Psychotherapy Through Games

In the (typical, verbal) psychotherapy, the goal is the analysis of the self and of the interpersonal interactions so as to achieve the therapeutic aim, which may differ for each one.
A large part of that is the realization of 'how others see me'. The characteristics offered by an external observer of the self can often be more accurate than the one we declare for ourselves. Such a topic of discussion, since it is very helpful as a psychotherapeutic theme, is common in groups of all types of patients/ clients (ranging from the healthy population to the one with psychopathology).
Despite that, especially when it comes to long term groups, where the same topic can emerge over and over again, the same words could lose their meaning and make someone tired instead of bringing a positive result.
An alternative is to introduce the same theme in the form of a game, something which will renew the interest of the group and will also lead to the therapeutic outcome.

                                   

Example of an Activity: 

• Ask the patients/ clients to name some personality characteristics at random, and write each one in a long piece of paper
• The paper is cut already and when the word is written on it, it is folded to form a circle
• Then ask someone to take one of the papers- at chance- and place it on the head of the person who he/ she thinks this characteristic describes better
• The person does not know, and cannot see his/ her own characteristic, but the group can.
• The goal is for the group to descrie the characteristic without saying that specific word until the person finds it

                                   

During the activity, there's laughter and a pleasant environment. Still, with a closer look, one can notice the thinking processes of the patients/ clients, and the evolution of the interactions ammong the members of the group, especially after certain choices. During the game, crucial comments can be made without being followed by extensive analysis, so that the individuals can work mentally on their own (especially if a similar conversation about a personality characteristic of someone has occured in the past). To conclude, its a fun activity, with a psychotherapeutic outcome that allowes for differentiation from typical activities; those are the benefits, with the cons being that someone may have a hard time to express (especially if there is verbal deterioration) and find the answer. In this case other, strong (cognitively) members of the group can offer extra help.
The group's attention and interest is maintained from the beginning to the end, and there can be variations of the same game (for example a person choses a characteristic for himself/ herself, and describes it to the rest of the group).
                                    


Literature: Galanoudaki, Kosmidou- Hardy, 1996. Counseling, Theory and Practice, Athens, Asimakis; Ν. Tsergas, 2014. Therapeutic Approaches Through Art, Αthens, Τopos. Creek, Loygher, 2014. Occupational Therapy and Psychologica Health, Αthens,  ΒΗΤΑ medical arts publications; I. Yalom, 1983. Inpatient Group Psychotherapy, Αthens, Agra.

Note: The current activity was conducted in the group therapy setting of a specifi psychiatric facility in Athens, Greece.