Video Game Counseling

Connecting Through Play, Building Skills for Real Life

Video Game Counseling is a modern, evidence-informed therapeutic approach that uses age-appropriate video games as a tool to build connection, emotional regulation, communication skills, and insight - all within a space that feels familiar and engaging for clients. For many children, teens, and even young adults, video games are a primary language of expression. When therapy meets clients where they already feel comfortable, meaningful work can happen more naturally.

Video games are not used as a distraction or reward, but intentionally integrated into therapy to support treatment goals, emotional processing, and relational growth.

How Video Game Therapy Works

During Video Game Counseling sessions, the therapist and client play together (either collaboratively or in structured ways) while engaging in guided therapeutic conversation. The game becomes a shared experience that allows for:

• Increased engagement and rapport
• Observation of emotional responses in real time
• Natural opportunities to practice coping, communication, and problem-solving
• Insight into behavior patterns, frustration tolerance, and social skills

The therapist actively participates, reflects themes, set boundaries, and ties in-game experiences to real-life challenges. 

Therapeutic Benefits

Video Game Counseling can support work in areas such as:

• Emotional regulation & frustration tolerance
• Anxiety and stress management
• Trauma processing and safety-building
• Social skills and peer interaction
• Communication and boundary setting
• Self-esteem and identity development
• Executive functioning (planning, impulse control, flexibility)
• Parent-child or sibling relationship work

This approach is especially effective for clients who many struggle with traditional talk therapy or feel overwhelmed in face-to-face settings. 

Games Commonly Used in Therapy

Games are carefully selected based on the client's age, needs, and therapeutic goals. Options may include:

🎮Roblox

Used for creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and social interaction. Roblox allows clients to build, explore, and role-play, offering insight into decision-making, teamwork, and emotional responses.

🧱Minecraft

A powerful tool for creativity, emotional expression, and regulation. Minecraft supports goal-setting, cooperation, frustration tolerance, and symbolic processing through building and exploration. 

🌱Animal Crossing

A calm, low-pressure environment ideal for anxiety reduction, routine-building, emotional regulation, and gentle social interaction. Often used with younger clients or those needing a slower pace. 

📍Fortnite

Used selectively and intentionally to work on impulse control, teamwork, emotional regulation, communication, and handling wins/loses. Structure and boundaries are emphasized.

➕And More

Additional games may be incorporated based on therapeutic appropriateness, client interest, and treatment goals. 

Who Can Benefit from Video Game Counseling?

Video Game Counseling may be a good fit for:

• Children and teens who love gaming
• Clients who are resistant to traditional therapy
• Neurodivergent clients
• Clients with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or emotional regulation challenges
• Clients needing support with social skills or peer relationships
• Families seeking creative ways to connect

All services are developmentally appropriate and clinically guided.

Parent & Caregiver Involvement

When appropriate, parents and caregivers are included through:

• Regular updates on therapeutic themes
• Skill transition from game to home life
• Parent coaching and support
• Family or parent-child sessions using game-based interventions

The goal is to ensure skills practiced in session transfer to everyday life. 

A Balanced & Ethical Approach

Video Game Counseling is not excessive screen time. Sessions are structured, intentional, and grounded in clinical goals. Games are used as a therapeutic medium, not entertainment.

Boundaries, safety, and clinical best practices are always maintained. 

Interested in Video Game Counseling?

If you are curious whether Video Game Therapy is a good fit for you or your child, I'd be happy to discuss options and answer questions.

Reach out today to learn more or schedule a session. 

Play can be powerful - and healing