Welcome to the homepage of the AVATAR therapy study

On this page you have the opportunity to learn more about our research project and about AVATAR therapy.

What is AVATAR therapy?

In our study, we want to offer AVATAR therapy for the first time in Germany. AVATAR therapy is a therapy for hearing voices in the context of psychosis. The therapy has already been successfully applied in several studies. The treatment comprises several components. The core, however, is that people who suffer from voice hearing create an embodiment of their voice and then, with the support of a therapist, confront it in a dialog. So far, AVATAR has successfully helped other people to gain more control over their voices and reduce suffering

Who are we looking for?

You must fulfill certain requirements to participate. The most important points at a glance:

• You have had at least one psychotic episode in the past
• You currently suffer from hearing voices and have done so for at least 6 months
• The onset of the disorder was no more than five years ago 
• You are not currently undergoing individual psychotherapeutic treatment.
  Please note: This does not refer to your medical treatment. A
  psychological-psychotherapeutic therapy usually consists of regular
  regular sessions lasting 50 minutes.
• You are at least 16 years old
• You have the opportunity to come to Bochum for regular sessions at our research and treatment center in the immediate vicinity of Bochum's main train station

What would you have to do if you wanted to take part?
Initially, all candidates are allocated to one of two groups, one of which receives the therapy immediately, the other after a waiting period of 6 months.

• 3 examination appointments of 2-3 hours each (1 appointment before, 2 after the therapy)
• 10-13 therapy sessions of 1h each in our treatment center in the Bochumer Fenster (near Bochum main station)

Who we are

The department of Digital Psychotherapy is one of the newest and most modern research departments here at the FBZ. Our aim is to use the unique possibilities of modern technology to improve the availability and effectiveness of psychotherapy for all. Our department is headed by Prof. Mar Rus-Calafell, an expert in the field of psychosis research and recent recipient of the prestigious Sofja Kovalevskaja Award (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation). The study and therapy coordinator is Nils Ehrbar.