colleagues, attending meetings, receiving criticism, and handling workplace responsibilities. There are also severe ergophobia cases where even the mere thought of going to work or searching for a job serves as a trigger for overwhelming anxiety, causing those affected to avoid working altogether.
Aside from the mental health challenges that come with it, individuals with ergophobia often find it difficult to secure and maintain their jobs for long. As a result, they often have to change jobs, take long absences, or quit whenever the fear sets in or becomes unbearable. Ergophobia also leads to financial insecurity, which makes it difficult for those affected to afford basic needs and causes them to rely on other people for their livelihood.
The effects of ergophobia are not only felt by the subject individual but also by the organization they work for. Due to the absence of their employees, organizations may miss deadlines or experience an overall decline in their productivity, which ultimately results in financial loss.
The effects of ergophobia are not only felt by the subject individual but also by the organization they work for. Due to the absence of their employees, organizations may miss deadlines or experience an overall decline in their productivity, which ultimately results in financial loss.
How Common Is The Fear Of Work?
While ergophobia is rarely diagnosed and not as widely discussed as many anxiety disorders, it is more common than people realize. A survey conducted showed that about 41% of employees worldwide experience anxiety and stress in the workplace. With this information, coupled with the rising workplace stresses, demanding job expectations, and economic uncertainties, one can only expect that the number of individuals experiencing this kind of fear will keep rising.
Another “fear of work” related study has been recently published in The Lancet Global Health journal. The authors have revealed a tremendous statistic: anxiety disorders, which include Ergophobia, were already affecting the global economy by USD 2,5 trillion on an annual basis in poor health and reduced productivity since 2020, and this cost is predicted to grow up to USD 6 trillion by 2030.
Another “fear of work” related study has been recently published in The Lancet Global Health journal. The authors have revealed a tremendous statistic: anxiety disorders, which include Ergophobia, were already affecting the global economy by USD 2,5 trillion on an annual basis in poor health and reduced productivity since 2020, and this cost is predicted to grow up to USD 6 trillion by 2030.
Who Is The Most At Risk Of Developing Ergophobia?
Ergophobia is a mental condition that can happen to just about anyone. However, putting the condition’s causative factors in perspective, there are certain categories of individuals that have an increased chance of developing this type of fear. Examples of these individuals include:
- Individuals with pre-existing mental disorders/ a genetic history of mental health challenges.
- People who have been previously harassed, bullied, or have experienced other negative experiences in work environments
- Individuals who are terrified of failure or speaking publicly at their workplace
- Individuals with neurodivergent conditions such as OCD, autism, and ADHD.
What Are The Symptoms Of Ergophobia?
The fear of work gives tell signs in various ways, which can be classified as physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. One important thing to note about these symptoms, which also differentiate this type of fear from typical work dissatisfaction, is their persistent nature, as they can last for an extended period of time, depending on the severity. Let’s look at examples of some of these symptoms.
Recognizing The Symptoms Of Ergophobia
Physically, a person affected with ergophobia may begin to experience:
They also give off some psychological symptoms that include:
In addition, individuals with ergophobia are known to exhibit certain behaviors, some of which:
- Palpitations (rapid heartbeats)
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches/stomach problems
- Body trembling/shaking
- Nausea or dizziness
They also give off some psychological symptoms that include:
- Severe anxiety or dread at the thought of going to work
- Worsening distress over work-related interactions or tasks
- Feelings of helplessness or insufficiency
- Fear of failure, criticism, or embarrassment in work-related settings/environments
- Depression related to work avoidance
In addition, individuals with ergophobia are known to exhibit certain behaviors, some of which:
- Frequently calling in sick or avoiding work
- Procrastination or difficulty in completing tasks
- Panic attacks triggered by work-related situations
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions at work
Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorder Related To Ergophobia
While ergophobia is not regarded as a specific form of anxiety disorder, there are certain overlaps in their symptoms, which makes them closely connected. These symptoms include:
- Excessive Worry: Anxiety disorders like GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) cause individuals to worry persistently over their work performance, criticism, or failure
- Fear Of Interaction: People with social anxiety disorder often find workplace interactions/teamwork uncomfortable and very distressing
- Perfectionism & Self-Doubt: Anxiety-driven perfectionism makes individuals feel like their work is never good enough, and this often results in them procrastinating or completely quitting their jobs.
