Using Video Games and Board Games in Play Therapy
Games provide opportunities in both directive play therapy approaches as well as a fun and interactive outlet for more non-directive interventions within the play therapy room. While the average play therapist may be no stranger to traditional board games, or games created for therapists by therapists, additional opportunities exist for the use of games in play therapy. This training will introduce less traditional board games which can be used to promote play therapy goals, discussing the benefit of using these types of games with clients who appear resistant as well as older children and adolescents. As recent trends illustrate the growing importance of technology within the language of play today, this training will also explore how to therapeutically, and ethically, use video games as play therapy interventions.
https://nefesh.org/workshops/LifeFeb/viewFREE WEBINAR
The Game of Life:
Using Video Games and Board Games in Play Therapy
Previously Recorded
Presenter: Christina Scott, LPCC-S, NCC
Course Length: 3 Hours
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the therapeutic benefits of incorporating board games within play therapy sessions with children and adolescents.
- Identify strategies for incorporating board games into play therapy practice, using both non-directive goals and directive approaches of play.
- Discuss the ethical and therapeutic use of video games within the therapist’s playroom, and describe specific strategies for the role video game play can have within the client’s emotional and mental health goals.
Games provide opportunities in both directive play therapy approaches as well as a fun and interactive outlet for more non-directive interventions within the play therapy room. While the average play therapist may be no stranger to traditional board games, or games created for therapists by therapists, additional opportunities exist for the use of games in play therapy. This training will introduce less traditional board games which can be used to promote play therapy goals, discussing the benefit of using these types of games with clients who appear resistant as well as older children and adolescents. As recent trends illustrate the growing importance of technology within the language of play today, this training will also explore how to therapeutically, and ethically, use video games as play therapy interventions.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the therapeutic benefits of incorporating board games within play therapy sessions with children and adolescents.
- Identify strategies for incorporating board games into play therapy practice, using both non-directive goals and directive approaches of play.
- Discuss the ethical and therapeutic use of video games within the therapist’s playroom, and describe specific strategies for the role video game play can have within the client’s emotional and mental health goals.
Agenda:
1:45 – 2:00pm Introduction Activity. Review learning objectives. Discuss current research on use of board games in play therapy practice.
2:00 – 2:30pm Educate on the use of board games using both directive and non-directive approaches. Engage participants by demonstrating two play therapy interventions using board games for each approach.
2:30 – 3:00pm Explore various strategies for utilizing board games in play therapy sessions. Discuss case examples.
3:00 – 3:30pm Engage participants in a small group exercise on board games.
3:30 – 4:00pm Present up-to-date research on the therapeutic use of video games. Discuss current trends in the clinical use of video games as well as outcomes.
4:00 – 4:35pm Examine three play therapy interventions using video games and video game-related play-based interventions.
4:35 – 4:45pm Question and answer discussion.
This presentation is open to:
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives