We give you opportunity
About Our Network
The Game Therapy Network is a platform that’s connects individuals with practitioners, organisations, and businesses who provide therapeutic support in the form of positive, inclusive and therapeutic gaming.
Game Therapists join recreational therapy and art therapy to benefit people in all stages of life with community integration and social support as the goal.
For a list of our services (and legal requirements) and how best to contact a Game Therapist who suits you, follow this link: Game Therapy Services.
Click the Games On Offer tab for a complete listing of games from Game Therapists in this network, or click on a Game Therapists Name to see the games they have access to.
The Game Therapy directory lists the board games, table top games, card games, role-playing games and games in general that the Game Therapists involved in this network have access to: and on short notice can play with you (no matter your circumstance.)
Each page in The Game Therapy Directory lists the game and the rules in both written and video form. To come will be tutorials on how to play and what to watch out for when learning the games when you are both player and instructor.
We can even organise group-play to build your network of game playing friends.
To further this end The Game Spaces Directory uses a geo-location function to find inclusive game stores, hobby stores, public places and therapeutic gaming practitioners near you.
Please note : We are not an organisation, association, or company in our own right.
Working with :
Mable (formerly Better Caring)
Aspergers Victoria
Banyule Council
Austin Health
Department of Health and Human Services
Carinya Society
The Victorian State Education Department
And more!
Game Spaces
Games on Offer
Numbers League
A Superhero themed math based standalone card game for ages 8 and up. Villains lurk in the streets of Infinity City and the only hope is the Numbers League. Assemble…
Portobello Market
London, 1901. At the world famous Portobello Market, the goal in the morning is to secure the best places to build stalls. Try to place your stalls in the most lucrative…
Pirates of the 7 Seas
Pirates of the 7 Seas is an innovative, fast and competitive board game full of events from everyday pirate life: plundering, old maps, and horrible gigantic krakens. Adventures, new ports…
Otys
Mid-22nd century, after 300 years of unconsciousness, the water rising engulfs the last emerged lands. Fighting for their lives, the survivor’s settlements must remain above the sea level. You live…
Odin’s Ravens
Every morning Odin sends his ravens, Huginn and Muninn, across the entire world to bring back news of what life is like on Earth. Naturally, after thousands of years, they’ve…
Relevant Posts
Educational Resources
The following published resources have been essential to my development as a proponent of game therapy. This is not an exhaustive list of everything that exists in this field –…
This Murder She Wrote with Lovecraft Roleplaying game is perfect for Aged Care Settings
When I worked in agedcare as a diversional therapist, I backed this kickstarter project. It’s essentially a murdershewrote roleplayinggame with a bit of lovecraft thrown in. I’ve had the ebooks…
Parkinson’s Disease affects movement, balance, and sometimes speech, often in mid-to-late adulthood.
Living with Parkinson’s can feel isolating. Tabletop games re-focus attention on shared goals. Moving game pieces, rolling dice, and storytelling can help maintain fine motor skills. Group play is a…
I discovered Modge Podge
2024: Year of the Mod Podge #gametherapy#rectherapy#wellbeing#hobby#craft#art#terrain#tabletop#view#modpodge#game#therapy
Early-Stage Dementia & Tabletop Play
As diversional therapists we know that when a loved one enters the early stages of dementia, meaningful recreation takes on real therapeutic value. Board games, role-playing games and online adaptations…
A Carer’s Guide: Helping Your Teen Join Game Communities
Carers and parents are pivotal in connecting teens to hobby communities. Start by mapping interests (RPGs, minis, strategy), checking BoardGameGeek to find locally popular titles, and choosing initial formats (one-shot…
LGBTIQA+ Recreation Support Worker
Elodie Lloyd (they/them) is my assistant in my daytime #DND program for #ASD kids (10-17) who are #schoolrefusers presenting with #PDA and# RSD. They also run Asperger Victoria’s Women’s &…
Depression casts a shadow on energy, motivation, and joy. Social withdrawal is common, as everything feels heavy.
