Pathways to Peace 

When it comes to therapy, especially with children, keeping things fun and interactive can make a huge difference. I’ve found that incorporating engaging therapy activities into sessions not only helps kids open up but also makes the whole process feel less intimidating. One of the best ways to do this? Games! Yes, games can be powerful tools in therapy. They create a safe space for expression, learning, and growth. Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorite counseling g

Personality Zoo is a fantastic tool for counselors, therapists, and parents to connect with kids in a meaningful way. It’s engaging, insightful, and perfect for helping children express themselves while you gain valuable insights into their inner world.

Thankful Heart is a Thanksgiving-themed CBT game aimed at helping develop positive self-talk and foster a sense of gratefulness.

Five Below has many inexpensive games and activities that can become powerful therapy tools when working with children.

Anxiety can feel like a heavy cloud hanging over a child’s day, making it tough for them to focus, play, or even relax. As someone who’s passionate about helping kids find their calm, I’m excited to share how CBT games can be a game-changer in managing anxiety.

Burount is real in the counseling world! We are constantly exposed to second-hand trauma and carry many emotional burdens. To complicate matters further, we must set our own experiences and feelings aside to be present with our clients. Self-care is vital to your health and longevity in the field. This article will highlight five daily self-care habits you can implement to avoid burnout.

There are many creative ways to use pipe cleaners in play therapy, but some are absolutely fantastic. I've scoured the web for some inspiration, and it hasn't disappointed. There are so many ideas, as each of these offers different metaphors and ways to incorporate symbolism into therapy.

Snack-O-Saurus Rex is a fun, engaging game with some powerful play therapy uses. The imagery offers a segue into discussions of food issues, while the triggering events in gameplay can be insightful in family therapy.

Turning Trauma into Treasures is a CBT game to help children process trauma. Perspective matters. The lens through which we view ourselves and others will greatly affect how we feel about what we have been through. This game is designed to challenge children to think the best of themselves, increase resilience, and find support figures when times are tough. It will also help them process parts of their trauma narrative in a playful setting. This game is not specific to the ty

Help children develop a healthy sense of self by utilizing powerful CBT books, games, and play interventions in therapy.

Enjoy this FREE St. Patrick's Day CBT game available as a PDF download or for telehealth / online therapy.

ANT Invasion is an engaging book and interactive game designed to help children identify and transform automatic negative thoughts. The story centers on a young boy troubled by intrusive thoughts, who discovers that he can "blow up" these negative ideas by speaking truth to them. Ultimately, he learns effective skills to find peace and quiet his mind.

Parents often struggle to find the balance between giving their children what they want and setting limits. Some parents are more comfortable giving their children freedom, while others struggle to do so. While we often think of it as giving more freedom as children grow older, the practical reality is that it is more of a dance. We give freedom, then pull it back in when the child is not showing responsibility.

Yelling comes naturally to many, yet it is often unproductive and backfires. While it might light a fire under them and get them up and going in the moment, the long-term effects are usually not good. Children become resentful, become yellers themselves, or learn to ignore it. This leads to more frustration and can make you feel out of control. This article will help you learn why yelling doesn't work and what other parenting interventions you can use instead.

Building self-worth in children is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. As counselors, therapists, and parents, we often seek effective tools to help kids navigate their emotions and develop a healthy sense of self. One powerful approach is through self-esteem games that encourage positive thinking and resilience.

Becoming a therapist is not for the faint of heart. Our job can be grueling. We come into this field to help and serve others. But some of our clients are like wells that always run dry. There is never enough of us to fill the vacuum. We give and give, but it seems not enough for some. Perhaps the trauma is too deep. Or maybe they lack the desire to persevere and overcome. Often, a failed system harms rather than helps. With children, it is often due to a deeply broken famil

Protect the Dino, a spin-off of Don't Break the Ice, can easily be adapted for play therapy use with a few modifications and creativity.

I’m thrilled to have one of my activities featured in the NEW BOOK launching September 9: The Game Therapy Toolbox! Liana Lowenstein has graciously added Angry Birds Truth Bombs as one of the highlighted games in her new book. I feel honored and excited to be included.

How can Hearing Things be used for therapy? We will explore the pros and cons of this game in this post. A video description is also available.

Robot Face Race appears to be a fun and engaging game. The packaging and imagery are appealing and draw you in. The concept seemed like...