Mental health professionals are recognizing the potential of video games as a therapeutic tool for improving mental health, especially during the pandemic when therapy shifted to remote sessions. Video games offer therapeutic benefits similar to traditional toys and games used in therapy. They provide a safe and immersive environment where individuals can engage in enjoyable and meaningful experiences.
In therapy, video games can be used as a tool to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety. Through gameplay, individuals can explore different narratives, solve problems, and experience a sense of accomplishment, all of which can contribute to improved mood and well-being. For example, a person struggling with low self-esteem may find empowerment and a sense of achievement by successfully completing challenging levels in a video game. The experience of overcoming obstacles in the virtual world can translate to increased confidence and self-worth in real life.
Moreover, video games provide a unique opportunity for individuals to confront and address anxiety-related issues. While open-world games may initially cause anxiety due to their vastness and uncertainty, they also offer an opportunity for individuals to gradually confront and overcome their fears within a controlled environment. For instance, a person with social anxiety may find it challenging to engage in social interactions in real life. However, through online multiplayer games, they can practice social skills, interact with others, and build friendships in a safe and supportive virtual space.
Privacy concerns when using video games in therapy can be addressed by utilizing HIPAA-compliant communication tools like Zoom. These platforms ensure that patient information remains confidential and secure during remote therapy sessions. By adhering to privacy regulations and implementing secure communication channels, mental health professionals can ensure the confidentiality of their clients' information and maintain a safe therapeutic environment.
Overcoming Resistance and Challenges
Integrating gaming into therapy may face resistance from some parents who are unfamiliar with its therapeutic benefits or skeptical about paying therapy rates for video game sessions. However, the increasing prevalence of gaming in mainstream culture has made it easier to sell the idea of using gaming as a therapeutic tool. Many parents themselves grew up playing video games and can relate to their children's enthusiasm for gaming. By highlighting the therapeutic potential of video games and addressing any concerns, mental health professionals can help parents understand the value of incorporating gaming into therapy.
It is important to emphasize that video games used in therapy are carefully selected and guided by mental health professionals. They are not simply recreational games but rather tools that facilitate personal growth, emotional regulation, and cognitive development. By educating parents about the specific goals and benefits associated with using video games in therapy, mental health professionals can help overcome resistance and promote a more open-minded approach to incorporating gaming into the therapeutic process.
Therapeutic Potential of Popular Video Games
Popular video games such as Fortnite and Minecraft can be used therapeutically to enhance mental health and promote personal growth. These games offer creative and non-violent modes that allow individuals to express themselves, engage in problem-solving, and collaborate with others. In therapy, they can serve as effective tools for building self-esteem, fostering social connections, and developing important life skills [3].
For example, Minecraft provides a virtual sandbox where individuals can unleash their creativity and build their own worlds. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with anxiety or low self-esteem, as it allows them to gain a sense of control and achievement. By creating and exploring their virtual creations, individuals can express their emotions, experiment with different ideas, and develop a sense of agency. This experience can translate to increased confidence and problem-solving abilities in real-life situations.
Fortnite, on the other hand, offers opportunities for teamwork and collaboration. Players can work together to strategize and achieve a common goal, fostering communication skills and cooperation. In therapy, this can be especially valuable for individuals who struggle with social interactions or have difficulty trusting others. By engaging in cooperative gameplay, individuals can develop social skills, build trust, and experience the benefits of collaboration. These skills can then be transferred to real-life relationships, leading to improved social functioning and overall well-being.
Role of Online Multiplayer Games
Online multiplayer games play a significant role in promoting social connections and reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Within these virtual worlds, individuals can interact with others, form friendships, and participate in collaborative activities. The sense of community and social support within gaming networks can have positive effects on mental health.
For individuals who may struggle with social interactions in real life, online multiplayer games offer a safe and inclusive space to practice social skills and develop meaningful relationships. They provide a platform where individuals can connect with like-minded people, share common interests, and engage in shared activities. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may feel isolated or have limited opportunities for social interaction in their offline lives.
Research has shown that online gaming communities can provide a sense of belonging, support, and camaraderie. For example, massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) like World of Warcraft create vibrant and active communities where players can join guilds, embark on quests together, and engage in social activities. These virtual communities foster a sense of connection and provide a network of support, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Video Games as Tools in Mental Health Treatment
Video games are increasingly recognized as valuable tools in mental health treatment, physical rehabilitation, and occupational therapy. They have been found to be effective in helping individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD. By engaging individuals in enjoyable and immersive experiences, video games can provide a unique avenue for therapy that is accessible, engaging, and stigma-free.
For example, virtual reality (VR) games are being used in exposure therapy to help individuals confront and overcome their fears and phobias in a safe and controlled environment. By simulating realistic situations, VR games provide a level of immersion that enhances the effectiveness of exposure therapy. This immersive experience allows individuals to gradually confront their fears and learn coping strategies in a supportive setting.
In addition to exposure therapy, video games can also facilitate emotional expression and regulation. They provide a platform for individuals to explore a range of emotions, develop emotional resilience, and learn coping mechanisms. Some video games are specifically designed to support emotional regulation and help manage anxiety and stress. By engaging in gameplay, individuals can practice emotional expression, learn to regulate their emotional responses, and develop strategies for coping with challenging situations in a safe and controlled environment.
