1. Therapy
A classic conversation and trivia game that walks players through life’s stages (childhood to old age). Often used in counselling or social skills development to promote reflection and empathy.
Target group: Adults and older teens.
Focus: Self-awareness, empathy, group discussion.
2. Therapy: VIP Edition
Adds more personal and humorous prompts to the original Therapy game, inviting playful but insightful dialogue.
Target group: Adults in social or light therapy settings.
Focus: Group bonding, communication.
3. The Talking, Feeling, and Doing Game
A therapeutic staple used by child psychologists since the 1970s. Uses questions and role-play cards to help children express emotions safely.
Target group: Children (6–12).
Focus: Emotional expression, self-regulation.
4. Narrato
A modern reflective board game developed with therapists, where players co-create life narratives based on meaningful themes.
Target group: Adults, adolescents.
Focus: Narrative therapy, meaning-making, life review.
5. You Think You Know Me
A conversation game about empathy and perception — players guess how others would respond to statements.
Target group: Families, therapy groups, friends.
Focus: Interpersonal understanding, social connection.
6. Dixit
Though not built for therapy, it’s widely used by counsellors to evoke imagination, emotional literacy, and nonverbal communication through storytelling and art.
Target group: All ages.
Focus: Symbolic thinking, creativity, emotional insight.
7. Wavelength
A cooperative guessing game where players interpret abstract concepts on a mental “spectrum.” Excellent for group communication and perspective-taking exercises.
Target group: Teens and adults.
Focus: Cognitive flexibility, empathy, teamwork.
8. Horrible Therapist
A satirical party game about dysfunctional therapy sessions, often used for humour-based icebreakers in group sessions that focus on reframing stress.
Target group: Adults comfortable with dark humour.
Focus: Stress relief, cognitive reframing.
9. The Ungame
A non-competitive conversation card game designed for values clarification and communication, often used in counselling and youth programs.
Target group: Families, schools, therapy groups.
Focus: Self-expression, empathy, communication.
10. Totika
A Jenga-style game where players answer therapeutic questions when removing blocks. Topics include self-esteem, social skills, and coping.
Target group: Children and adolescents.
Focus: Self-esteem, emotional communication.
11. Inside Out: Thought Bubbles Game
Based on the Pixar film, this game helps children recognise and express different emotions in a safe context.
Target group: Children (5–10).
Focus: Emotional literacy, self-regulation.
12. Stop, Relax & Think Game
A CBT-inspired card game for children focusing on impulse control, relaxation, and social problem-solving.
Target group: Children (6–12).
Focus: Behavioural regulation, coping skills.
13. Peaceable Kingdom: Friends and Neighbors
A cooperative game designed to teach empathy and social problem-solving in early childhood.
Target group: Preschoolers.
Focus: Emotional awareness, cooperation.
14. Cortex Challenge
A fast-paced brain game used in cognitive rehabilitation to enhance memory, coordination, and reaction time.
Target group: Adults and older adults.
Focus: Cognitive stimulation, brain fitness.
15. When I Dream
A surreal storytelling game that encourages imagination, turn-taking, and communication — useful for creative therapy and social interaction.
Target group: Teens and adults.
Focus: Storytelling, creativity, cooperation.
🔗 BoardGameGeek Links
- Therapy — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4355/therapy
- Therapy: VIP Edition — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/19613/therapy-vip-edition
- The Talking, Feeling, and Doing Game — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/29886/the-talking-feeling-and-doing-game
- Narrato — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/348642/narrato
- You Think You Know Me — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/248034/you-think-you-know-me
- Dixit — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/39856/dixit
- Wavelength — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/262543/wavelength
- Horrible Therapist — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/430572/horrible-therapist
- The Ungame — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1751/ungame
- Totika — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/138143/totika
- Inside Out: Thought Bubbles Game — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/177092/inside-out-thought-bubbles-game
- Stop, Relax & Think Game — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/161792/stop-relax-think-game
- Friends and Neighbors — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/159769/friends-and-neighbors
- Cortex Challenge — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/203435/cortex-challenge
- When I Dream — https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/194655/when-i-dream