Games help us explore identity, practice new skills and connect with others in ways that feel safe, creative and deeply engaging. At Positive Regard Therapy we use video games, tabletop role-playing games and board games as therapeutic tools that make growth feel more accessible and meaningful. Game-based therapy is especially supportive for neurodivergent clients, LGBTQ+ clients and anyone who feels most at ease when connecting through play, story or strategy.
You do not need to be an avid gamer to benefit. If games are part of your world, we can use them to support emotional expression, coping skills, confidence and insight.
We offer in-person sessions in Chicago and online telehealtherapy across Illinois.
Games offer structure, creativity and emotional depth. They allow you to explore choices, experiment with identity, build teamwork and understand your reactions in real time. We integrate game mechanics with evidence-based therapy to help you gain insight and strengthen your mental health.
Our work is collaborative. You bring the games or genres that matter to you and we use them intentionally in therapy to support your goals.
Video games create immersive emotional experiences through storytelling, decision-
making and interactive play. Depending on your needs, we may explore:
Video games help many clients access emotions and insights that are harder to reach
through conversation alone. They also support focus, persistence and self-awareness.
TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder or Mothership provide structure, improvisation and collaborative storytelling.
These experiences can help you:
TTRPG-informed therapy can take place individually or in groups, depending on your
goals.
Board games and strategy games offer structure, challenge and real-time practice with
emotional regulation and relational skills. In therapy we may use board or card games to support:
These games can also be grounding and calming for clients who benefit from sensory-
friendly or hands-on activities.
Game-based therapy can support:
Games create safe, playful ways to practice real-life skills and explore parts of yourself that traditional talk therapy may not access as easily.
This is real therapy. We integrate evidence based approaches with intentional gameplay and narrative work to support emotional insight, coping skills and personal growth.
No. You can be brand-new to games or deeply experienced. We tailor the work to your comfort level.
Yes. Many autistic and ADHD clients find game-based therapy grounding, accessible and affirming.
Yes. Video game-based and narrative approaches adapt well to telehealth for clients across Illinois.
Personalized, affirming therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and young adults—offered in Chicago and online across Illinois.
Whether you’re looking for short-term support or long-term growth, we’re here when you’re ready.
