Effective Use of Therapeutic Games
One of the most popular categories of items we sell at Child Therapy Toys is therapeutic games. Over the next few months, I'll be offering up some of my observations and experiences using games in therapy and counseling, and making specific recommendations for how to use them effectively.
First, it is worthwhile to consider what makes something a game. A game is a structured activity that is usually undertaken for enjoyment. Sometimes games are used as an educational tool. Key components of games are goals, rules, challenge, and interaction. Games generally involve mental or physical stimulation, and often both. Many games serve as a form of exercise, help develop practical skills, or otherwise perform an educational, simulational, or psychological role. It is the last three components of game playing that make them so useful in psychotherapy. In psychotherapy games can also be used to resolve issues at an unconscious level; allowing the client to avoid talking about material that may be too difficult to speak about, or work on issues that they may not be conscious of. Storytelling games are especially helpful at resolving unconscious issues.
One of the more obvious benefits of game play is that it allows you to learn things about your clients and helps your clients learn about you.
Things you'd like the child to learn about you, the therapist:
I'm competent.
I can be trusted.
I will treat you fairly.
I will treat you with respect.
I don't cheat.
This is a different kind of relationship.
It will be fun to come here.
Things that I like and don't like.
Things you can learn about the clients:
Can the child communicate effectively?
Does the child understand reciprocal play and game play, and can they engage in reciprocal play and game play?
Do they know how to cooperate?
How well do they follow rules?
How do they handle frustration? Losing? Winning?
Can they read at age level?
How well do they understand social concepts?
How good are their problem-solving skills?
Are they able to learn by discussion? Role play? Modeling?
Personal information about them, their family, and peers.
Coping skills.
As can be seen from this list, games can be used as an assessment tool as well as an intervention.
To see all of our games click here.
Send questions about our games to gary@childtherapytoys.com.
Have you used an of our games? Tell us about it in the comments section.
First, it is worthwhile to consider what makes something a game. A game is a structured activity that is usually undertaken for enjoyment. Sometimes games are used as an educational tool. Key components of games are goals, rules, challenge, and interaction. Games generally involve mental or physical stimulation, and often both. Many games serve as a form of exercise, help develop practical skills, or otherwise perform an educational, simulational, or psychological role. It is the last three components of game playing that make them so useful in psychotherapy. In psychotherapy games can also be used to resolve issues at an unconscious level; allowing the client to avoid talking about material that may be too difficult to speak about, or work on issues that they may not be conscious of. Storytelling games are especially helpful at resolving unconscious issues.
One of the more obvious benefits of game play is that it allows you to learn things about your clients and helps your clients learn about you.
Things you'd like the child to learn about you, the therapist:
I'm competent.
I can be trusted.
I will treat you fairly.
I will treat you with respect.
I don't cheat.
This is a different kind of relationship.
It will be fun to come here.
Things that I like and don't like.
Things you can learn about the clients:
Can the child communicate effectively?
Does the child understand reciprocal play and game play, and can they engage in reciprocal play and game play?
Do they know how to cooperate?
How well do they follow rules?
How do they handle frustration? Losing? Winning?
Can they read at age level?
How well do they understand social concepts?
How good are their problem-solving skills?
Are they able to learn by discussion? Role play? Modeling?
Personal information about them, their family, and peers.
Coping skills.
As can be seen from this list, games can be used as an assessment tool as well as an intervention.
To see all of our games click here.
Send questions about our games to gary@childtherapytoys.com.
Have you used an of our games? Tell us about it in the comments section.
Posted by Gary at 11/17/2010 10:22 AM 
Categories: Play Therapy, Games
Tags: child therapy Play Therapy Play Therapy practice
Categories: Play Therapy, Games
Tags: child therapy Play Therapy Play Therapy practice
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