Roleplaying games offer small, attainable goals. Joining a game doesn’t always require much energy, but little wins—solving a puzzle, saving a friend—give a boost. Play is flexible; participation adapts to…
Macular degeneration affects central vision, most common as people age. Reading and detailed work become challenging, but creativity is untouched.
Narrative games require imagination, not perfect eyesight. Group story means talking, listening, and visualizing rather than reading lengthy rules. Adaptations—like large-print sheets, audio aids—let everyone keep up. Online gaming allows…
Epilepsy causes seizures, which can be unpredictable. Stigma, safety, and focus issues challenge participation in traditional activities.
Epilepsy causes seizures, which can be unpredictable. Stigma, safety, and focus issues challenge participation in traditional activities. Narrative role-playing breaks the mold. Sessions can pause for safety; stories continue where…
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) creates periods of fatigue, weakness, and unpredictable symptoms. Energy and movement can vary daily.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) creates periods of fatigue, weakness, and unpredictable symptoms. Energy and movement can vary daily. Tabletop roleplaying is energy-friendly. Participation is flexible, and social connection grows regardless of…
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) makes even simple situations stressful. Worry and tension can affect every part of life.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) makes even simple situations stressful. Worry and tension can affect every part of life. Roleplaying games allow practice in handling stress, but within a playful and…
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) brings persistent thoughts and urges—habits that can interfere with daily life.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) brings persistent thoughts and urges—habits that can interfere with daily life. Tabletop games bring structured challenge; routines and rituals can be safely explored and practiced through…
Sensory Processing Disorder means the brain has trouble dealing with everyday sights, sounds, smells, or movement.
Sensory Processing Disorder means the brain has trouble dealing with everyday sights, sounds, smells, or movement. Crowds, bright lights, and noise can feel overwhelming. Narrative games cater to comfort. Play…
Aphasia is difficulty with language after a brain injury or stroke. Speaking, reading, or writing can be hard, but meaning and intelligence are as strong as ever.
Aphasia is difficulty with language after a brain injury or stroke. Speaking, reading, or writing can be hard, but meaning and intelligence are as strong as ever. Tabletop storytelling lets…
Childhood trauma has long-lasting impacts—on confidence, relationships, and trust. For many, group play feels risky.
Tabletop roleplay creates safe challenges. Children (and grown-ups) control their stories and practice new endings. Group sessions validate experience, promote gentle teamwork, and transform threat into opportunity. Online options mean…
Intellectual disability covers a range of functioning. Learning, problem-solving, and social interaction can all require tailored approaches.
Intellectual disability covers a range of functioning. Learning, problem-solving, and social interaction can all require tailored approaches. Roleplaying games can be adapted for any skill level: simplified rules, visual aids,…
Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game fixed it’s Colour Blindness issue when it updated editions … and got it right.
Accessibility Improvements in Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game — From 1st to 2nd Edition When Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game first launched in 2012, it was celebrated for its detailed…
Making Games Social: Strengthening Connection for Older Adults
For older adults, especially those participating in community health programs, social connection is often as important as the games themselves. Game sessions can become a space not only for cognitive…
Winning Older Adults Over with New fangled Games
Introducing older adults to new games can be both rewarding and challenging. Games offer cognitive stimulation, social connection, and emotional engagement, but initial hesitation is common. Many seniors may feel…
Overcoming Reticence in Learning Games for People with Health Challenges
Learning to play new games can be daunting for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for individuals with health issues, whether physical, cognitive, or emotional. Reticence — a reluctance…
15 Therapeutic and Serious Games on BoardGameGeek
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…
Encouraging Children to Play Board Games: Building Connection and Confidence
Board games are more than just a source of entertainment — they can foster social skills, patience, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. For caregivers, introducing children to board games is an…