Where can I find some good therapy games?

Question

I have therapy sessions one-on-one with children, and therapy sessions with the whole family, and I need some games that can be therapeutic and can help us to talk about personal issues. I'd like some games that are made to be therapeutic and some regular games that can be good for talking with each other while playing.

Do any other mental health professionals out there have any specific games to recommend, or know where I can purchase therapy games? Is there anyone out there who has been part of a therapy session in which you played a game that you can recommend?

Thank you for all the suggestions so far! Please keep them coming I'd appreciate as many as possible.

Answer 1

For families - I love the games "Chatter Matters" and "Lifestories" (just make sure you don't get the Christian version - unless you are a Christian counselor)

Individually, it depends on what you are working on. I get many of my things at www.couragetochange.com and www.selfesteemshop.com sometimes I get the game names there and then get them cheaper on amazon.

Answer 2

There is a "Discovery" game called Never Ending Story. You draw a card and use the word or phrase to start a story. Everyone takes their turn and continues where the last person left off. With that in mind, you could probably make your own cards and just have fun with it. If there is a child
who can't read, read the card for them. Younger children can add a great deal to this kind of game! I am not sure what kind of therapy you wanted. Hope this is helpful! Discovery toys are sold like Avon. They are officially known as Discovery Toys. They are rated by age. Try googling to find a dealer in your area.

Answer 3

This is not a game but I have seen it work in a group of mentally challenged adults and it might help you. It is art. Sometimes you can just draw lines to represent emotions. You can use colours in a similar way. One thing they did was draw an island on a large paper table cloth. Everybody walked around the table drawing things they needed on the island. You can pass around a piece of paper and everyone has there own colour to add to it. Everyone draws lines or shapes if they want and then you turn the paper around different ways to see if there is anything identifiable on it. These all encourage productive conversation. I am sure there is more on art therapy if you look online.

Answer 4

I don't know any relevant games, but with your job I believe you would love reading the book: "Dibs in search of self"

It relates the story of the healing process in a boy called Dibs who was helped by a play therapist.