- Rapid heartbeats caused by panic disorder can strengthen an individual’s fear of going to work
How Ergophobia Affects Work Performance And Daily Life
Ergophobia negatively impacts the work performances of those it affects majorly by creating extreme levels of anxiety around work-related tasks. This fear makes it difficult for those affected to focus at work, thereby reducing their efficiency and increasing the amount of error they make. It also causes panic attacks, excessive stress levels, and even physical symptoms like nausea and headaches whenever they engage in work-related tasks. Furthermore, those with this type of fear tend to avoid work responsibilities, which ultimately results in poor performance evaluations and even missed opportunities.
Additionally, people with ergophobia usually have a negative image of themselves where they think they are incompetent and unable to meet the standards their jobs demand. This distorted self-perception creates a constant fear that makes even the most routine activity feel stressful and sometimes impossible to carry out. It also leads to low self-esteem, self-isolation, and depression, which reinforces work fear and reduces their quality of life.
Additionally, people with ergophobia usually have a negative image of themselves where they think they are incompetent and unable to meet the standards their jobs demand. This distorted self-perception creates a constant fear that makes even the most routine activity feel stressful and sometimes impossible to carry out. It also leads to low self-esteem, self-isolation, and depression, which reinforces work fear and reduces their quality of life.
What Causes Ergophobia?
It is important to understand that the cause of ergophobia differs from person to person, depending on individual experience and other environmental factors.
Are Traumatic Experiences Related To Ergophobia?
Negative experiences are one of the major causes of ergophobia. Individuals who have experienced workplace situations such as harassment, conflicts, accidents, death of a co-worker, or robbery are likely to sustain psychological distress or develop work PTSD, resulting in an extreme fear of work.
Furthermore, individuals with past trauma tend to mentally associate work with high fear and anxiety over time, such that even the thought of work reinforces their fear.
Furthermore, individuals with past trauma tend to mentally associate work with high fear and anxiety over time, such that even the thought of work reinforces their fear.
Can Negative Thoughts About Work Trigger Ergophobia?
When people begin to have the wrong perception about work and mentally associate it with feelings of stress, inadequacy, failure, or increased pressure, they may begin to experience fear just at the thought of work. This flawed view makes it difficult for such individuals to function efficiently in a work environment and strengthens their developing notion that work is something to be scared of.
One major way by which negative thoughts trigger ergophobia is through irrational thinking. A good example is when an individual assumes all work tasks would be stressful because the last task he/she did was. Another way is through personalization, where individuals begin to blame themselves for work issues that are beyond even their control. This pattern of thinking creates a mental cycle that makes work-related fear grow stronger.
One major way by which negative thoughts trigger ergophobia is through irrational thinking. A good example is when an individual assumes all work tasks would be stressful because the last task he/she did was. Another way is through personalization, where individuals begin to blame themselves for work issues that are beyond even their control. This pattern of thinking creates a mental cycle that makes work-related fear grow stronger.
The Role Of Workplace Burnout In Developing Ergophobia
When individuals continually experience high stress at work, they begin to mentally associate their workplace with anxiety, exhaustion, and even physical discomfort. The constant strain of stressful work situations like tight deadlines or excessive workloads then creates a sense of helplessness and detachment from work, where the employees start to think of their job as an unavoidable source of stress. Over time, this negative thinking develops into an overwhelming fear, and the employees are more conditioned to expect distress when they think about or involve themselves in any work-related activity.
Additionally, workplace burnout affects the brain’s response to sensitivity to work-related triggers. As a result, repeated stressful experiences can cause a heightened fear response, which leads to panic attacks, severe anxiety, and an occurrence of ergophobia’s physical symptoms.
Other notable causes of ergophobia include anxiety disorders, excessive perfectionism, and medication side effects.
Additionally, workplace burnout affects the brain’s response to sensitivity to work-related triggers. As a result, repeated stressful experiences can cause a heightened fear response, which leads to panic attacks, severe anxiety, and an occurrence of ergophobia’s physical symptoms.
Other notable causes of ergophobia include anxiety disorders, excessive perfectionism, and medication side effects.
Is There A Difference Between Ergophobia And Other Phobias?
