Mindset-XR Innovation Support Programme company spotlight: Life Process Program

Our Mindset-XR Innovation Support Programme spotlight for February is on the Life Process Program Ltd. (LPP). LPP is an interactive, self-empowering online recovery program designed to help people overcome their addictions to various substances.  The Health Innovation Network South London is supporting LPP as part of our delivery of the Mindset-XR Innovation Support Programme for Innovate UK.

In this blog, we hear from Daithi Conlon, Founder & Director of Life Process Program Ltd., who shares insights about the company and its innovation. 

Addiction remains one of the UK’s most pervasive health concerns, affecting millions of people each year and disproportionately impacting lower-income communities. 

The Life Process Program (LPP) is a pioneering addiction recovery solution founded in partnership with world-renowned addiction expert Dr. Stanton Peele. It has been available in a ‘direct-to-consumer’ online format for over a decade. In 2024, we pivoted to make our platform available to organisations that are working with the populations that are most in need of support.

During our initial attempts to offer our traditional, text-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-type modules to marginalised and homeless populations, we observed that literacy barriers and attention span limitations often hampered progress.

This challenge prompted us to develop a VR prototype that forgoes text-heavy exercises in favour of a more interactive and immersive ‘point-and-click’ experience. Early trials across the UK, Canada, and the USA suggest that our immersive environment not only offers a form of “escape” from daily stressors but, also creates space for reflection and forward thinking. Users report feeling more grounded and able to reach a “flow state”, where they can productively work through the underlying issues related to their addiction in a distraction-free setting.

Having successfully completed our initial project, we are now planning to progress towards a more advanced VR solution that includes a virtual coach—a customisable avatar to guide users through our structured programme. Our goal is not to replace human coaches but rather to offer a low-cost instant-access alternative that bypasses ever-growing waiting lists and expands access to evidence-based, high-quality support.

How has user feedback, particularly from patients and clinicians, shaped your product?

Our move from a text-centric online platform to a VR application was motivated by direct feedback from marginalised populations, where literacy and attention spans can present barriers to engagement. Clinicians highlighted the importance of creating experiences that require minimal reading, reduce distractions, and feel relevant to each user’s daily challenges. This feedback informed our point-and-click approach and influenced the design of our virtual “therapy room,” which offers a more intuitive path through our modules. As we move forward, ongoing input from patients and clinical experts will further refine aspects such as avatar customisation and potential AI-driven conversation features.

How could your innovation tackle inequalities in mental health?

Long waiting lists and high costs frequently prevent those most in need from accessing effective support. Our VR-based LPP solution can serve as a no-waiting-list, low-cost alternative for individuals who might otherwise be left behind. By leveraging immersive technology, we reduce reliance on high levels of literacy and ensure that users from varied backgrounds can participate. While we do not claim to be a direct substitute for in-person coaching, we provide immediate, structured guidance at scale—a vital step in addressing health inequalities, especially in remote rural regions and in lower-income communities where substance misuse often exacts the heaviest toll.

Why should the health and care system be excited about your innovation?

Our VR approach aligns with the growing emphasis on patient engagement and the need for more personalised, accessible interventions. Conventional digital programmes often struggle with high dropout rates. In contrast, early tests show that the immersive nature of VR can capture users’ attention more effectively, thereby improving completion rates. We are aiming for a 50% increase in engagement compared to our current web-based format. Should this goal be achieved and validated in our upcoming trial with a local university and two charities, it will underscore VR’s potential to transform addiction recovery on a larger scale.

What type of support are you seeking most from readers to help drive your project forward?

We are open to partnering with a variety of stakeholders—charities, NHS trusts, local authorities and beyond. These partnerships might involve conducting pilot studies, co-developing new modules, or refining our user experience for specific populations. By combining our expertise in VR-based recovery with partners’ on-the-ground knowledge, we can refine our approach and generate meaningful data that demonstrates impact across diverse settings.