Gaming for Mental Health

By: Bruised Wayne.  If you had told me a year ago that I would find a profound therapeutic tool in a hyper-realistic SWAT simulator, I would have gently suggested we explore that thought in our next session. As a semi-retired therapist, my career has been built on traditional frameworks: talk therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and the sacred space of the counseling room. My realm was the internal landscape of the mind, navigating the traumas, addictions, and anxieties that people carried with them. I started as a substance abuse counselor; I’ve seen the harsh aftermath of poor choices and systemic failure. I believed I understood a certain stratum of human struggle. And yet, there was a chasm in my understanding—one that existed right across my own dinner table. My extended family is, for all intents and purposes, a law enforcement family. Uncles, cousins, in-laws—their careers span from local patrol officers to federal agents. Our family gatherings are a unique blend of wor...

  Self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. By taking the time to examine our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our impact on the world around us. This process of introspection allows us to identify our strengths and weaknesses, make positive changes, and improve our overall well-being. • Benefits of self-reflection Engaging in self-reflection offers numerous benefits, especially in counseling and coaching settings. Firstly, it enhances self-awareness, which is the foundation of personal growth. By becoming more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we can identify patterns, triggers, and self-limiting beliefs that may be hindering our progress. This newfound self-awareness empowers us to challenge and modify these negative patterns, leading to lasting positive change. Secondly, self-reflection fosters empathy and understanding towards others. When we take the time to deeply reflect on our own ...

Breaking up with your therapist can feel a bit awkward, like breaking up with someone you're dating. But hey, at least you don't have to go through the emotional rollercoaster of finding a new therapist. So let's dive into an expert's guide to breaking up with your therapist and find better self-improvement options.  Signs it’s time to break up 🤔 Breaking up with your therapist is not an easy decision. After all, they've been the one person you've been pouring your heart out to every week. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, the therapeutic relationship just isn't working out.  So how do you know when it's time to call it quits? One sign that it might be time to break up with your therapist is if your sessions aren't making you feel better overall. Look, we all have bad days, and therapy can be emotionally challenging. But if you consistently leave your sessions feeling worse than when you arrived, that's a red flag.  Therapy should be a s...