Services

Gaming-Informed Therapy

Therapy through a channel that actually works

For many neurodivergent people, gaming isn't just a hobby — it's a space where they feel competent, connected, and regulated. We meet people there, using games as a genuine therapeutic tool rather than treating them as something to overcome.

What is Gaming-Informed Therapy?

Gaming-informed therapy uses video games as a medium for therapeutic work. This isn't about using games as a reward or treating gaming as problematic — it's about recognising that games create genuine opportunities for skill development, emotional processing, and connection.

Games provide a lower-stakes environment to practice skills that feel overwhelming in real life. They offer immediate feedback, clear rules, and controllable challenge levels — all things that can be difficult to find in everyday situations.

Note on evidence: Gaming-informed therapy is an emerging area of practice. We draw on established principles of play therapy, occupational therapy, and neurodivergent-affirming practice.

Who This Is For

Autistic youth and adults who already love gaming
People with PDA profiles who find traditional therapy too demanding
Anyone whose interests have been dismissed or pathologised
People who struggle to engage in talk-based therapy
Young people transitioning to adult services

How We Use Gaming in Sessions

Building Connection & Trust

Playing together creates genuine connection without the pressure of face-to-face conversation. For PDA profiles especially, this parallel engagement feels safer than direct demands.

Practicing Problem-Solving

Games present problems to solve with immediate feedback. We can observe how someone approaches challenges, where they get stuck, and what strategies help — then translate this to real-world situations.

Emotional Regulation

Games can be regulating (Stardew Valley, Minecraft creative mode) or challenging (competitive games, harder difficulty levels). We use this range intentionally to practice managing different emotional states.

Social Skills in Context

Multiplayer games provide natural opportunities to practice communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution — skills that can feel artificial when taught through worksheets.

What Sessions Look Like

Sessions vary based on the person and their goals. They might include:

  • →Playing Minecraft together while talking through a challenge they're facing
  • →Using a story-driven game to explore emotions and perspectives
  • →Practicing frustration tolerance through progressively challenging games
  • →Co-op games to work on communication and turn-taking
  • →VR experiences for exposure therapy or sensory exploration
  • →Discussing their existing gaming interests as a way to understand their values and strengths

Interested in Gaming-Informed Therapy?

If you or someone you support might benefit from this approach, we'd love to chat about whether it's a good fit.

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