October 15, 2004

Real Fear, Virtually Overcome

By PETER MONAGHAN

A U. of Washington psychologist finds that computer simulations can relieve common phobias and pain
Seattle

Joanne Sakelaris was so afraid of spiders that she sealed her house with masking tape each night.

She worked the graveyard shift for 23 years in the field of computing and robotics, which she sought out because "it offered the most sterile atmosphere." Before heading to the office she would set off bug bombs in the cab of her pickup

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