How Games Are Being Used in Grief Counseling
How Games Are Being Used in Grief Counseling
The Healing Power of Play
In the quiet aftermath of loss, grief can feel like an insurmountable mountain—a heavy, isolating experience that defies words. Yet, in recent years, therapists and counselors have begun embracing an unexpected tool to help navigate this emotional terrain: games. Far from trivializing grief, games provide a structured yet gentle way for individuals to process complex emotions, reconnect with joy, and find solace in shared experiences.
Creating Safe Spaces for Expression
Traditional talk therapy isn’t always the right fit for everyone, especially children or those who struggle to articulate their sorrow. Games—whether board games, video games, or role-playing activities—offer an alternative pathway. Titles like Grief Out Loud or The Memory Game encourage players to share stories, reflect on their loved ones, and explore their feelings in a low-pressure environment. The act of play itself can dissolve emotional barriers, allowing grief to surface in manageable, bite-sized moments.
Digital Worlds as Emotional Sanctuaries
Video games, in particular, have emerged as powerful therapeutic tools. Games like Spiritfarer, where players guide spirits to the afterlife, or Gris, a visually stunning journey through sorrow and renewal, provide allegorical experiences that mirror the grieving process. These digital landscapes allow players to project their emotions onto characters and narratives, fostering catharsis without the direct intensity of personal confrontation.
Building Connections Through Multiplayer Experiences
Grief can be profoundly lonely, but multiplayer and cooperative games help combat isolation. Online communities built around games like Minecraft or Animal Crossing offer safe spaces where mourners can socialize, create memorials, or simply exist in the company of others who understand. Therapists sometimes facilitate group sessions using these platforms, blending structured counseling with the organic comfort of shared gameplay.
The Future of Grief Therapy
As the field of grief counseling evolves, games are poised to play an even greater role. Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) are being tested for exposure therapy, allowing individuals to revisit meaningful places or memories in a controlled setting. Meanwhile, tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons are being adapted to help players explore loss through storytelling and metaphor.
Games won’t erase grief—nor should they. But by offering creativity, connection, and a gentle framework for healing, they are proving that even in sorrow, play can be a profound act of resilience.
“In the game of grief, the rules are yours to shape.”
