top of page

FOLLOW US

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Threads
  • LinkedIn

The Healing Power of Play: How Video Game Therapy Can Help Heal Depression from Unresolved Trauma

Writer: Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-TrainingJulie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
2 days ago

Video Game Therapy can help heal depression by providing an immersive and interactive experience that encourages emotional processing and skill-building. Through tailored game experiences, players can confront their trauma in a safe, engaging environment, fostering healing and personal growth.

The Healing Power of Play: How Video Game Therapy Can Help Heal Depression from Unresolved Trauma

Video games, once just a form of entertainment, have increasingly found their way into therapeutic settings for a variety of mental health conditions. Research has shown that games can be a valuable tool in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction, offering an immersive, engaging experience that traditional therapy methods may not always provide. Among the games gaining recognition for their therapeutic potential is Robo Cat Story, a game designed to assist players in processing emotions like grief and survivor’s guilt.


The Growing Role of Video Games in Therapy


A growing body of research has found that video games can offer much more than simple distraction—they can help individuals confront and process deep-seated trauma. Studies have shown that video games, when used in therapy, help with skill-building, like problem-solving and decision-making, and even social interactions by simulating real-life situations in a safe space. In addition, video games track progress in a measurable, objective way, providing constant feedback that’s invaluable to therapeutic work.


One groundbreaking approach, the Video Game Therapy® (VGT®), places the game experience at the heart of therapy. VGT® tailors the game type and experience to an individual’s personality and therapeutic goals using tools like the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) (Bocci, Ferrari, & Sarini, 2023). With this approach, video games become personalized therapeutic tools that assist in emotional processing and development, especially for those struggling with unresolved trauma.


Robo Cat Story: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing


In the realm of gaming therapy, Robo Cat Story stands out as a prime example of how a game can facilitate emotional exploration. Set in a fictional town, players control Dill, who rides in a robot cat named CAT, battling "Soul Pops" and confronting complex emotions like grief, loss, and trauma. The game’s storyline mirrors the journey many people experience in overcoming depression and survivor’s guilt, making it an excellent tool for emotional processing.


Each map in Robo Cat Story presents challenges that feel relatable to those experiencing unresolved emotional pain, encouraging players to confront their struggles in an engaging, interactive way. As players progress through the game, they’re encouraged to think critically, solve problems, and adapt—all of which can transfer to real-life emotional resilience.



The Science Behind Video Game Therapy


Studies show that video games, when integrated into therapy, offer a unique advantage over traditional methods. For example, the Video Game Therapy® (VGT®) approach has been shown to promote emotional literacy, social connection, and identity development, which are key aspects of recovering from trauma (Bocci, Ferrari, & Sarini, 2023). It helps players engage in emotional experimentation in a low-risk, controlled environment.


This approach is grounded in Adlerian therapy, which emphasizes self-awareness, community feeling, and social interest. By aligning video games with therapeutic goals, VGT® makes the healing process both dynamic and engaging. This method has shown promising results in helping players work through their emotional struggles and trauma, especially in cases where traditional methods may fall short (Bocci, Ferrari, & Sarini, 2023).


Could Video Games Be the Key to Healing?


With its ability to immerse players in complex emotional narratives and offer immediate feedback, video game therapy could be the future of mental health treatment for those struggling with depression or trauma. It provides a safe space to work through emotions, face fears, and build resilience—all while keeping the player engaged and empowered.

As we continue to explore the potential of gaming in mental health, Robo Cat Story and similar games could offer groundbreaking opportunities for healing and self-discovery. So, could the next step in your emotional healing journey be through the lens of a video game?


Question to Ponder: How can incorporating immersive video games into mental health treatment change the way we approach trauma recovery? Could games be the new frontier in healing?


Reference:

Bocci, F., Ferrari, A., & Sarini, M. (2023). Putting the Gaming Experience at the Center of the Therapy-The Video Game Therapy® Approach. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 11(12), 1767. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11121767


 

More Related Articles:


Navigating the Storm: Career Counseling Amidst Family Crisis

Writer: Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-TrainingJulie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
Mar 20

Career counseling amidst a family crisis can be a transformative process, offering individuals the clarity and support they need to navigate both personal and professional challenges. By addressing the emotional turmoil of family upheaval while focusing on career goals, individuals can find a path forward that aligns with their values and circumstances.

Navigating the Storm: Career Counseling Amidst Family Crisis

When life throws you a curveball, it’s often the family crisis that hits hardest. Whether it's a sudden illness, the loss of a loved one, or a shift in family dynamics, such personal upheaval can feel overwhelming. The weight of it all can affect not only emotional well-being but also the very core of a person’s professional life.


In the midst of such crises, it can be challenging to focus on career goals or make decisions about the future. Yet, career counseling during these difficult times may not only provide the clarity needed but also help individuals regain control and stability over their professional paths.


The Impact of Family Crisis on Career Decisions


A family crisis can throw a person’s career into disarray. For some, the immediate priority becomes caring for a family member or addressing the personal challenges at hand. For others, stress, anxiety, or even grief can cloud their judgment and decision-making. Career paths that once seemed clear can suddenly appear uncertain or unimportant.


For example, consider someone who has recently experienced the loss of a family member. The overwhelming grief may lead them to question their career goals or whether their current job aligns with their values. Alternatively, a family health emergency might demand time and attention that takes the focus off career development. The internal conflict between career aspirations and familial responsibilities can create emotional and professional turmoil, leading to feelings of being stuck.


