The TIPI method

Anxiety, sadness, anger are all negative emotions that can be difficult to manage and can impact our personal and professional lives. However, there are simple and quick methods that allow us to accept and deal with our emotions, so that they no longer impact our daily lives. Among them, the TIPI method.

The AI revolution !

We use Artificial Intelligence both through a coach named Camille and through virtual characters within the scenes. Camille provides support and acts as a trusted companion to whom you can share your concerns without fear of judgment. On the other hand, the virtual characters faithfully replicate real-life social behaviors. You will be able to interact with them in various everyday contexts, such as a party, a date, a job interview, or a spontaneous conversation on the street. Learn more

Receive the C2Care method for free, combining Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality !

1. WHAT IS THE TIPI METHOD ?

The TIPI method is a recent method, developed by Luc Nicon in the 2000s. TIPI is an acronym for Technique for the Identification of Unconscious Fears. It is a method that aims to identify and eliminate fears and anxieties that will impact on daily life. It is a method also called “emotional reliving”. 

This method is based on the principle that an unpleasant emotion such as anxiety has a precise origin, with clearly identifiable episodes. The aim is to welcome the emotions and physical sensations linked to this event in order to be able to detach from it and find a more pleasant feeling of well-being.

2. IN WHAT CONTEXT SHOULD IT BE USED ?

The TIPI method will allow a work on negative emotions so it can be used by any type of patient presenting negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, chronic stress, post traumatic stress…

According to M Nicon, the unpleasant sensations that one can feel (ex: anxiety) are linked to negative physical sensations felt at a specific moment. Thus, according to him, in order to get rid of negative emotions, it is necessary to work on their origins. 

This is why, during the sessions using the TIPI method, we will relive the physical sensations we felt at the moment when the fear or negative emotion emerged.

3. HOW DOES IT WORK ?

There are different steps to achieve the desired result, i.e. the extinction of negative emotions in certain situations. 

The first step is to define the negative emotion present (fear, sadness, anger…) and observe the results that this emotion provokes. 

The second step is to find a specific situation that represents these difficulties for the person. Then the therapist leads the patient to return to this precise memory and to immerse himself in the physical sensations felt during this event. In this way, the person will feel the same physical sensations again, such as a sore throat, clammy hands, stomach ache, accelerated heartbeat, etc. To be able to feel these sensations again, it is important to let go, i.e. not to resist these sensations. It is important for the patient to listen to his body and to let himself be completely immersed in this memory. 

This second step can also be in the present moment and not in the “reliving”. For example, if the person has to give an oral presentation in front of an audience and starts to feel negative emotions such as anxiety, the objective will be not to fight against this emotion but to let it come. 

During the third stage, we will enter a sort of modified state of consciousness, like in hypnosis, in order to let the sensations evolve as they wish. This is what we call the resting phase. This is what allows us to let the sensations and emotions evolve without trying to control them, until we feel a sense of calm.

The fourth and final step is to return to the unpleasant situation and observe the new feelings in that situation. If there are no more negative emotions when we go back to the memory, the objective of the method is achieved. If this is not the case, the previous steps are repeated until the negative symptoms disappear. 

Thus the objective of this method is not to stop having negative emotions but to feel them in a more serene way. The TIPI method is a method that leads the patient to be autonomous in the implementation of the tool. Indeed, once seen with the therapist, the patient can regularly implement it in the different situations that lead him to have a negative emotion. 

The time needed to use this method is only a few minutes.

4. TIPI METHOD AND VIRTUAL REALITY

The TIPI method is a simple and quick method to implement, especially at the time of the appearance of negative, unpleasant emotions. 

Thus during the virtual reality exposure, when the person feels anxiety or another negative emotion, the therapist can use this method. The use of this method during exposure would reduce the number of exposure sessions.

5. THE ADVANTAGES OF THE TIPI METHOD

The advantage of the TIPI method is that it can be used by all types of people. Indeed, no specific knowledge or training is necessary. Moreover, as seen previously, it works on a large number of negative emotions and in a short time, i.e. in 2 to 3 minutes, in order to have an effect of this method.

Do you need further information or have any specific questions ?

FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
Our technical support team is available Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Paris time), at technical@c2.care
You can cancel at any time by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.