Everyday situations can sometimes feel like big stressors, whether it's delivering an important work presentation, attending a party full of strangers or confronting a partner. Talking to a friend or a therapist can help. But so can practice.

A new project from Carnegie Mellon University researchers aims to make that practice easier by studying whether virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) can simulate stressful situations and help people practice stress-relief strategies. It's a modern spin on exposure therapy: users can put on a pair of VR/AR glasses and practice what they want to say with a digital audience.