Comparing Ergophobia To Other Anxiety Disorders
Ergophobia rarely presents itself as a standalone condition because of its shared characteristics with other anxiety disorders. Like most anxiety disorders, individuals with ergophobia experience extreme levels of distress when triggered, and they give off the same general symptoms, which include rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, and an inability to focus.
Ergophobia also gives off signs of anticipatory anxiety. Just like people with panic disorders dread the thought of having panic attacks, some cases of severe ergophobia involve individuals who experience overwhelming fears just at the thought of going to work.
Additionally, people with ergophobia are known to experience cognitive distortions or irrational thought patterns, which is also common in generalized anxiety disorder. This cycle of thought reinforces anxiety, making it harder for individuals to confront their fear.
Ergophobia also gives off signs of anticipatory anxiety. Just like people with panic disorders dread the thought of having panic attacks, some cases of severe ergophobia involve individuals who experience overwhelming fears just at the thought of going to work.
Additionally, people with ergophobia are known to experience cognitive distortions or irrational thought patterns, which is also common in generalized anxiety disorder. This cycle of thought reinforces anxiety, making it harder for individuals to confront their fear.
What Makes Ergophobia Unique?
Despite its many shared characteristics, what distinguishes ergophobia from other anxiety disorders is that its primary focus is centered on the fear of work and its environment. While there are several anxiety challenges that can affect an individual’s ability to work, ergophobia is the only condition that affects the desire or possibility to keep a job. Every effect or symptom that characterizes ergophobia in an individual is always linked to his/her career and financial security.
Ergophobia vs Social Anxiety: Understanding The Overlap
Social anxiety is an intense fear of social situations that shares a deep psychological connection with ergophobia, especially in how they both present themselves through fear-driven avoidance.
Both conditions are known to result in intense distress in situations that typically involve social performance, interaction, and judgment by other people. Those with social anxiety issues always believe that they have to attain an unrealistic level of standard in social settings and are afraid of falling short of them. The same is also true of people with ergophobia, as there have been cases of individuals who struggle with feelings of inadequacy and unnecessary worry. In both occurrences, there were results that involved the triggering of physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, and panic attacks.
These two conditions also share similarities in the impact they make on individuals, as both conditions are capable of limiting opportunities, straining relationships, and ultimately reducing one’s quality of life.
How Is Ergophobia Treated?
Forms Of Treatment For Ergophobia
Therapy
There are different types of therapy that have proven to be effective in the treatment of ergophobia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for example, helps affected individuals to identify the thought patterns that caused the work-related fear and then modifies them in order to create a healthier work belief system. Psychotherapy is used to help people whose ergophobia occurred as a result of deep psychological issues such as traumatic experiences, while exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to help ergophobic individuals reduce their fear of work-related environments.
Medication
In events where the fear/anxiety that comes with ergophobia becomes too extreme, medications such as benzodiazepines (BZD), antidepressants, and beta-blockers are administered as short-term or complementary treatments. While some of these medications are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of addiction, they are very effective in the immediate regulation of the physical and depressive symptoms of ergophobia.
Lifestyle & Self-help Strategies
The inclusion of certain adjustments in an ergophobic individual’s lifestyle can significantly reduce their built-up fear of work over time. Mindfulness techniques, for instance, such as meditation, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation, can help to calm the nervous system and improve focus while working. Exercise also helps to tackle built-up stress while releasing endorphins, which enhances mood and consequently reduces the fear of work. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and healthy sleep schedule helps to improve an ergophobic individual’s overall mental well-being, making it easier to cope with work-related stressors.
Support Groups
Attending a support group helps affected individuals increase their understanding of the condition and builds the confidence they need to overcome it.
Understanding Exposure Therapy For The Fear Of Work
Exposure therapy is one of the most effective treatments for ergophobia. It involves the practice where ergophobic individuals are exposed to simulated work-like situations in order to help them confront and overcome their fear of work. The goal is to help individuals gradually reduce their fear of work by introducing them to work-related situations in a controlled environment, helping them to build the confidence they require to actually work again.
During the process of this approach, the therapist is tasked to have an accurate observation of the anxiety symptoms exhibited by the individual and determine the severity of the condition. The acquired information is then used to provide the individual with real-time coping techniques that help to gradually confront their work fears in varying simulations of work environments ranging from the least scary scenarios to the anxiety-evoking ones.
