Psychologists use video games to help children in difficulty, and it works!

Based in Saint-Grégoire in Ille-et-Vilaine, two Breton psychologists have set up therapeutic workshops using video games to help children fight against problems such as school or online bullying and screen addiction.

Alice Davoine and Géraldine Michaux, psychologists at Saint-Grégoire, have developed innovative workshops for children in difficulty. To support them in the face of bullying, school phobia or screen addiction, they use video games as a therapeutic tool, by identifying the affinities of the youngest and inviting them to share their gaming experiences. And the results are promising.

Video games as a therapeutic tool

The two psychologists know that each person is unique. So, to create personalized therapeutic scenarios, they start by identifying children’s interests and play habits.

“ For example, we teach an eight-year-old child who develops constructions through play Minecraft with a finality of destruction at the end, to also build passages », explains Géraldine Michaux. This approach helps psychologists use play as a means of communicating and understanding children’s problems.

They use video games as a reflection of the challenges and emotions that young people encounter in their daily lives. “ The game plays out what happens in real life. Some children take refuge in play where they are more valued and recognized », underlines one of the two professionals.

Here, they help children to better understand and express their emotions and feelings, while promoting an environment of support and trust.

Workshops that remain financially accessible

For children facing more serious problems such as dropping out of school or bullying, psychologists offer a program called “Petit a”. The latter includes an initial assessment with the child and their parents, as well as six sessions of therapeutic workshops. Generally, the screens are put aside after only a few sessions, to encourage exchanges between children and their therapists.

These workshops have a cost, obviously. It was set by the two professionals at 300 euros, with full coverage depending on the case by the Family Allowance Fund (CAF) or the Department of Disabled People (MDPH).

The certain financial accessibility allows a greater number of children in difficulty to benefit from these unique interventions. Alice Davoine and Géraldine Michaux believe that current technologies can be a valuable solution to help children, by identifying underlying vulnerabilities and offering appropriate support. This could potentially open up new therapeutic avenues.

Source : West France