We may talk about games, play games, or create game-inspired coping strategies. I may "prescribe" (recommend) games or clips, and I always invite clients to bring what they are playing to session. Ultimately, how video games are used depends on you and your needs.
See below for more information on how we can incoporate games into your treatment plan.
Video games are a signifcant part of today's society. 51+ million adolescents and children and 163+ million adults in the US play games on a regular basis. Games are the number one form of entertainment, surpassing movies and television, and they provide countless opportunities to explore other worlds, try on new identities, and connect with other people.
In addition, numerous games tackle mental health in productive and thoughtful ways, addressing such topics as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, suicide, schizophrenia, and substance use.
Finally, they are fun. Therapy is hard enough as it is.
Games offer a safe way to express painful emotions, explore hard themes, and experiment with new ways of being. Sometimes the only way we can access parts of ourselves is through the adventures of another.
Games provide excellent opportunities to practice such skills as distress tolerance, cognitive flexibility, perspective taking, and mindfulness. They are designed to challenge us and reward our perservence in ways that promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Games offer a great way to conceptualize skill acquisition and therapeutic progress. Who wants to learn coping mechanisms when they can discover power-ups, mix potions, and gain XP?
Games, like anything in life, can become problematic when done in excess. If games are hurting your relationships or getting in the way of work, school, or other responsibilities, I want to help you to regain control and restore balance.
Do you know a gamer and need support yourself? I also offer consulations on topics like the social and emotional benefits of gaming, healthy versus problematic gaming, and parenting gamers.
I have been playing video games since I was 7 years old. Back then, I was all about Super Mario Bros and Kiwi Kraze on the NES.
It wasn't until Dante's Inferno came out on XBOX 360, however, that my lifelong hobby found its way into my career. While finishing up my Ph.D. in English, I began writing and teaching about video games and thereby discovered games' ability to resonate with people in deep and profound ways.
It was thus only natural that my move into the mental health field would include trainings and conferences on integrating geek culture into therapy and an office featuring an HDTV and Nintendo Switch.
As far as games go, my favorites tend to be platformers (Hollow Knight, Symphony of the Night), old-school survival horror (Silent Hill, Rule of Rose), self-referential indie titles (Undertale, Tunic, Inscryption), and the classics (Ocarina of Time, Mega Man).
Interested in learning more about me and my approach beyond video games? Click "Return to Main" in the menu bar.
Individuals, ages 13+
I offer in-person and virtual sessions; however, intake/first sessions must be in person.
$200 Intake / $160 Session
I accept most commercial insurances, including Aetna and BCBS. Please consult Recore Counseling's website for a full list.
$120 per hour
Not Covered by Insurance
If scheduling a consultation, please specify what topic(s) you would like to cover.
To schedule your first session, please contact Recore Counseling or
go to our 
Therapy Portal 
and select "Request Appointment."