There are different methods through which exposure therapy helps an individual overcome their fear and adapt to work environments. Some of them include:
There are different methods through which exposure therapy helps an individual overcome their fear and adapt to work environments. Some of them include:
Imaginal Exposure Therapy
Involves visualizing the work situations and discussing them with a therapist to process fear in a safe space.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
Makes use of technology to create customized virtual work environments that appear and feel very real, where individuals can gradually learn to overcome their work aversion. VR therapy stands in the middle between Imaginal Exposure and In-vivo therapy: It's safe as an imaginal exposure as you can work with a VR headset at the comfort of your home or the therapist's office. Also, it's as immersive as in-vivo therapy, as the VR happens in front of your eyes, and it's triggering the more human senses than just imaginal exposure.
In-Vivo Exposure
This is the most direct method, and it involves gradual exposure to real work experiences such as handling mail, visiting an office, or engaging in simple tasks.
Exposure therapy is a gradual process that gives even the most severe ergophobic victim a chance at developing the confidence to work again. You can start practicing from what you consider as the least frightening work experience and work your way up to achieve a state where the thought or practice of working poses is no longer threatening.
Can Virtual Reality (VR) Help Treat Ergophobia?
How VR Therapy Works For Anxiety And Phobias
Virtual Reality (VR) is a form of exposure therapy that trains people with phobias to overcome their fear through the use of immersive virtual environments. It involves the use of virtual reality (VR) headsets and software to simulate very realistic scenarios in a controlled and safe space.
These scenarios are often created under the guidance of psychologists or people who have previously experienced psychosis. The whole VR exposure therapy process is automated and can be run remotely in the comfort of the home, or in-person at therapist’s location, or even in an office setting. Also, inserted in every VR session is the option of a virtual character who helps to deliver psychological advice and walks the patient through the fear-triggering e-environment.
Virtual Reality (VR) therapy works a lot like traditional imaginary exposure therapy but just in a virtual environment and not the real world. The way it works is that patients with a phobia are introduced to their fear in a virtual environment, starting on a mild level and then the intensity is increased as the person progresses.
Unlike real-world exposures, VR therapy makes it possible for therapists to control the intensity and pace of exposure. This feature is especially useful in events where the patients become too anxious and the session needs to be stopped or modified. As the patients begin to repeatedly experience situations without any real danger, their brain begins to develop coping mechanisms and learn to reduce their fear response.
With VR therapy, it is possible for therapists to monitor and receive real-time feedback on their patient's physiological responses such as heart rate, eye movements, stress levels, body movements, and posture, during sessions. This data helps to inform therapists of their patients' progress and also to make better-informed decisions which would result in an even better control of their phobia.
VR Therapy Exposure For Overcoming The Fear Of Work
Virtual Reality helps to provide a regulated and engaging approach for individuals with ergophobia to face their fear of work in a safe environment. By generating realistic work situations, VR therapy helps patients gradually gain control of their negative emotions in work environments without the pressure of being physically present. It then helps them confront their anxieties one step at a time, starting from low-intensity situations before progressing to more challenging tasks.
For some individuals with ergophobia, their VR exposure therapy can start with scenarios of them receiving a letter of employment or sitting in a virtual office. Over time, the exposure gets more interactive scenarios, such as participating in a team or handling workplace conflicts. Such a VR concept is offering an opportunity of living these life-related exposure scenarios in VR without escaping them, like in real life in a safe and controlled environment.
fear of work | ErGophobia | Virtual reality
Our solution
PsyTech VR offers a comprehensive exposure content library that contains several immersive workplace simulations that ensure gradual exposure to work-related fear in a well-regulated environment. Examples of these scenarios include a virtual office space, work meetings, and tasks, which users can use to confront their fear of work while incorporating CBT techniques to help reframe the negative thoughts formulated about work.
Moreover, the VR library consists of various immersive relaxation practices such as Safe Place, Muscle Relaxation, Breathing Exercises, Mindfulness meditations, Virtual travelling, etc. These relaxation techniques can help a VR user to learn coping strategies on how to deel with the stress either during work time or before encountering work-related situations.
The Effectiveness Of VR In Treating Ergophobia
Virtual Reality therapy has proven to be very effective in the therapy of ergophobia. Unlike traditional exposure therapy, which may sometimes involve physical visiting of triggering locations, VR therapy makes it possible for patients to engage with simulated work environments at their own pace.
