The Easiest Second Language You Will Ever Learn: Video Game Language and Adlerian Play Therapy

Play therapy is an ever-changing practice. One of the hardest decisions is whether to incorporate video games into a play therapy session. The problem is that many still hear about video games from a play therapy client, and it feels like they are listening to a foreign language. Words like steam, spawn, and twitch are all familiar when spoken by a gamer, and they have totally different definitions than what is expected. What is the play therapist to do? How can play therapy be conducted if it feels like there is a language barrier? The solution is to learn the gamer's language. While that may sound daunting, it is the easiest second language you might ever learn. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of video game language to foster connections with their gamer clients. This will serve as a foundation for developing a better understanding of “gamer” language and as a chance to create play therapy interventions and build a more meaningful relationship with gamer play therapy clients. Learning the language of gaming will be the first step to connecting play therapists and gamer play therapy clients.  

2 Non-Contact CE Hours (1 hour on Play Therapy Skills and Methods and 1 hour on Play Therapy Special Topics).  

APT Approved Provider 99-055

League of Extraordinary Adlerian Play Therapists (LEAPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7402. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. League of Extraordinary Adlerian Play Therapists (LEAPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Times are in Central Standard Time

9:00 am Start

11:00 am End

1. Explain how to utilize video game terminology to establish rapport and foster an egalitarian relationship during play therapy sessions.  

2. Identify and demonstrate various video game terms and their incorporation into play therapy interventions.        

3. Demonstrate techniques for asking gaming-related questions that encourage play therapy clients to express their interests and passions.