The Surprising Therapeutic Value of Video Games

The therapeutic value of video games is becoming more recognized—especially among play therapists, trauma professionals, and families supporting children through emotional or behavioral challenges. While the public conversation often focuses on screen time limits and concerns, what gets overlooked is how interactive play can support regulation, executive functioning, and even relational healing.

This article explores how video games can be integrated into therapeutic frameworks for children and teens—and how research increasingly supports what many of us in the therapy world already see in our sessions.

🎮 Emotional Regulation and the Therapeutic Value of Video Games

In play therapy, children often regulate through rhythm, repetition, and symbolic mastery. Video games mirror this process. From trying again after losing a level to navigating frustration and perseverance, games offer ongoing opportunities for practicing emotional control.

Biofeedback-based games like Mightier—developed at Boston Children’s Hospital—use heart rate data and gameplay to teach kids real-time regulation. Clinical studies show that children who played Mightier had fewer outbursts and improved emotional awareness over time (Mightier Research).

Even commercial games like Minecraft, Animal Crossing, or Super Mario Odyssey offer developmentally appropriate challenges that allow children to work through emotions safely—especially with the support of a therapist or parent who understands their triggers and needs.

🧠 Executive Functioning and the Therapeutic Value of Video Games

Executive functioning involves planning, impulse control, memory, and flexible thinking. It’s one of the most common areas we target in therapy with kids navigating trauma, ADHD, and emotional dysregulation.

Several studies, including a large-scale JAMA Network Open trial, have demonstrated improvements in working memory and attention in children who play video games regularly (JAMA Study).

Games like Overcooked, Portal 2, or Zelda: Breath of the Wild require players to organize information, pivot strategies, and persist under pressure. These skills translate directly to classroom settings and real-life problem-solving—and when supported in therapy, they become an empowering part of a child’s toolbox.

💬 Social Connection Through Co-Play and Gaming Communities

The therapeutic value of video games also includes their capacity to foster social interaction. Especially for kids who struggle with in-person relationships due to anxiety, neurodivergence, or trauma, games can serve as bridges—not barriers—to connection.

Research in therapeutic game-based interventions has shown that shared gameplay can improve social-emotional learning, promote collaboration, and reduce isolation (BMJ SPARX Study).

In therapy, I’ve used games like Stardew Valley, It Takes Two, and even Roblox to encourage communication, problem-solving, and co-regulation between siblings or peers. These aren't just distractions—they're structured opportunities for guided relational work.

🌱 Narrative Storytelling and the Therapeutic Value of Video Games

Narrative-driven games offer something uniquely powerful: the ability to step inside a story, make choices, and live with the consequences. This mirrors therapeutic storytelling and sandplay, where clients externalize their internal world.

Games like Spiritfarer, Journey, or Life is Strange let players explore loss, identity, grief, and resilience in a safe space. For many kids and teens, this kind of gameplay becomes a container for processing big emotions and building new narratives.

In structured sessions, these games can serve as prompts for reflection:

• What did you notice about your choices?

• Did the character feel like anyone you know?

• How did the ending make you feel?

These are the same types of questions we might use in art therapy or bibliotherapy—and they work just as well through a controller.

🎯 Integrating Video Games Into Therapeutic Practice

Video games aren’t a replacement for therapy. But when used intentionally, they can support everything therapy aims to do: teach regulation, build connection, explore identity, and foster growth.

Here’s what we now know from research:

• Games like Mightier reduce anger outbursts and increase emotional regulation.

• 3D puzzle games support working memory and impulse control in children with ADHD.

• Narrative games help teens externalize trauma and process identity.

• Cooperative gameplay enhances social and communication skills.

As therapists and caregivers, our role isn’t just to limit access—but to help kids use what they love in ways that are empowering, connected, and healing.

📚 Want more on this topic? Read our companion article: Why Video Games Aren’t Ruining Your Child’s Brain

💡 Learn More or Book a Consultation

💡 Learn More or Get in Touch

At Seven Stones Mental Health, we believe healing should be accessible, engaging, and relevant—especially for kids navigating trauma, anxiety, or emotional regulation challenges. That’s why our therapy often includes play, art, storytelling, and even video games.

All therapy services are offered through our partner practice, Alfrey and Pruitt Counseling, where our trauma-informed team supports children, teens, adults, and families.

👉 Explore Our Therapy Services
👉 Meet Our Therapists
👉 Contact Us to Get Started

Interested in clinical consultation or supervision? You're welcome to use the contact form to inquire. A dedicated page for Seven Stones consultation services is coming soon.