With VR therapy, you can repeat exposure to the same or different scenarios as many times as you need to until the anxiety/fear is eradicated. This repetition helps to reprogram the brain’s response to work-related stressors, making situations that were once scary now seem manageable. Virtual Reality therapy also provides a realistic environment that can be used for the development and effective practice of unique coping skills, which are used to manage or overcome fear when placed in actual work environments.
PsyTech VR’s technology allows for professional guidance through the inclusion of a real-time monitoring feature, which allows the therapist to walk their clients through work-related simulations while monitoring their VR exposure experience from a computer dashboard in real time, and as an optional feature it’s possible to monitor bio-metrics such as heart rate and galvanic skin response.
With VR therapy, you can repeat exposure to the same or different scenarios as many times as you need to until the anxiety/fear is eradicated. This repetition helps to reprogram the brain’s response to work-related stressors, making situations that were once scary now seem manageable. Virtual Reality therapy also provides a realistic environment that can be used for the development and effective practice of unique coping skills, which are used to manage or overcome fear when placed in actual work environments.
PsyTech VR’s technology allows for professional guidance through the inclusion of a real-time monitoring feature, which allows the therapist to walk their clients through work-related simulations while monitoring their VR exposure experience from a computer dashboard in real time, and as an optional feature it’s possible to monitor bio-metrics such as heart rate and galvanic skin response.
How Long Does It Take To Overcome Ergophobia With VR Therapy?
The therapy period of ergophobia with Virtual Reality (VR) therapy varies in different individuals based on several factors. These include the severity of the ergophobia, the frequency of the VR sessions, the customization of the VR scenarios, and the inclusion of other fear-coping techniques. Multiple research conducted on VR exposure therapy for anxiety disorders indicates that significant improvements can be observed within the first 6 to 12 weeks of consistent therapy. However, in cases of severe work-related fear or traumatic experiences, the therapeutic process can take longer.
There are certain signs that need to be observed before a person diagnosed with ergophobia can be cleared to return to work and they include:
- Reduced anxiety when thinking about or discussing work
- Ability to complete VR work scenarios with little or no stress
- Increased confidence in handling workplace interactions
- A shift in the subject’s perception about work
VR and ERGOPHOBIA
Case studies
Over time, the viability of virtual therapy has been explored in several case studies as a treatment for work-related anxieties or similar phobias. Let’s go over a few of them:
Case study 1
2022 Sep 1;23(5):223-229. doi: 10.5152/alphapsychiatry.2022.21781. eCollection 2022 Sep.
A feasibility study was conducted to gain an understanding of the practicality of short virtual reality exposure therapy and its impact on workplace-related anxiety and stress. The study examined the effects of short VR exposure therapy on negative and positive emotions among healthy working adults by comparing it to the standard stress management program and wait-list groups.
In this study, 67 participants were enrolled and split into 3 groups; standard stress management group, wait-list group, and VR exposure therapy.
In this study, 67 participants were enrolled and split into 3 groups; standard stress management group, wait-list group, and VR exposure therapy.
The virtual reality exposure therapy group received a total 30-minute VR exposure spread across 2 weeks while the stress management group received a stress management program once all through the study.
The result at the end of the study revealed a reduction in depression, anxiety, and stress scores among the participants of the virtual reality group. The participants in the stress management group were also observed to have a reduction in their anxiety score only, while there were no significant changes observed amongst the participants in the wait-list group.
After the observations, it was later concluded that short-term VR therapy is a feasible intervention for the negative and positive emotions of working individuals.
The result at the end of the study revealed a reduction in depression, anxiety, and stress scores among the participants of the virtual reality group. The participants in the stress management group were also observed to have a reduction in their anxiety score only, while there were no significant changes observed amongst the participants in the wait-list group.
After the observations, it was later concluded that short-term VR therapy is a feasible intervention for the negative and positive emotions of working individuals.
Case study 2
J Cogn Behav Psychother Res 2022; 11(2): 168-180 DOI: 10.5455/JCBPR.131947
In 2022, a case study was conducted to evaluate the effect of CBT-based virtual reality exposure intervention on public speaking anxiety. The study was centered on a 19-year-old female who was a 3rd-year university student and was having anxiety about giving academic presentations in front of the public.
