Virtual Reality (VR) as a Tool for Attachment Repair: Exploring Co-Regulation and Perspective-Taking Modules for Adoptive Parents and Children

Authored by Dr. Franklin Edward Shoemaker, PhD & Tonya A. Sharrett-Shoemaker, MA - Elevate MINDS ABOVE Politics (Above the Partisan Lines & Noise) a project of Mr. Ed’s Circle of Trust, Inc. dba The Center for Faith-Based Family Services, Family Matters in partnership with Shoemaker Consulting & Treatment Group PLLC, 4404 S. Florida Ave. Suite 14 Lakeland, Florida 33813-2124 (863) 583-4766 Research@MrEdsCircleofTrust.com Copyright 2025 Dr. Franklin Edward Shoemaker, PhD & Tonya A. Sharrett-Shoemaker, MA All Rights Reserved without written Permission of the Authors.

Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) emerges as a promising tool for attachment repair in adoptive families, enabling immersive co-regulation and perspective-taking experiences. This comprehensive review examines VR applications in empathy training, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), and trauma processing, with potential for adoptive contexts. Studies show VR enhances empathy via perspective-taking, improves parenting skills in PCIT-VR protocols, and supports trauma exposure/regulation in children. Direct applications for adoptive attachment repair remain exploratory, with no RCTs identified as of December 29, 2025. Proposed modules could simulate co-regulation scenarios or child’s viewpoint, fostering secure bonds. Findings highlight VR’s capacity for relational healing.

Keywords: virtual reality, attachment repair, adoptive families, co-regulation, perspective-taking, empathy training, trauma therapy, parent-child interaction

Adopted children frequently experience early attachment disruptions from trauma, requiring interventions to rebuild secure bonds with caregivers. Traditional therapies (e.g., dyadic developmental psychotherapy) emphasize co-regulation and perspective-taking, but engagement challenges persist.