Integrating Geek Culture Into Therapeutic Practice: The Clinician's Guide to Geek Therapy

Integrating Geek Culture Into Therapeutic Practice: The Clinician's Guide to Geek Therapy
Author: Anthony Bean
Publisher: Leyline Publishing
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2020-09-30
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 9781734866032

Have you ever had a client who talks about Video Games, Dungeons and Dragons, Anime, or Comic Books? Likely they identify as a Geek. Being a geek can be seen as difficult for many; the social awkwardness, ineptitude, and judgment from others leads individuals to feel isolated in a world of their own. Geeks, by traditional definition, are passionate about anthologies and characters from a variety of fictional, fantasy, and virtual formats that are sometimes niche or unpopular, creating feelings of relatedness towards avatar experiences in an often otherwise lonely life. Integrating Geek Culture into Therapeutic Practice: The Clinician's Guide to Geek Therapy is a comprehensive compendium of how Geek Therapy clinicians and scholars currently use a variety of games, media artifacts, and other geek culture items in therapeutic context and intervention. Even more important, the authors within this book are currently at the forefront of their research fields and are accordingly considered experts within the growing field of Geek Therapy clinical practice. Throughout the book, leading researchers within the field of Psychology, Communication Studies, and more have been able to provide clinical examples, research-based approaches, and specifics about how to utilize these items therapeutically - further enhancing the material and providing solid supportive guidance for clinicians. Clinicians reading this can develop further competence and understanding of the concepts found within their practices which will be helpful for their personal success and cultural competence to best serve their clientele. These modalities have resulted in clients experiencing: Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms Improved self-esteem Richer interpersonal interactions Greater social and school engagement and Superior development of social skills and problem solving These techniques are being used to improve overall psychological well-being across all ages, as well as focusing on the specific needs of targeted populations, such as those with ADHD, ASD, PTSD, and mood and anxiety disorders.

Digital Play Therapy

Digital Play Therapy
Author: Jessica Stone
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 207
Release: 2020-05-28
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0429671229

Digital Play Therapy focuses on the responsible integration of technology into play therapy. With a respect for the many different modalities and approaches under the play therapy umbrella, this book incorporates therapist fundamentals, play therapy tenets, and practical information for the responsible integration of digital tools into play therapy treatment. Written in a relatable manner, this book provides both the foundation and practical information for confident use of digital tools and brings play therapy, and therapy in general, forward into the 21st century. Digital Play Therapy provides a solid grounding both for clinicians who are brand new to the incorporation of digital tools as well as to those who have already begun to witness the powerful therapeutic dynamic of digital play therapy.

The Routledge Handbook of Role-Playing Game Studies

The Routledge Handbook of Role-Playing Game Studies
Author: José P. Zagal
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 588
Release: 2024-06-27
Genre: Games & Activities
ISBN: 1040029760

This Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to the latest research on role-playing games (RPGs) across disciplines, cultures, and media in one single, accessible volume. Collaboratively authored by more than 40 key scholars, it traces the history of RPGs, from wargaming precursors to tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons to the rise of live-action role-play and contemporary computer RPG and massively multiplayer online RPG franchises, like Baldur’s Gate, Genshin Impact, and World of Warcraft. Individual chapters survey the perspectives, concepts, and findings on RPGs from key disciplines, like performance studies, sociology, psychology, education, economics, game design, literary studies, and more. Other chapters integrate insights from RPG studies around broadly significant topics, like worldbuilding, immersion, and player-character relations, as well as explore actual play and streaming, diversity, equity, inclusion, jubensha, therapeutic uses of RPGs, and storygames, journaling games, and other forms of text-based RPGs. Each chapter includes definitions of key terms and recommended readings to help students and scholars new to RPG studies find their way into this interdisciplinary field. A comprehensive reference volume ideal for students and scholars of game studies and immersive experiences and those looking to learn more about the ever-growing, interdisciplinary field of RPG studies.

Mental Health in the Digital Age

Mental Health in the Digital Age
Author: Sheri Bauman
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 215
Release: 2023-06-14
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 3031321227

This second edition of this highly impactful book examines the intersection of mental health and digital technology to make informed decisions about the new options provided by digital technology. It highlights the rise in online therapy and social media and examines the ethical dilemmas involved in online research to suggest that the benefits created far outweigh the possible risks. This expanded and updated second edition, includes practical suggestions for clinicians and public, builds upon the first by updating readers on recent developments in technology and research in this area since 2015. It explores ways in which governments and practitioners responded to the mental health crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and looks at the challenges as well as the benefits of our increasing interaction online.

