What is Game Therapy? Who is a Game Therapist?

Game Therapists are allied health professionals who can originate from many streams.

Game Therapists can be occupational therapists, social workers, diversional therapists, counsellors, or recreation therapists.

Game Therapists can also come from vocational backgrounds: allied health assistants, leisure and lifestyle workers, social support workers, and community access workers.

They may have certificates and training in cognitive stimulation therapy, leisure and health, counselling, or social support. Whatever their education stream, Game Therapists hold true to the tenets of the Philosophy of Leisure.

The Philosophy of Leisure

“The social meaning of work derives from the acts of creation it makes possible. The creative use of leisure suggests a philosophy which may be summarized under the ideas of integrity of purpose, liberty to choose goals, ob jectivity, equality in fellowship, common command of skills, growth, and inner joy.”
A Philosophy of Leisure – Willard C. Sutherland, 1957 – SAGE Journals
journals.sagepub.com › doi › abs

What types of services are available?

Game Therapy services can include:

showing you how to make the best use of your existing friendship networks in relation to gaming.
visits to your home
helping you play games with your peers
playing games with you or against you
helping you find others to game with in your region
helping you with shopping for games and other related activities
helping you to access gaming groups and recreational activities.
helping you to make your own gaming equipment and terrain
helping you to paint your gaming items and gaming miniatures
visits to community gaming settings like the Recreation Room at the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre
social advice and training for gaming situations, or gaming methods to suit social conditions.

Community Visitors Scheme
If you are feeling alone and don’t have regular contact with family or friends, the Game Therapy Network can provide opportunities for social contact

When do I need social support services?
If you are feeling isolated and you are not sure how to get involved in gaming activities, then social support services like the Game Therapy Network will help you stay socially active.

Game Partners and Other Players
The Game Therapy Network has relationships with many care agencies and volunteer networks across Victoria. As such, they can organise players to visit people receiving home care packages from their own support agency or from another.
A Game Therapist will take into account things like your interests, hobbies and background in finding a game partner for you.
Your family and friends can also let your provider know if they think you would benefit from a Game Therapist. Your home care provider may also approach the Game Therapy Network directly. To find a Game Therapist in your area, you can use the Geo-location page on this website.
The Game Therapy Network can give you real advice on utilizing your existing gaming network in a care capacity, giving your gaming friends an opportunity to be paid to game with you.

Social support and activities
At it’s core, the Game Therapy Network is a social support service that can help you to maintain an active social life by having someone visit you in your home, or by arranging visits and outings in the community, to play games.

A Game Therapist may take you to a game club, a game shop, to a game convention, or to a game event.

They may give you advice and training on how to conduct yourself in these environments.
They may find you in a hospital or rehabilitation setting.

Social support and activities can help you find a place where you feel supported and can help prevent loneliness and isolation.

Where do I receive social support services?
In most cases, you will receive these services in your own home, or in the community when you are accessing community services or facilities.
Game Therapists from the Game Therapy Network are building networks across Melbourne and Victoria in rehabilitation settings, community houses, and gaming settings.

How much does it cost?
The Australian Government subsidises a range of Game Therapy services in Australia through government packages and financial supports.
If your personal circumstances allow, it is expected you will contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to do so.
If you come across a Game Therapist in a hospital or rehabilitation setting it will, in the majority of cases, be a free service.
Any fees and eligibility for subsidies will be discussed and agreed upon with your Game Therapist before you receive the relevant services.

Please note : We are not an organisation, association, or company in our own right.