Unlocking Potential and Entering the Metaverse

Supporting Community Healing After the California Wildfires: An Online Event

In the wake of the California wildfires, we turn to our community for support and healing, focusing on both physical and mental health. This website is for educational purposes and is currently in progress.

The wildfires have caused devastating physical and emotional trauma, leaving communities displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods disrupted. While addressing the immediate impact of the fires is a priority, we must also recognize that many individuals affected by these disasters were already carrying the weight of global trauma from events like the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, and social unrest. For those already experiencing trauma, the emotional toll of the fires can exacerbate mental health issues such as PTSD and depression, making recovery even more challenging. To promote healing, we must provide both immediate support for those directly affected and a broader focus on long-term recovery that addresses the compounded impact of previous global crises.

For Wildfire Resources through the Red Cross and Mental Health Pro Bono Work, [click here].

During this online event, we will explore how innovative technologies like Virtual Reality can assist in trauma recovery by creating immersive, therapeutic experiences. We will also highlight the importance of breaking down barriers to mental health care, as emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO), which estimates that over 450 million people suffer from a known mental health condition, and nearly two-thirds will never access therapy. With mental health conditions predicted to become the leading global burden by 2030, the need for clinical strategies that reduce barriers to care is urgent.

One promising solution is the integration of new media technologies, such as internet-based therapy, mobile applications, and Virtual/Augmented Reality. These tools can offer accessible, evidence-based treatments that help individuals recover from traumatic stress (Cukor et al., 2015; Rizzo et al., 2021). Additionally, we will explore how traditional media, particularly cinema, can play a crucial role in the healing process.

Dr. Albert “Skip” Rizzo – Director of Medical Virtual Reality at USC – will share insights on how immersive technologies are revolutionizing trauma care and expanding access to treatment.

Watch the full movie here for a preview of Post-Traumatic Growth Volume 2, a collaborative effort aimed at demonstrating the power of peace and healing through media.

Our online event will feature speakers, interactive discussions, and activities centered on mental wellness, conflict resolution, and how technology can help us stay connected and support one another during challenging times. While the event will be held virtually, our goal is to create a platform where local businesses, community leaders, and organizations can come together to address the psychological and physical challenges our communities face due to the fires.

The funds raised during this event will support Long Beach Parks and Recreation for future programming and further research on trauma and healing, particularly in response to the recent wildfires.

We invite you to join us virtually to help unlock the potential for healing and support within our community. Together, we can overcome the challenges caused by the wildfires and promote long-term recovery.

USC_IGM_Art_Gallery in Virtual Reality – Click here to enter

Unlocking Potential and Entering the Metaverse: Community Wellness and Wildfire Recovery Event

Location: Virtual (In-Person and Virtual Options Available)
Date: [Insert Date]

6:00 PM – Event Kickoff: Welcoming Remarks and Overview

Speaker: Dr. Josh Cohen, Media Psychologist and Founder of Film/Video-Based Therapy
Dr. Cohen will open the evening with a brief overview of the event’s mission: to support the Long Beach community’s mental health and wellness following the recent wildfires. He will discuss how technology, particularly film and video-based therapy, plays a vital role in healing trauma and supporting recovery efforts.

6:15 PM – Speaker Presentations

Dr. Josh Cohen – The Role of Digital Media in Healing Trauma

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Josh Cohen is clinically trained as a researcher from Pacifica Graduate Institute and Walden University. With a background in film/video editing, including “A-list” Hollywood projects, he is a Media Psychologist and has worked with diverse populations in various clinical settings. Dr. Cohen will discuss the transformative power of digital tools like Virtual Reality in supporting trauma recovery and enhancing mental wellness.

Sean A. Mulvihill – Improv for Conflict Resolution

Speaker Bio:
Sean A. Mulvihill, a seasoned actor and Artistic Director of the Exuberant Theatre Company, has performed professionally in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He is the director of Act Social, a film that uses improv techniques for personal growth and conflict resolution. Sean will explain how improv can help manage stress, improve communication, and resolve conflicts in everyday life, especially in the wake of trauma.

