Therapeutic Gaming
Different ways to connect, explore and grow
Therapy doesn't always have to involve sitting across from someone and talking.
For some children and young people, shared play and familiar interests can make it easier to connect, communicate and explore experiences.
At Exceptionally You, therapeutic gaming brings video games, board games, and tabletop roleplaying games into the therapeutic relationship in an intentional and collaborative way. Games aren't therapy by themselves, but they can create meaningful opportunities for therapeutic work.
Using Minecraft in Therapy
Minecraft offers a world of possibilities. We can build, explore, create, solve problems and discover things together.
Depending on the young person's interests and therapeutic goals, Minecraft-based therapy might provide opportunities to explore:
Emotions, stress and overwhelm
Confidence, identity and self-understanding
Problem-solving and navigating challenges
Communication, relationships and connection
Personal values, choices and autonomy
Creativity, storytelling and self-expression
Sometimes the most meaningful part of a session isn't completing an activity. It might be the conversation that emerges while building something together, the way someone approaches a challenge, or simply having a shared space where they feel comfortable.
There's no expectation to play in a particular way or to be good at the game.
Individual Therapeutic Gaming Sessions
Individual sessions can incorporate Minecraft as part of a personalised therapeutic approach.
We might work together on a building project, explore a world, tackle challenges or follow ideas that emerge naturally through play.
Some sessions might involve planned therapeutic activities, while others are more open-ended. The approach depends on the young person's interests, preferences and what we're working towards together.
Minecraft can also sit alongside conversation and other therapeutic approaches. It doesn't need to be part of every session.
Individual therapeutic gaming enquiries are welcome.
Exceptionally Creative — Therapeutic Gaming Groups
I'm also developing Exceptionally Creative, a series of small therapeutic Minecraft-based groups for children and young people.
These groups will bring participants together in a shared Minecraft environment, with opportunities for creativity, exploration, collaboration and connection.
Sessions will have an overarching therapeutic focus while allowing space for participants' interests, ideas and interactions to shape what happens.
The intention isn't to teach young people to behave or communicate in a particular way. It's to create a supportive environment where different ways of participating are respected.
Groups are being planned for both online and in-person delivery, with age ranges, dates and availability informed by expressions of interest.
Expressions of interest are now welcome.
Is therapeutic gaming right for me or my young person?
Therapeutic gaming may appeal to young people who enjoy video games, prefer shared activities to direct conversation, or haven't felt comfortable with traditional talking therapy.
You don't need to be an experienced player to participate in individual sessions.
We'll consider individual interests, needs, therapeutic goals and practical requirements when deciding whether this approach is suitable.
Getting Started
Whether you're interested in individual gaming therapy sessions or a future Exceptionally Creative group, you're welcome to get in touch.
We can discuss what you're looking for, how therapeutic gaming might fit, and the next steps.
Exceptionally You is an independent therapeutic service.
NOT AN OFFICIAL MINECRAFT SERVICE. NOT APPROVED BY OR ASSOCIATED WITH MOJANG OR MICROSOFT.