The Video Game Therapy® Approach
The Video Game Therapy® (VGT®) approach takes the use of video games in therapy to the next level. It recognizes the powerful connection between the patient's personality, therapy goals, and the type of video game they engage with. This approach utilizes the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to determine the patient's personality type and selects a suitable video game based on their diagnosis and goals.
Through the VGT® approach, video games become a central tool in therapy, allowing individuals to transfer the skills and experiences gained in gaming to real-life contexts. This approach promotes emotional experimentation, social connection, and cognitive processes, fostering personal growth and insight. By incorporating gaming into therapy, individuals can explore their emotions and experiences in a safe and protected environment, leading to emotional expression, regulation, and catharsis.
For example, a person who is diagnosed with ADHD may benefit from a video game that requires focused attention, quick decision-making, and task management. By engaging in gameplay that aligns with their diagnosis and therapy goals, individuals can develop strategies for improving their attention span and executive functioning skills. The immersive nature of video games can enhance engagement and foster a state of flow, where individuals experience a deep sense of focus and enjoyment. This state of flow can lead to personal growth and insight, as individuals become more aware of their abilities and potential for achievement.
Phases of Video Game Therapy®
The VGT® approach follows a structured framework consisting of engagement, assessment, insight, and reorientation phases. During the engagement phase, the therapist establishes a rapport with the patient and introduces the concept of video game therapy. This phase aims to create a safe and trusting environment where individuals feel comfortable exploring their emotions and experiences through gaming.
The assessment phase involves using the MBTI to determine the patient's personality type and selecting a suitable video game that aligns with their diagnosis, goals, and risk factors. By considering the individual's unique characteristics and therapeutic needs, mental health professionals can tailor the gaming experience to maximize its therapeutic benefits. For example, a person with social anxiety may benefit from a cooperative multiplayer game that focuses on building social skills and fostering connections.
The insight phase of VGT® allows patients to explore their emotions and experiences through the video game, providing a safe and protected environment for emotional expression and regulation. This phase encourages individuals to reflect on their in-game experiences, identify patterns and themes, and gain insights into their own emotions and behaviors. By examining their reactions and choices within the game, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
The reorientation phase focuses on integrating the insights gained from gaming into real-life contexts. It aims to help individuals transfer the skills and experiences acquired in the virtual world to their everyday lives. For example, if a person learns effective problem-solving strategies in a video game, they can apply those skills to real-life situations. This phase promotes generalization and helps individuals connect their gaming experiences to their personal growth and well-being outside of the gaming context.
Emotional Expression and Regulation through Video Games
Video games offer a unique platform for emotional expression and regulation. They provide individuals with opportunities to develop emotional resilience, cope with failure, and explore a range of emotions. Some video games are specifically designed to support emotional regulation and help manage anxiety and stress.
For instance, games like Journey and Flower are known for their calming and meditative experiences. These games focus on relaxation, exploration, and immersive visuals and soundscapes. By engaging with these games, individuals can achieve a state of relaxation, reduce stress, and promote emotional stability. These experiences provide a much-needed respite from the demands and pressures of everyday life and contribute to overall mental well-being.
Furthermore, video games can help individuals develop emotional resilience and cope with failure. In many games, failure is an inherent part of the learning process. Players are encouraged to try again, learn from their mistakes, and persevere until they succeed. This process of trial and error can foster resilience, teach individuals to manage setbacks, and develop a growth mindset. The ability to bounce back from failure and maintain a positive attitude can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being.
Confronting Fears and Achieving Catharsis
Video games can facilitate the process of confronting fears and achieving catharsis. Through exposure to stimuli within the game, individuals can gradually confront and manage their fears and anxieties. This exposure therapy can be particularly effective when combined with virtual reality or augmented reality, creating immersive and realistic environments for patients to confront their fears.
For example, virtual reality games have been used to help individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) revisit traumatic events in a controlled and supportive environment. By gradually exposing individuals to their traumatic memories, VR therapy can help them process and manage their emotions, ultimately leading to healing and catharsis. The immersive nature of virtual reality enhances the effectiveness of exposure therapy, allowing individuals to confront their fears in a realistic yet safe setting.
In addition to exposure therapy, video games can provide a sense of catharsis by allowing individuals to express and release their emotions. For instance, games that involve intense action or combat can serve as outlets for individuals to channel their anger, frustration, or stress. By engaging in gameplay, individuals can experience a sense of release and renewal, providing a healthy and constructive way to manage their emotions.
Conclusion
The therapeutic power of gaming and virtual worlds offers significant potential for improving mental health and well-being. Video games provide valuable tools in therapy, offering benefits similar to traditional therapeutic approaches. By incorporating gaming into therapy, mental health professionals can address a wide range of mental health concerns and provide accessible and stigma-free treatment options. As the field continues to advance, video games have the power to positively impact mental health and contribute to overall well-being, creating a brighter future for mental health treatment.
References: marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-tech/mental-health-pros-are-using-video-games-to-level-up-therapy)[2] National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).filamentgames.com/blog/the-therapeutic-power-of-video-games).ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc10298057)