Virtual Reality Stress Management Training - Booking Form

Performance Edge is a Virtual Reality training platform designed to teach practical skills to cope with stress and manage challenging thoughts and emotions.


The program teaches evidence-based skills that can be applied in your life, relationships, and in academic settings such as presentations, exams, or placements.


Who is it run by?
This service is provided by the Counselling Service at The University of Newcastle. Sessions are facilitated by a Counsellor or Wellbeing Advisor.


The program includes six modules:

  1. Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours

  2. Controlled breathing

  3. Progressive muscle relaxation

  4. Grounding using your senses

  5. Responding effectively to thoughts

  6. Responding effectively to emotions


When does it run?

The following dates have been set for Semester 2 2025:


Callaghan Campus

This four-session program allows students to complete all modules. All sessions will be held at US111, Shortland Building, Callaghan.


Time

Modules Covered

Session 1

(90min)

2 - 3.30 pm Wed 30th July

(Week 2)

Module 1 (Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours)

Module 2 (Controlled Breathing)

Session 2

(90min)

2 - 3.30 pm Wed 6th Aug

(Week 3)

Module 3 (Progressive muscle relaxation)

Module 4 (Grounding using senses)

Session 3

(60min)

2 – 3 pm Wed 13th Aug

(Week 4)

Module 5 (Responding effectively to thoughts)

Session 4

(60min)

2- 3 pm  Wed 20th Aug

(Week 5)

Module 6 (Responding effectively to emotions)



NUspace/City Campus

This   four-session program is open for students and staff to complete all modules. All sessions will be held at  X208, NUspace.


Time

Modules Covered

Session 1 (90min)

10 – 11.30am Mon 25th August (Recess)

Module 1 (Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours)

Module 2 (Controlled Breathing)

Session 2 (90min)

10 – 11.30am Wed 27th August (Recess)

Module 3 (Progressive Muscle Relaxation)

Module 4 (Grounding Using Senses)

Session 3 (60min)

10 – 11am Thurs 28th August (Recess)

Module 5 (Responding Effectively to Thoughts)

Session 4 (60min)

10 – 11am Fri 29th August (Recess)

Module 6 (Responding Effectively to Emotions)


Who is this suitable for?

  • Any university student or staff member who wants to learn more about managing stress

  • The activity requires a basic level of English reading skills

  • It would not be suitable for someone who experiences motion sickness or cyber sickness to a significant degree, or who has a strong fear of a confined environment that may be caused by wearing the virtual reality headset.


What are the benefits?

  • The training has been shown to increase cognitive and physiological relaxation, reduce recovery time after stressful events, and improve focus and attention ( reference).

  • Receive a certificate of completion when you complete all modules.


Not sure? Email us at primaryprevention@newcastle.edu.au if you have any questions

Participant Details

Session Details

Ourimbah Campus

In this two-hour session, staff or students can complete Module 1 (Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours) and Module 2 (Controlled Breathing)

Time : 1-3pm Wed 16th July 2025

Location : EXS101

NUspace/City Campus

This  four-session program is open for  students and staff to complete all modules. All sessions will be held at  X208, NUspace.


Time

Modules Covered

Session 1 (90min)

10 – 11.30am Mon 25th August  (Recess)

Module 1  (Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours)

Module 2  (Controlled Breathing)

Session 2 (90min)

10 – 11.30am Wed 27th August  (Recess)

Module 3  (Progressive Muscle Relaxation)

Module 4  (Grounding Using Senses)

Session 3 (60min)

10 – 11am Thurs 28th August  (Recess)

Module 5  (Responding Effectively to Thoughts)

Session 4 (60min)

10 – 11am Fri 29th August  (Recess)

Module 6  (Responding Effectively to Emotions)

Callaghan Campus

This four-session program allows students to complete all modules. All sessions will be held at US111, Shortland Building, Callaghan. Please ensure you can attend most sessions.


Time

Modules Covered

Session 1

(90min)

2 - 3.30 pm Wed 30th July

(Week 2)

Module 1 (Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviours)

Module 2 (Controlled Breathing)

Session 2

(90min)

2 - 3.30 pm Wed 6th Aug

(Week 3)

Module 3 (Progressive muscle relaxation)

Module 4 (Grounding using senses)

Session 3

(60min)

2 – 3 pm Wed 13th Aug

(Week 4)

Module 5 (Responding effectively to thoughts)

Session 4

(60min)

2- 3 pm Wed 20th Aug

(Week 5)

Module 6 (Responding effectively to emotions)

Risks and consent to participate

Please be aware of the following risks:

  • There is a low risk of developing mild cybersickness symptoms. Symptoms mimic motion sickness: headache, eyestrain, or mild nausea. The effects occur in about 5% of the population. You may be more susceptible if you are prone to severe motion sickness. Cybersickness symptoms are not long lasting and pass shortly after the headset is removed.

  • Some modules contain scenarios that evoke strong emotions and show swearing and verbal aggression, which could be triggering. This exercise can be skipped - please speak to the facilitator for advice if concerned.