More and more therapists are turning to video game environments as a means of diagnosing and treating mental health patients. Minecraft, in particular, has become a popular tool for counselors to enter a game with their clients to build environments and situations that help explore the grief young patients experience following a bereavement. This approach has transformed the way therapists work with children and young people. By encouraging imagination and expression, counselors can help their clients explore their grief at a deeper therapeutic level and uncover their feelings following a loss. Meeting in virtual worlds can greatly reduce resistance to care and accelerate the adoption of new ideas. These concepts can be especially powerful for treating younger patients and addressing their mental health needs. If you're interested in learning more about how Minecraft is being used as a therapeutic tool, check out this article: https://lnkd.in/gj8nWz6F #grief #mentalhealth #minecraft #powerofplay #videogametherapy #CBT
What a wonderful way to reach children. It’s no doubt that building a solid relationship is essential for any therapeutic relationship but building relationships with children can be especially tricky. This seems like a really good way to encourage children to develop a safe bond where they can open up. Adults are not the only ones who need therapy. 🫶🏼
Such a truly important concept. That children can be lifted out of the depths of grief, evenly momentarily, makes me smile. Little souls should never have to experience this pain, but experience it they do. Thumbs up!!!
Thanks for sharing this Ryan! My wife as a therapist deals with kids mental issues and the game (sandbox, roleplay, etc) is a big part of the diagnostics procedures. I will share the Minecraft article with her, that's very insightful!
Minecraft is so much more than a video game. This is really cool stuff.
Awesome. Guess who I met yesterday? My old colleague Vishal Gondal...!
This seems like an excellent approach especially for reaching children who are dealing with grief.
Mindcraft was definitely a game played by my son and grandsons. So many wonderful and adventuresome things were built in this game. Everything they did was a brilliant and creative adventure. I am very pleased to see that this game has been incorporated into helping young children through grief. It is a horrific experience for any child and so important they get the support required to get through the loss of a parent or even a beloved grandparent. It definitely will be interesting to see what the DeepWell game is going to do to help mental health in the very near future.
Minecraft is my daily therapy. Good for all ages.
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6moAt 6 years old my daughter fell in love with Minecraft. What I thought was so magical is how she taught herself to build. She would find Minecraft tutorials on YouTube Kids and follow them step-by-step to learn how to create hidden spaces, roller coasters, learn about weapons and tools, alchemy, and more. To me, it was no different than her following instructions on legos, or coloring a picture. She was exploring and creating another world just for her. She still loves it!