Gaming Therapy: A New Approach To Mental Wellness?

24 May, 2025

Can playing video games actually be a path to healing? The answer, increasingly supported by research and real-world application, is a resounding yes: gaming therapy is emerging as a powerful tool in the realm of mental health.

For years, the world of gaming was often seen as a potential source of problems. Concerns about addiction, social isolation, and the impact of violent content were commonplace. However, a quiet revolution has been brewing, transforming the perception of video games from a potential vice to a valuable therapeutic modality. This shift is being driven by a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of gaming therapy in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns. The immersive nature of gaming provides a level of engagement that keeps individuals motivated and focused, offering a dynamic platform for learning and personal development.

Gaming Therapy: A Glimpse into the Evolving Landscape
Concept	An interactive and engaging approach to mental health treatment involving playing video games specifically.
Focus	Addressing behavior related to gaming, and/or using gaming as a tool to address other mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and autism.
Target Audience	Children, teens, and adults.
Methodology	Utilizing various games, from commercial video games to specially designed therapeutic games. Sessions are run by accredited game therapists who are also qualified counselors or psychotherapists.
Potential Benefits	Improved mental health and wellbeing, social skills development, emotional regulation, and cognitive restructuring.
Areas of Application	Treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder and addressing behavioral issues around gaming addiction.
Challenges	Overcoming the stigma associated with gaming, further research and education needed to establish its credibility as a respected treatment modality, therapist training.
Key Players	Therapists utilizing gaming in their practice, organizations offering gaming therapy services, and researchers investigating the effectiveness of gaming therapy.
Reference	VeryWellMind - Gaming Therapy: How Video Games Can Be Used in Therapy

The appeal of gaming therapy often lies in its accessibility. For many, especially younger generations, gaming is a familiar and comfortable language. "For most of the participants, their common interest, the language they all understood, was gaming," as one practitioner noted. This common ground can facilitate a stronger therapeutic alliance, making it easier for individuals to engage with the treatment process. "Welcome to good game, where we harness the power of gaming to transform therapy into an engaging and effective experience, for people who struggle to engage in traditional talk therapy."

One of the core tenets of gaming therapy involves addressing the behavior itself, aiming to feel, identify with, substitute, or change the gaming behavior. Gaming, at its core, triggers a reward system in the brain, leading to an overwhelming compulsion to keep playing, often regardless of consequences. "Thats an addiction to a behavior," the article emphasizes. This is where the focus shifts to understanding the underlying causes and the patterns that sustain the behavior. Unlike behavioral therapy, psychotherapy focuses on regulating cognition and mental state. It helps individuals to correct their maladaptive cognition and regain psychological support, which ultimately induces changes in behavior.

The practical application of gaming therapy varies. "From family therapy games to therapeutic games for teens, these games are more than just play; Theyre a bridge to positive mental health and wellbeing." Some therapists utilize commercial video games to explore social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. "Gaming therapy uses principles whereby each player has a specific role to play and work to achieve a shared goal." Using Minecraft, for example, a player might be a builder, a miner, or a guard, with goals including building a shelter, finding food, and setting up a mining station. Others use games specifically designed for therapeutic purposes. For example, "Dungeons & dragons social skills building group session" are a good example of this.

The immersive nature of games offers a powerful platform for therapy. "The immersive nature of gaming provides a level of engagement that keeps individuals motivated and focused, offering a dynamic platform for learning and personal development." This engagement can be particularly beneficial for those who find traditional talk therapy challenging. Online gaming, in fact, has even been referred to as 'the new therapists office. "This therapy focus\u2019 gaming therapy group is delivered as weekly 1.5 hour sessions over eight weeks and can be accessed using ndis funding or purchased privately." "Participants can choose to participate online from the comfort of their home, or attend group sessions held at one of therapy focus office locations."

While the potential benefits are substantial, it is crucial to acknowledge that gaming therapy is not without its challenges. "Despite growing evidence of its effectiveness, gaming therapy is still seen by some as unconventional or unproven." "Continued research and education are needed to establish gaming therapy as a respected treatment modality." Critics also argue that gaming can encourage avoidance tactics. Further, there is a need for more therapists who are well-versed in both the nuances of gaming culture and the principles of therapeutic intervention. "Many therapists know little about online games such as world of warcraft and second life. They may dismiss gaming as unimportant, or assume it is a problem."

Gaming Addiction and Disorder: Understanding the Risks
Condition	Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)
Diagnostic Criteria (as per APA)	Persistent and recurrent use of the internet to engage in games, often with other players, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
Core Symptoms	Preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away, tolerance (needing to game more to achieve the same satisfaction), loss of interest in other activities, continued use despite problems, deceiving others about gaming, use of gaming to escape or relieve negative moods, jeopardizing or losing significant relationships or opportunities because of gaming.
Impact	Impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Important Note	The diagnosis should be made only when the individual's gaming behavior causes significant distress or impairment.
Treatment Approaches	Therapy (individual, group, family), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication (in some cases), support groups, and lifestyle changes.
Key consideration	That if you are affected by someone else\u2019s gaming, you are just as entitled to support from a mental health professional.
Reference	American Psychiatric Association - Internet Gaming Disorder

In the United Kingdom, "Game therapy uk has very few central, administrative costs (as it's run by volunteers) and the vast majority of our funding goes directly into supporting the therapeutic gaming projects."

For many, especially younger generations, gaming is a familiar and comfortable language. This common ground can facilitate a stronger therapeutic alliance, making it easier for individuals to engage with the treatment process. "I ran social therapy groups for children, teens, and adults for years," as one practitioner noted. "For most of the participants, their common interest, the language they all understood, was gaming."

The future of gaming therapy is bright. "As we look to the future, the potential for gaming therapy seems boundless." With continued research, education, and the development of specialized training programs, gaming therapy is poised to become an increasingly recognized and effective treatment modality for a wide range of mental health concerns. The development of etherapists and the integration of technology hold immense promise.

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