0559 - 2025 Easton McCarney Lecture Series | Innovations in Practice: Social Work Today

The use of virtual reality (VR) in therapeutic contexts has demonstrated considerable potential, particularly for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, its implementation is often hindered by significant barriers, including high costs, prolonged development timelines and limited adaptability. For PTSD in particular, where treatment success often depends on tailoring environments to the specific experiences of individuals, these limitations pose critical challenges for integration into routine mental health care. 

This talk will introduce a newly developed and novel workflow designed to address these barriers called VR PhotoScan. This approach enables therapists to create bespoke, photorealistic virtual environments in less than 48 hours, significantly reducing the time and expense associated with traditional VR development. Over the course of this talk, I will explore the practical and clinical challenges encountered during the implementation of VR Photoscan in routine mental health settings in Northern Ireland. Drawing on case examples, I will highlight how VR technology can be integrated within trauma focused CBT treatment protocols and the added value this can potentially bring.

Looking to the future, the second part of the talk will explore the intersection of VR and artificial intelligence (AI) which promises further advancements in therapeutic and training applications. AI has the potential not only to automate the creation of virtual environments and objects but enable real time, authentic conversations with virtual avatars. I will introduce our ongoing international study (VITAL), which examines the use of conversational AI in the training of health and social care professionals. By simulating complex, real-world scenarios, AI-powered avatars offer dynamic, interactive training experiences. These simulations challenge practitioners to develop critical skills such as empathy, de-escalation and effective communication in a safe, controlled environment.
In summary, this talk aims to provide both a practitioner and educator perspective on the current and emerging uses of immersive technologies in mental health treatment and professional training reflecting on the insights gained from our work with VR Photoscan and conversational AI.

Speaker: Dr. Paul Best, PhD, is the Research Director for the Centre for Technological Innovation, Mental Health, and Education (TIME Centre) within the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast. The TIME Centre is a transdisciplinary partnership of academics, practitioners and technology companies focused on advancing therapeutic and educational practices in mental health and social care through digital innovation. As Principal Investigator on multiple digital mental health projects in Northern Ireland, Paul has published over 50 research articles in the fields of digital mental health and the use of technology for education and training. His expertise in this area led to his appointment by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland as co-lead for the development of the country’s Digital Mental Health Action Plan, a key initiative within the Northern Ireland Mental Health Strategy (2021–2031). Holding degrees in Media, Social Work and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Paul’s doctoral thesis examined the influence of social media use on young people’s mental health. In addition to his academic work, he continues to practice as a CBT therapist, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This service is provided free of charge to local mental health charities in Northern Ireland, reflecting his commitment to both research and community impact.

What if the future of mental health lies in rediscovering the wisdom of the past?

In this compelling talk, we’ll explore psychedelic medicine as both a cutting-edge frontier in mental health care and an ancient form of healing that has re-emerged after decades of suppression. Once silenced in the 1970s, psychedelic therapies are now at the centre of a global renaissance, with promising research highlighting their potential to treat conditions like PTSD, depression and end-of-life anxiety.

The first half of this lecture delves into the science and practice of this resurgence: Who can benefit from psychedelic medicine and why? What risks must we consider? How are practitioners trained to navigate this delicate and profound terrain? This overview provides a balanced perspective on the state of psychedelic therapy in Canada and beyond, offering insight into its potential and limitations.

In the second half, we’ll focus on an innovative social cure model of practice with these medicines. This approach weaves together psychedelic medicine with relational experiences. We'll become oriented to a holistic framework for healing in which to consume these substances therapeutically, and which facilitated integration of experiences. By emphasizing connection—both within oneself and with others—the social cure model ensures that the transformative power of these medicines is grounded in community, relationships and the broader fabric of healing.

Whether you’re a mental health professional, policymaker or simply curious about the future of human wellbeing, this talk will encourage you to explore how psychedelic medicines are quickly becoming an innovative path forward for mental health and wellbeing.

Location: This Easton McCarney lecture is being held remotely through Zoom. 

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025

Time: 12 to 2 p.m. ET

Speakers: Raechel Pefanis, MDiv, MSW, RSW, PCC and Peg Peters, MA

Raechel is a registered social worker (turtle clan) in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and mental health innovation. As one of five shareholders of Alethia Psychedelic Therapy, a pioneering organization specializing in psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine-assisted therapy, Raechel works at the intersection of psychotherapy and traditional healing practices to help individuals and communities transform. 

Peg holds a Masters in Comparative Religions (Myth and Ritual) and is a documentarian, storyteller and founder of Gathering Groups in Abbotsford, BC. Peg brings decades of experience in designing and facilitating relational healing spaces. With a focus on fostering connection and community, Peg has helped countless individuals find pathways to growth and wellbeing  by emphasizing the social dimensions of healing and the power of shared experiences to enrich therapeutic outcomes.

Together, Raechel and Peg present a groundbreaking perspective on psychedelic medicine. Their collaborative approach weaves preparation, medicine-day experiences and integration into a cohesive framework that ensures the transformative potential of psychedelic therapies is both deeply personal and profoundly communal.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd