University of Michigan School of Social Work
SIMmersion Simulations
What is SIMmersion?
A company that "creates training solutions that improve communication skills."
The training developed by SIMmersion are simulations of potential patient situations in which you can practice intervention techniques. These simulations walk you through various intervention models through virtual engagement that incorporates the nuances of expression and reaction.
Why Use Simulations?
This is a chance to practice working with individual clients.
It isn't perfect, but is meant to simulate a real situation -- you can't "go back" or undo the session and their reactions are unexpected.
You'll make mistakes, and doing so is valuable. You make mistakes here before you work with real people.
What simulations are available?
Testimonials
Philip Romanow, Student
"SIMmersion's interactive simulations allowed me to practice engaging with "a client" without fear that I might negatively impact them by saying "the wrong thing." The Motivational Interviewing simulation helped me to better understand the value of being patient with a client, especially when it comes to inciting change talk and guiding them to a place where they feel safe enough to move away from ambivalence. I learned to more effectively shape how to phrase questions, which can prove just as impactful as the actual intent of the question, itself. Furthermore, I even learned a little bit about how to reflect upon and navigate through potential internal bias when working with a client who I may not like, personally (no offense, Roger). Overall, I found the simulations to be a fun, helpful tool that provided practical experience and allowed me to grow as a clinician. Thanks, Matt!"
Daicia Price, Faculty
"Simmersion is an amazing tool to use to provide students with the opportunity to practice skills relevant to becoming a strong practitioner. The scenarios offer an opportunity for students to interface with a virtual client to enhance skills when working with clients in field. The modules are challenging and relevant. Students find it challenging to identify the specific "formula" of questions and responses which is similar to real life situations. I have found that SimMersion compliments role plays with peers, simulations with actors, and client interactions to provide foundation skills with concrete scores and feedback. SimMersion clients provide critical feedback that peers, actors, and clients, do not offer. "
Daphne Brydon, Faculty
"SIMmersion modules provide low-risk opportunities for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom and field experiences and are a great complement to classroom instruction. Each conversation offers a chance for students to build their capacity for technical skills in the specified modalities and they receive valuable feedback in a timely manner. We piloted three modules (clients) across each of my courses last term. I asked students to submit at least one transcript from each SIMmersion client they engaged and one outstanding question they had from the experience. We used these as the basis for classroom discussion, which allowed me to address questions and provide additional instruction and practice in class, as appropriate. The SIMmersion modules seem especially useful in the early stages of student learning but the platform also includes some features to offer advanced learning for students. I look forward to continuing to engage the SIMmersion modules in foundation and advanced practice courses in the coming semesters!"
What if I have technical difficulties with SIMmersion?
If you receive a "session timed out" error using Google Chrome, please try to log in using another browser, such as Firefox.
If you find that any simulations are missing from your account, please contact the simulations team as per below before purchasing simulations. You will not need to purchase any simulations that are used in SSW classes.
Please contact our simulations team at:
If you have difficulty achieving a high score, please consult:
your field instructor
the faculty teaching your course