VIRTUAL THERAPEUTIC SOLUTIONS

2257 Buffalo Run Ave. * Las Vegas, Nevada 89123 * (702) 738-7554 * Email: info@virtualtherapeuticsolutons.com

**PRESS RELEASE***
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Bart E. Plaskoff, M. Ed. Director of Development and Public Relations (702) 738-7554 VTS ANNOUNCES PATENT OF NEW DEVICE FOR SELF-CUTTERS & RESEARCH LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, October 25, 2012 - For the first time, a new device offers hope for those who engage in self-cutting. The Virtual Cutting Instrument (VCI) has cleared the patent process and is currently in development stages. The Virtual Cutting Instrument (VCI) (Pat. Pending 61/797,297) with patented SimuBlade System Technology (SBST), is a portable, noninvasive cut simulation device which is used to virtually recreate and record data as a user engages in the ritualistic act of self-cutting. The data it records includes, but is not limited to: the number of cuts per day, duration of a cut, pressure, depth and angle of a cut, pulse of the person cutting, sounds made by the person cutting, video of the cutting, and any other data pertinent to the cut that ensues. Data is then stored within the VCIs microchip. Data can then be downloaded via a USB port to any computer for review by researchers, medical professionals, therapists or the self-cutter for scientific research and/or monitoring purposes. As the VCI with SimuBlade System Technology (SBST) is designed to stimulate the human senses, and to virtually simulate a cut on a users skin in a noninvasive manner, the instrument may be used in medical and mental health research labs. This will enable researchers to bridge the ethical boundaries that hinder integral studies to ensue. Increased studies will aid in the treatment of a growing epidemic of self-cutters. The VCI may also be used as a noninvasive substitute or transitional object (Mahler) for actual self-cutting by users, thereby minimizing the physical harm and scarring to a self-cutter as they seek behavioral therapy. ABOUT VIRTUAL THERAPEUTIC SOLUTIONS: Bart E. Plaskoff, M. Ed., a University of Southern California graduate student in Social Work (MSW), developed VTS in 2012. The mission of VTS is to provide cutting edge virtual therapeutic solutions for those in need of mental health assistance, as well as to bridge the ethical gap for necessary biopsychological research. VTS specializes in the development of specialized virtual instruments, virtual therapeutic environments, and is the forerunner in Virtual Instrumentation Therapy (VIT) and research strategies. For more information, contact: Bart E. Plaskoff, M. Ed., Director of Development and Public Relations. - END -