How I Use Video Games in Sessions
Hey all.
I have a confession, I have on occasion taken my son’s Nintendo Switch to play video games in my office. Sometimes it’s mindless Animal Crossing, (actually not mindless, as no one wants to move to my island!) but most times I’m using it for work. As a child therapist, I communicate the way my clients do, through play. That hasn’t changed since the pandemic, but the medium I must use has. Due to virtual sessions, I find video games a necessity for some kids.
I could go on and on about the different opinions about whether video games are effective or a hindrance. I’ll spare you as I assume that if you’re reading this blog you are either: a therapist trying to figure out if playing video games is therapeutically appropriate; you believe it can be and want some tips, your client is pretty much ignoring you while playing a game, or you are one my client’s parents who are wondering why their kid is screaming about Mario Kart. So let’s get to it!
Here are a few ways video games can be used in sessions:
Racing games are great for focus and frustration tolerance.
Minecraft is great for focus and creativity. It also has been shown to be engaging and helpful for kids with ADHD and neurodiverse kids.
Animal Crossing you and your client can visit each other’s islands, giving much-needed connection. It also allows for celebrations, giving kids a chance to celebrate milestones and even mourn losses.
6 Steps for successful video gameplay in session.
Set clear boundaries of games available to play and for how long. Fortnite may not be the best game for a 7-year-old during the session, even if the parents allow it. You also want to keep some structure to your session, this can avoid sessions running over or ending abruptly.
Have a clear idea of how you would plan to use the games in the session. Are you rapport building?
Check-in with parents and discuss future plans for using video games in sessions. Ideally, this will occur initially, so the games and any requisite boundaries are set. Clarify if your client will have online access and what games they are allowed to play.
Remember that this is still therapeutic play! Reign in your competitive streak, be easy on yourself if you don't understand the game, and stay alert and attuned.
Have a backup activity or game ready in case of technical difficulties.
Make sure the virtual rooms you are playing in are private.
Click the link to my video explaining how I use video games in sessions.
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Until next time,
Kim