When most people think of therapy, they imagine sitting across from a counselor in a quiet office, talking through feelings and challenges. But therapy is evolving, and for many people—especially children, teens, and young adults—it’s taking an unexpected form: video games. Geek Therapy is a form of creative therapy that uses elements from geek culture like computer games, comics, Sci-fi and fantasy movies or series, tabletop games and other fandom interests as tools or mediums.

Video game therapy, blends the world of psychology with the interactive nature of gaming. Instead of just talking, clients engage in play, using games as a bridge to communication, healing, and growth. Our therapist, Amber Sexton, is experienced in providing these types of therapy. 

Why Games Work in Therapy

Games are powerful because they’re immersive. They pull us into new worlds, give us goals, and challenge us in ways that feel safe and rewarding. For someone who struggles to open up in traditional therapy, playing a cooperative game or navigating a virtual world can create a sense of ease. Walls come down, conversations flow more naturally, and learning feels less forced.

The Benefits of Gaming Therapy

One of the biggest benefits is emotional support. Games provide a sense of accomplishment and control—something that’s incredibly valuable for those dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma. They offer an opportunity to practice problem-solving, regulate emotions, and even experiment with different identities in safe, virtual spaces.

But gaming therapy isn’t only about the individual. Multiplayer games open the door to social growth. By working together to solve puzzles or complete missions, clients practice teamwork, communication, and empathy. This makes gaming therapy especially helpful for kids and adults on the autism spectrum or those struggling with social anxiety.

Even physical health gets a boost. Motion-based games, like those played on VR headsets or systems like the Nintendo Wii, are being used in occupational and physical therapy. These sessions help with coordination, movement, and rehabilitation, all while keeping clients engaged.

What a Session Might Look Like

Imagine sitting down with a therapist, not across from a couch, but side by side with a controller in hand. Together, you might build a world in Minecraft, navigate a cooperative challenge in Overcooked, or explore calming virtual landscapes designed for mindfulness. As the game progresses, the therapist guides conversation—drawing parallels between in-game challenges and real-life struggles, helping the client notice patterns, and celebrating successes.

It’s not about “just playing games.” Each session is intentional. The therapist carefully chooses games that align with the client’s goals, whether that’s practicing patience, building social skills, or confronting fears in a controlled setting.

The Bigger Picture

Gaming therapy is still a growing field, but it’s proving that healing doesn’t have to look traditional. For some, the idea of therapy feels intimidating. But give them a controller, and suddenly, they’re engaged, motivated, and open. Games make therapy approachable and, in many ways, more human.

In the end, gaming therapy is a reminder that healing can come in unexpected forms. Sometimes, the best way to work through life’s challenges isn’t just by talking—but by playing.