How Career Counseling Can Help


Career counseling during a family crisis isn’t just about finding a new job or making decisions about career advancement. It's about finding balance, redefining priorities, and helping individuals regain a sense of purpose amidst a challenging time. Here’s how:


1. Reframing the Crisis as an Opportunity for Growth


A family crisis, while traumatic, can also be a catalyst for self-reflection. A skilled career counselor can help clients reframe their current situation, enabling them to view this challenging period as a time for personal growth. This may involve reevaluating what truly matters to them, such as career satisfaction, work-life balance, and aligning their professional choices with personal values.


2. Exploring Flexibility and Adaptability in Career Paths


Family crises can necessitate changes in work schedules, location, or even career direction. Career counseling during these times can assist individuals in exploring flexible work options, remote careers, or alternate paths that align with their evolving responsibilities. This might mean temporarily shifting from a full-time job to part-time work or pursuing a career that offers more emotional fulfillment and fewer external pressures.


3. Building Resilience and Coping Strategies


A family crisis often requires tremendous emotional strength. Career counseling can help individuals build resilience by developing coping strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and making sound decisions during uncertain times. Career counselors may introduce tools such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and stress management techniques to help individuals maintain emotional balance as they navigate the intersection of family obligations and career.


4. Practical Decision-Making and Goal Setting


Career counseling can offer concrete guidance on how to make career decisions even in the face of a crisis. Counselors often use career assessment tools to help clients clarify their interests, strengths, and goals, helping them create a realistic and achievable career plan. This structured approach allows individuals to regain a sense of agency and control, even if their current circumstances feel overwhelming.


5. Support for Long-Term Career Vision


Family crises can lead to a shift in priorities, but that doesn’t mean career goals should be completely abandoned. A career counselor can assist in helping clients create a long-term career vision that accommodates their current family obligations. The counselor can guide the individual in how to strategically align short-term actions with long-term aspirations, ensuring that their career trajectory remains intact, even in the midst of personal challenges.


A Path Forward: More Than Just a Job


A family crisis often brings with it a deep sense of loss and upheaval, but it doesn’t have to derail one’s professional future. In fact, career counseling during these times can help individuals come out of the crisis with a stronger sense of self, a renewed career direction, and healthier coping mechanisms.


The key to overcoming a family crisis while maintaining a focus on career growth lies in understanding that both worlds—personal and professional—are deeply connected. By seeking career counseling during a family crisis, individuals can rebuild not only their career paths but also their confidence and emotional well-being.


Are you ready to reclaim control over your career while navigating life’s toughest challenges?


 

More Related Articles:

Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Comforting Companion for Lung Cancer Patients

Writer: Lung Cancer GroupLung Cancer Group
Mar 18

Animal-Assisted Therapy can be highly effective in helping individuals manage stress and anxiety through the calming presence of animals. Many patients have shown significant improvement in their emotional well-being after participating in Animal-Assisted Therapy sessions.

Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Comforting Companion for Lung Cancer Patients

Living with lung cancer can be a challenging journey, both physically and emotionally. The toll of treatments, uncertainty about the future, and the emotional strain can leave patients feeling overwhelmed. In recent years, animal-assisted therapy has emerged as a powerful source of comfort and healing. Support animals not only offer companionship but also play a significant role in improving mental well-being.


What Are the Benefits of Support Animals for Cancer Patients?


Support animals, including trained therapy pets and emotional support animals, provide numerous benefits to individuals battling cancer. Here are some key ways they help:


  • Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Studies have shown that spending time with animals can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote relaxation. Their unconditional love and presence create a soothing environment for patients undergoing rigorous treatments.


  • Alleviating Feelings of Loneliness: Many cancer patients experience social isolation, either due to their treatment schedule or their physical limitations. Support animals provide constant companionship, helping to ease feelings of loneliness.


  • Encouraging Physical Activity: For those who can, walking or playing with a pet can encourage movement, which has benefits for both mental and physical health. Light activity can boost mood and improve overall well-being.


  • Enhancing Emotional Resilience: Animals have a unique ability to offer comfort without judgment. Their presence can help patients cope with difficult emotions, providing a sense of stability during challenging times.


What to Consider Before Getting a Support Animal for Cancer Patients


While support animals offer significant benefits, there are important factors to consider before adopting one:


  • Physical Ability and Energy Levels: Caring for an animal requires attention and energy. Patients should consider whether they can meet the pet’s needs or if they have a support system to help.


  • Living Arrangements: Some residences or treatment facilities may have restrictions on pets. It’s important to check policies before committing to an animal companion.


  • Allergies and Sensitivities: Some patients may have allergies or respiratory sensitivities that could be aggravated by certain animals. Consulting with a healthcare provider before adopting a pet is advisable.


  • Emotional Readiness: While pets bring joy, they also require care and attention. Patients should assess whether they are ready for the responsibility and if a pet aligns with their long-term needs.


Animal-assisted therapy and support animals can make a meaningful difference in the lives of lung cancer patients, providing comfort, emotional support, and a sense of companionship during difficult times.


For more information, please visit Lung Cancer Group’s Support Animals Resource.


This article is provided by Lung Cancer Group. Moody Melon Magazine is not affiliated with the organization.

 

More Related Articles:

bottom of page