Children and Sexual-Based Online Harms

Children and Sexual-Based Online Harms
Author: Catherine Knibbs
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 205
Release: 2023-07-27
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1000892557

This sensitive guide for carers and professionals working with children and young people explains the serious issues of sexual content and harm that children face online. Covering technologies used by children aged two through to adulthood, it offers clear, evidence-based information about sexual-based online harm, its effects and what adults can do to support children should they see, hear or bear witness to these events online. Catherine Knibbs, specialist advisor in the field, explains the issues involved when using online platforms and devices in family, social and educational settings. The guide offers an accessible explanation of how online harm impacts developmental, neurological and social development, as well as young people’s mental health and well-being. Examined in as non-traumatising a way as possible, the book covers key topics, including consent, pornography, online grooming, sexting, live streaming, revenge porn, ASD sexuality and gender, and vigilantism. Offering guidance and proactive and reactive strategies based on neuroscience and child development, it shows how e-safety is not one-size-fits-all and must consider the vulnerabilities of individual children and families. Children and Sexual-Based Online Harms will equip professionals and carers with the knowledge to support their work and to direct conversations about the online harms that children and young people face. It is essential reading for those training and working with children in psychological, educational and social work contexts, as well as parents, policy makers and those involved in the development of online technologies.

Online Harms and Cybertrauma

Online Harms and Cybertrauma
Author: Catherine Knibbs
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 174
Release: 2023-06-28
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1000895653

This vital, sensitive guide explains the serious issues children face online and how they are impacted by them on a developmental, neurological, social, mental health and wellbeing level. Covering technologies used by children aged two through to adulthood, it offers parents and professionals clear, evidence-based information about online harms and their effects and what they can do to support their child should they see, hear or bear witness to these events online. Catherine Knibbs, specialist advisor in the field, explains the issues involved when using online platforms and devices in family, social and educational settings. Examined in as non-traumatising a way as possible, the book covers key topics including cyberbullying; cyberstalking; pornography; online grooming; sexting; live streaming; vigilantism; suicide and self-harm; trolling and e-harassment; bantz, doxing and social media hacking; dares, trends and life-threatening activities; information and misinformation; and psychological games. It also explores the complex overlap of offline and online worlds in children and young people’s lives. Offering guidance and proactive and reactive strategies based in neuroscience and child development, it reveals how e-safety is not one size fits all and must consider individual children’s and families’ vulnerabilities. Online Harms and Cybertrauma will equip professionals and parents with the knowledge to support their work and direct conversations about the online harms that children and young people face. It is essential reading for those training and working with children in psychological, educational and social work contexts, as well as parents, policy makers and those involved in development of online technologies.

Starship Therapise

Starship Therapise
Author: Larisa A. Garski, LMFT
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2021-05-04
Genre: Self-Help
ISBN: 162317564X

Harnessing the power of fandom--from Game of Thrones to The Legend of Zelda--to conquer anxiety, heal from depression, and reclaim balance in mental and emotional health. Modern mythologies are everywhere--from the Avengers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to The Wicked + The Divine. Where once geek culture was niche and hidden, fandom characters and stories have blasted their way into our cineplexes, bookstores, and consoles. They help us make sense of our daily lives--and they can also help us heal. Psychotherapists and hosts of the popular Starship Therapise podcast Larisa A. Garski and Justine Mastin offer a self-help guide to the mental health galaxy for those who have been left out of more traditional therapy spaces: geeks, nerds, gamers, cosplayers, introverts, and everyone in between. Starship Therapise explores how narratives and play inform our lives, inviting readers to embrace radical self-care with Westworld's Maeve and Dolores, explore anxiety with Miyazaki, and leverage narrative therapy with Arya Stark. Spanning fandoms from Star Wars to The Expanse and The Legend of Zelda to Outer Wilds, readers will explore mental health and emotional wellness without conforming to mainstream social constructs. Insights from comics like Uncanny X-Men, Black Panther, Akira, Bitch Planet, and The Wicked + The Divine offer avenues to growth and self-discovery alongside explorations of the triumphs and trials of heroes, heroines, and beloved characters from Supernatural, Wuthering Heights, The Lord of the Rings, The Broken Earth trilogy, Mass Effect, Fortnite, Minecraft, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Star Trek. Each chapter closes with a mindfulness meditation or yoga exercise to inspire reflection, growth, and the mind-body-fandom connection.

Working with Video Gamers and Games in Therapy

Working with Video Gamers and Games in Therapy
Author: Anthony M. Bean
Publisher:
Total Pages: 198
Release: 2018-06-13
Genre: Video gamers
ISBN: 9781138747128

What are video games? -- Video game genres -- Video games, relationships, and online interpersonal communication -- Society and video games -- Archetypes -- Video game archetypes -- The importance of play and imagination -- Understanding video gaming as immersive -- Working therapeutically with video gamers -- For the families : guiding ideas and resources for therapists and families

Using Superheroes and Villains in Counseling and Play Therapy

Using Superheroes and Villains in Counseling and Play Therapy
Author: Lawrence C. Rubin
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 518
Release: 2019-07-17
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0429847270

Through rich and research-grounded clinical applications, Using Superheroes and Villains in Counseling and Play Therapy explores creative techniques for integrating superhero stories and metaphors in clinical work with children, adolescents, adults and families. Each chapter draws on the latest empirically supported approaches and techniques to address a wide range of clinical challenges in individual, family and group settings. The chapters also explore important contextual issues of race, gender, culture, age and ethnicity and provide case studies and practical tips that clinicians can use to support clients on their healing journey.