Thinking of using video games therapeutically?

Publications
Written By Ellie Finch

Image source: Minecraft

’m proud to be a part of the Children and Young People (CYP) steering group at the Association for Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO). The steering group has been revising the ACTO CYP competencies for members working online with children and young people. The revised competencies were launched last week and I was asked by ACTO to write an accompanying blog mapping the competencies to how to work safely online using video games with children and young people.

You can read my blog here: https://www.acto.org.uk/thinking-of-using-video-games-therapeutically/ And the new ACTO CYP competencies are here: https://www.acto.org.uk/about/acto-competences-for-cyp-online-therapists/

Ellie Finch

Ellie Finch, MA MBACP (Accred), is a clinical supervisor, counsellor, and social worker specialising in support for neurodivergent clients and families of children with additional needs or complex conditions.

Her work is rooted in a neurodiversity-affirming approach, which values neurodivergence as a natural variation in human experience and focuses on building supportive, respectful environments rather than 'fixing' difference.

Ellie is known for her innovative use of creative digital tools and videogames like Minecraft in therapy to create accessible, engaging support. She is founder of PlayMode Academy, a non-profit social venture that trains professionals in the therapeutic use of creative digital tools.

PlayMode® Academy is part of Ellie Finch Counselling, Consultancy and Training Ltd, a non-profit company limited by guarantee (a structure often used by social ventures in the UK).

Ellie is also part of the University of Cambridge research team behind Bridging the ChASM: Creating Accessible Services using Minecraft - a project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) that explores the therapeutic potential of videogames and how they can be used to create more inclusive mental health support.

NOT AN OFFICIAL MINECRAFT SERVICE. NOT APPROVED BY OR ASSOCIATED WITH MOJANG OR MICROSOFT

https://www.playmodeacademy.org
Previous

Guest blog for Minecraft: Education Edition website
Next

My Practice in the BACP journal Therapy Today