Great Games for Play Therapy
Most of us end up having four or five games in our playroom that we use over and over again. There are few seasoned child therapists that don’t own a copy of The Talking, Feeling, and Doing Game. Even after 20+ years I still find myself using this game, especially with kids that are having a hard time opening up and talking. And, obviously, I like My First Therapy Game. I developed My First Therapy Game to help children identify important child therapy topics and issues, and I use it throughout the course of therapy. I like using The Nurturing Gamewith children that are having trouble showing kind and tender behaviors. This game helps children talk about being loving and kind. In therapy I encourage shaking hands rather than hugging since that can cause problems for male therapists. Of course lots of the children we see are not very good at cooperating and taking turns. Both Bambino Dino and Mountaineeringare cooperative games. In order to “win” the players have to work together. Bambino Dino is popular with younger kids and older children really seem to enjoy Mountaineering. The Self Esteem-Game is a fun and a little silly, but it gets kids to start identifying positive thoughts about themselves. Lots of kids have difficulty regulating themselves when they are frustrated or angry. I find Furious Fred is a great way to teach kids how to cope with their angry feelings. I have also begun using Clear Thinking to help children begin the process of rationale thinking. 
I've played most of these games. I like "My First Therapy Game" a lot, and find most of my clients enjoy it. Those who don't like it, don't seem to like to play any therapeutic games.
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I just played the "Don't be Difficult" board game for the first time. The child I played with is a very smart 9 year old. He gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is "high praise." He has played a lot of therapeutic board games since starting therapy a couple of years ago.
"Don't Be Difficult" is described a a game to help children understand the nature of positive and negative consequences and learn the benefits of choosing the "right" way. It is designed for children age 7-12.
I thought some of the cards were too difficult and not appropriate for younger children, so some selection and editing would have to take place, with younger kids. I also thought the game would be of benefit to some the the younger teens (13-15 years old) I work with, if they'd agree to play. Many of them don't mind playing board games.
Overall, I think my client had the rating right and I'd give a 4 out of five stars.
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I agree with your comments Jane. I have been playing "Don't be Difficult" for a few months and most kids seem to enjoy it. One of my clients routinely asks for it, even though she is quite easy going!
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I've been using the Nurturing Game for over 10 years, in a number of different contexts. It is an interesting way of assessing family relationships and providing a snapshot of how family members interact. It is also great way to generate conversations and to help family members learn about one another. The "Hug" and "Praise" squares also provide for extra positive interactions.
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