Nicole Lazzaro – The Health Benefits of Gaming and Virtual Reality

Speaker Bio:
Nicole Lazzaro, the founder of XEODesign, is a pioneer in Player Experience Design with over 20 years of expertise in the gaming industry. She has worked on numerous influential video games and is recognized as one of the top women in tech. Nicole will speak about how virtual reality and gaming foster healthy competition, promote emotional well-being, and serve as a therapeutic tool for trauma recovery.

Leora Gaster – Mind-Body Connection for Trauma Recovery

Speaker Bio:
Leora Gaster, the Founder and Creative Director of Mind-Body Studies, brings over 40 years of expertise in combining martial arts, Feldenkrais, and mind-body integration. She will introduce simple exercises to help participants reconnect with their bodies, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being. Leora’s approach combines her background in human biology and mind-body techniques, offering immediate tools for everyday use.

David Israelian – Building Sustainable Jobs and Recovery Support

Speaker Bio:
David Israelian, the CEO of Peer Mental Health and co-founder of Painted Brain, is passionate about providing social justice through innovative technology and education. He will discuss how community-driven efforts, such as his work with CodiePie and Painted Brain, support mental health recovery through coding workshops and job creation, addressing both individual recovery and long-term social integration.

Dr. Elyn Saks – Psychiatric Advanced Directives (PADS) for Trauma Survivors

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Elyn Saks is a distinguished professor at USC Gould School of Law, specializing in mental health law, policy, and ethics. She will discuss her involvement with Dr. Cohen’s proposal for implementing Psychiatric Advanced Directives (PADS), a tool that empowers individuals with mental health conditions to plan their care in advance. This concept is critical in supporting individuals with trauma histories in navigating their treatment options effectively.

Dr. Albert “Skip” Rizzo – Virtual Reality in Mental Health Treatment

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Albert “Skip” Rizzo is the Director of Medical Virtual Reality at USC’s Institute for Creative Technologies. His research focuses on the development of VR systems for treating PTSD, TBI, and other trauma-related conditions. Dr. Rizzo will explore how immersive technologies, like VR, are revolutionizing mental health care, offering new avenues for recovery and emotional processing.

7:30 PM – Movie Screening: Post-Traumatic Growth (20 or 40 minutes)

Presented by: Dr. Josh Cohen and Jackie [Last Name]
After the speaker presentations, we will screen Post-Traumatic Growth, a collaborative short film that explores healing and recovery through a combination of storytelling and therapy. Depending on audience interest, we will present either a 20-minute or 40-minute version of the film, followed by a brief discussion on its themes and the role of film/video in promoting healing after trauma.

8:10 PM – Panel Discussion: Healing Through Technology and Community Support

Following the movie, a panel featuring Dr. Cohen, Dr. Rizzo, Sean A. Mulvihill, and other speakers will discuss how technology, media, and community involvement can help individuals and communities heal from trauma. The panel will address audience questions, explore future innovations in mental health treatment, and discuss how these strategies can be integrated into everyday life.

8:45 PM – Networking and Virtual Reality Experience

For those attending in person, we will offer an interactive Virtual Reality experience, allowing participants to explore how VR can be used in trauma recovery. The USC Virtual Reality team will be on hand to guide participants through the experience. For virtual attendees, there will be a live streaming link to experience VR demonstrations remotely.

9:00 PM – Closing Remarks and Fundraising Appeal

Dr. Cohen will close the evening by thanking all attendees and speakers for their participation. He will also provide information on how to contribute to the fundraising efforts for Long Beach Parks and Recreation, as well as ongoing research on trauma recovery. Proceeds will support future community programming and help continue research into innovative treatments for trauma.

How You Can Get Involved

• Attend the event in person or virtually
• Donate to support trauma recovery and wellness programs
• Share the event with friends, family, and colleagues

For More Information

Visit our website or contact Dr. Cohen at drjoshcohen@filmandvideobasedtherapy.com for additional details on the event, speakers, and ways to get involved.

A Few Potential Partners and Supporters

The Award-Winning ACT SOCIAL Film starring Colin Mochrie is available for streaming and download at Act Social Film.

Hand in Hand – Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel is a network of bilingual schools serving Jewish and Arab children. Hand in Hand’s mission is to create a strong, inclusive shared society in Israel through education. Learn more.