The subject was given a 5-session intervention program which consisted of 4 sessions of virtual reality exposure and a single face-to-face session. The subject’s anxiety levels were measured using both the Liebowitz social anxiety scale and the public speaking anxiety scale before, after, and exactly 1 month after the study. Data was also collected regarding the subject’s level of discomfort throughout the session.
The research findings clearly depicted that the virtual reality developed with the 360-degree video method is a short and effective intervention that created realistic anxiety in the client and in the end reduced the level of public speaking anxiety and social appearance anxiety.
The research findings clearly depicted that the virtual reality developed with the 360-degree video method is a short and effective intervention that created realistic anxiety in the client and in the end reduced the level of public speaking anxiety and social appearance anxiety.
VR Therapy Considerations
While VR exposure therapy is an amazing therapy option for ergophobia, it is crucial that users have an understanding of the potential downsides they might come across as a result of its usage and how to mitigate them.
One of the most common side effects of using VR is motion dizziness. This is very similar to the feeling of nausea or headache you might have experienced when watching a 3D movie at a cinema. If you experience this effect at any point during the exposure, it's important that you stop the simulation, take a break, and consider using shorter VR sessions in the future.
To guarantee safety, PsyTech VR has reduced the use of flashing lights in its virtual scenarios. If you experience any discomfort or adverse symptoms while using VR, you should immediately reach out to your therapist.
A lack of smooth transition from virtual scenarios to actual reality also poses a risk of emotional distress. This is why it is often advised that VR therapy should be considered as a complementary therapy option to be used alongside the traditional face-to-face interactions, and real-life coping techniques.
One of the most common side effects of using VR is motion dizziness. This is very similar to the feeling of nausea or headache you might have experienced when watching a 3D movie at a cinema. If you experience this effect at any point during the exposure, it's important that you stop the simulation, take a break, and consider using shorter VR sessions in the future.
To guarantee safety, PsyTech VR has reduced the use of flashing lights in its virtual scenarios. If you experience any discomfort or adverse symptoms while using VR, you should immediately reach out to your therapist.
A lack of smooth transition from virtual scenarios to actual reality also poses a risk of emotional distress. This is why it is often advised that VR therapy should be considered as a complementary therapy option to be used alongside the traditional face-to-face interactions, and real-life coping techniques.
PsyTechVR: made by professionals,
for professionals
These psychotherapists and psychologists define the development of our product and methodology since 2020
- Dr. Albert "Skip" Rizzo
Leading expert in VR Therapy with 30+ years' experience.
VR scientist (ResearchGate)
Clinical psychologist. With 30+ years in VR research, Dr. Rizzo has developed groundbreaking VR tools for treating PTSD, TBI, autism - Dr. Udi OrenClinical psychologist and senior medical psychologist, PhDPast President at EMDR-EUROPE, Chief instructor of the EMDR method in Israel (Senior Trainer), President of Israel EMDR Association
- Dr. Gwilym RoddickPsychotherapist (DSW, LCSW), Founder of CBT of Central and South FloridaCBT/ERP/ACT expert, OCD Central and South Florida Board Member, ABCT committee member, Florida and New York based
- Dr. Lynn PanattoniClinical psychologist specializing in integrative and functional medicine, PhDLicensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, anxiety, and integrative mental health. Expert in CBT, mindfulness & lifestyle medicine
- Dr. Elizabeth McMahon
Clinical Psychologist since 1980, author of Virtual Reality Therapy for Anxiety" book
In memory of Dr. Elizabeth McMahon (1950-2024), whose vision and contributions continue to guide our mission - Dr. Gianni SerraClinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist, Certified Neuroscience specialistEvangelist of VR exposure therapy in Italy and member of the Italian Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy
- Dr. Richard LambProfessor of Educational Psychology, Neurocognition Science Lab, University of GeorgiaPhD in science education and educational measurement. Dr. Lamb leverages neuroscience and VR to enhance STEM education
PsyTechVR:
by professionals,
for professionals
by professionals,
for professionals
These psychotherapists & psychologists define the roadmap and r&d of our company since 2020
Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist (CBT), Certified Neuroscience specialist
Dr. Gianni Serra
Evangelist of VR exposure therapy in Italy and member of the Italian Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy
Dr. Albert "Skip" Rizzo
Clinical psychologist. With 30+ years in VR research, Dr. Rizzo has developed groundbreaking VR tools for treating PTSD, TBI, autism
Dr. Elizabeth McMahon
In memory of Dr. Elizabeth McMahon (1950-2024), whose vision and contributions continue to guide our mission
Clinical psychologist specializing in integrative and functional medicine, PhD
Dr. Lynn Panattoni
Licensed clinical psychologist specializing in PTSD, anxiety, and integrative mental health. Expert in CBT, mindfulness & lifestyle medicine
Psychotherapist (DSW, LCSW), Founder of CBT of Central and South Florida
Dr. Gwilym Roddick
CBT/ERP/ACT expert, OCD Central and South Florida Board Member, ABCT committee member, Florida and New York based
Clinical psychologist and senior medical psychologist, PhD
Dr. Udi Oren
Past President at EMDR-EUROPE, Chief instructor of the EMDR method in Israel, Chairman of Israel EMDR Association
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Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Ergophobia and VR
- Yes, ergophobia can be overcome through several treatment options, some of which include therapy, support groups, lifestyle adjustments, and medications. The major principle of this treatment is to help calm and retrain the mind to reduce fear and build up the confidence needed to work and function in work environments.
