LF Wisdom: Integrating Video Game Themes into Evidence-Based Psychotherapeutic Practice

Themes like persevering against overwhelming odds, navigating trauma and posttraumatic growth, and negotiating sociocultural norms and individual values are prevalent in many video games. This presentation aims to identify and pair recurring themes in video game narratives (e.g., identity, relationship dynamics) with psychosocial factors vital for mental well-being (e.g., community) that resonate with aspects of mental health. By linking these themes to well-known psychotherapeutic approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy, the presentation will contribute to broader discussions about the role commercial video games can play in therapeutic practices. Attendees will be equipped with practical strategies to enhance their therapeutic engagements, utilizing video games as a tool to foster personal growth and improve the mental well-being of clients.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine current research on the integration of video game themes with psychotherapy, focusing on their application in geek culture in therapy and mental well-being.
2. Identify mental health recurring themes (related to mental health and well-being) found within commercial video games.
3. Offer discussion points and action items for practitioners interested in integrating video games into mental health treatment.
4. Demonstrate practical methods for applying video game narratives in therapeutic settings, using case studies or examples to illustrate effective strategies.