- Your course of action after the diagnosis of ergophobia is majorly dependent on the severity of the condition. If it is mild, you can start by identifying the exact fears and their triggers. Afterward, you then gradually expose yourself to them in small, manageable steps. You can also seek guidance from trained professionals (therapists), especially in extremely severe cases. Additionally, there is the option of support groups and relaxation techniques to help manage the symptoms.
- It becomes necessary to seek help from a therapist when your ergophobia becomes extreme and affects your ability to work. The indicated symptoms include intense work anxiety, avoidance behavior, and occurrence of physical symptoms. You are also expected to reach out to a therapist when your personal self-help strategies turn out to be ineffective.
- Yes, ergophobia can result in other mental health issues such as depression, generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), and social anxiety, especially when the affected individuals have been isolated and unemployed for a long time.
Thanks for reading!
Inna Maltzeva
Chief Scientific Officer at PsyTechVR
Inna has a degree in psychology and linguistics, with her education being completed at the Moscow Psychological and Social Institute and the Moscow State Linguistic University. Her expertise was further advanced using specialized training in CBT, EMDR, and psychoanalysis, with credentials from various esteemed institutions: the European EMDR Association and the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Association of Saint Petersburg. The extensive professional experience has shaped her work in a significant manner, including both working as a clinical psychologist at MEDSI Clinical and Diagnostic Center in 2010s and also maintaining a thriving private practice afterward (with in-person and online therapy sessions).
Inna is the Chief Science Officer at PsyTechVR, standing at the forefront of integration between psychotherapeutic sessions and virtual reality environments. She has been invaluable in developing various VR-based technologies to improve the efficiency of emotional and cognitive training, considering the limitations of traditional exposure therapy. Her own research focuses on the utilization of immersive environments that can treat phobias, anxiety disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She also works in tandem with a team of experts in their own fields, designing VR scenarios that can facilitate adaptive coping strategies in order to help each client manage their fears in a supportive and fully controlled environment.
Her own work in PsyTechVR extends far beyond traditional research since she also contributes to the creation of evidence-based therapeutic programs that are tailored to assist with different psychological conditions. She managed to play a substantial role in shaping VR applications in relaxation practices and anxiety disorder therapy, combining cutting-edge technology with various psychological principles.
Inna is the Chief Science Officer at PsyTechVR, standing at the forefront of integration between psychotherapeutic sessions and virtual reality environments. She has been invaluable in developing various VR-based technologies to improve the efficiency of emotional and cognitive training, considering the limitations of traditional exposure therapy. Her own research focuses on the utilization of immersive environments that can treat phobias, anxiety disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She also works in tandem with a team of experts in their own fields, designing VR scenarios that can facilitate adaptive coping strategies in order to help each client manage their fears in a supportive and fully controlled environment.
Her own work in PsyTechVR extends far beyond traditional research since she also contributes to the creation of evidence-based therapeutic programs that are tailored to assist with different psychological conditions. She managed to play a substantial role in shaping VR applications in relaxation practices and anxiety disorder therapy, combining cutting-edge technology with various psychological principles.
Inna Maltseva is a psychologist and psychotherapist with over 18 years of experience in the fields of EMDR and CBT (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, respectively)
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PSYTECHVR INC.
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