Transforming Counseling Through Play, Board Games and Movement Therapy

Counselling often brings to mind serious conversations and quiet reflection. Yet, many therapists are aware that play, board games, and movement offer powerful tools that go beyond just building rapport. These activities engage clients in ways that reveal emotional patterns, teach coping skills, and support healing for both children and adults. This post explores how these methods enrich counseling sessions and extend benefits far beyond the therapy room.

The Value of Board Games in Counseling

Early in my career, the sense was that board games used in therapy should be specifically created for therapeutic purposes. Thankfully, I had a professional background in Occupational Therapy which showed me that everything we do can be distilled down into it's smallest task function. The learned "McGyvering" as an OT also taught me that most games and activities can be modified to achieve different purposes than maybe they were intended to achieve. As I right this, a group of teens is in our boardroom, playing video games and the amount of social interaction and collaborative problem solving that is happening in cooperative games is really inspiring. Side tangent: Not all screen time is problematic.

Board games are more than just fun distractions. They provide a structured yet flexible way to observe and support clients’ emotional and social skills. When clients play, therapists can assess important areas such as:

• Emotional regulation: How does the client handle winning or losing? Do they get frustrated, anxious, or calm? Can they identify awareness of the sensations associated with their emotional responses? What regulation strategies do they have and can they access them if they get ramped up during game play? If not, what might help them?

• Impulse control: Can the client wait their turn or follow rules? Do they need additional cues and prompts to manage their impulsivity? Which are the most effective strategies for them?

• Relationship building: How do they interact with others during the game? Are they cooperative, competitive, or avoidant? Can they engage with another during the play or do they seem to focus on their own experience through the game?

• Strategy: How do they solve problems in the game? Do they seem to be making decisions that reflect planning for several upcoming moves, or just this one? Do they seem to anticipate what their partner or opponent is doing?

  
  

For example, a child who struggles with impulse control may repeatedly interrupt or make rash moves in a game like Uno. This behavior offers a window into their challenges and a chance to practice patience and turn-taking in a safe setting. Adults may reveal similar patterns, such as difficulty managing frustration during a competitive game, which can lead to discussions about stress management.

Board games also encourage problem-solving and strategic thinking. Games like Chess or Ticket to Ride require planning ahead and adapting to changing situations, skills that translate to real-life challenges. Therapists can use these moments to teach clients how to pause, reflect, and make thoughtful decisions.

I hope you have come to learn a little about not only the benefit of using games in the assessment process, but can appreciate that games can also translate to increasing function in our daily lives.

How Movement and Sensory Awareness Support Healing

Movement therapy introduces physical activity and sensory experiences into counseling. This approach helps clients connect with their bodies, which is especially valuable for those who have experienced trauma or struggle with emotional awareness.

Movement can improve self-concept by helping clients feel more grounded and confident in their bodies. Simple activities such as stretching, walking, or guided dance encourage mindfulness and body awareness. These exercises teach clients to recognize physical sensations linked to emotions, a key step in emotional regulation.

Sensory awareness activities, like using textured objects or focusing on breathing, help clients calm their nervous systems. For example, a client who feels overwhelmed might learn to use deep breathing combined with gentle movement to reduce anxiety. This skill becomes a practical tool they can use outside therapy.

Movement also supports trauma resolution by providing a nonverbal outlet for expression. We know that clients who have experienced trauma often have altered sensory awareness, changed relationships with their own body, and nervous system impacts. Clients who find it hard to talk about painful experiences can use movement to release tension and process feelings safely. Therapists guide these activities carefully to ensure clients feel secure and supported.

Making Therapy Less Anxiety-Provoking

Traditional talk therapy can feel intimidating, especially for children or clients new to counseling. Incorporating play, games, and movement makes sessions more engaging and approachable. These activities reduce anxiety by shifting the focus from direct questioning to natural interaction.

When clients are absorbed in a game or movement exercise, they often open up more easily. The playful setting lowers defenses and facilitates feelings of safety and openness that can sometimes take longer with traditional counselling approaches. This relaxed atmosphere helps build trust and makes therapy feel less like a chore and more like a positive experience.

For example, a teenager reluctant to discuss emotions might become more willing to share thoughts while playing a cooperative board game. Similarly, a child who resists sitting still during sessions may benefit from movement breaks that help them focus better afterward.

Benefits Beyond the Therapy Room

The skills clients develop through play, board games, and movement extend well beyond counseling. These activities improve social, emotional, and cognitive functioning in everyday life.

Socially, clients learn to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate. These are essential skills for relationships at school, work, and home. Emotionally, clients gain tools to manage stress, frustration, and anxiety. Cognitively, they enhance attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities.

For instance, a child who practices turn-taking and patience in therapy games may find it easier to make friends at school. An adult who learns to identify bodily signs of stress through movement may handle workplace pressure more effectively.

These benefits highlight the lasting impact of integrating play and movement into counseling. Clients leave therapy with practical skills that support their well-being and success in many areas of life.

Board game setup illustrating therapeutic play in counseling sessions

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Practical Tips for Play and Movement at Home and In Therapy Settings

Incorporating these methods can start with simple steps:

• Choose games that match the individual's age and interests.

• Focus on the experience and relational connection, not on learning or skill building.

• Observe behaviors during play without interrupting too much.

• Use movement exercises that feel safe and comfortable.

• Adapt movement activities to support success. Not all of us have advance coordination, balance and movement skills.

• Encourage reflection after activities to connect experiences with emotions.

  
  

For example, a therapist working with a child might begin with a familiar game like Candy Land to build comfort, then gradually introduce more complex games that challenge emotional regulation.

Time out from an assessment to capture some key observations--but still in "game mode"

Supporting Both Children and Adults

While play is often associated with children, adults also benefit greatly from these approaches. Adults may feel more comfortable expressing emotions through games or movement than through direct conversation. These methods can break down barriers and reveal insights that traditional talk therapy might miss.

For example, adults recovering from trauma might use movement therapy to reconnect with their bodies and release stored tension. Board games can help adults practice social skills or manage anxiety in a low-pressure setting.

By tailoring activities to developmental levels and individual preferences, therapists can create inclusive sessions that respect each client’s unique journey.

Final Thoughts on Transforming Counseling

Integrating play, board games, and movement into counseling transforms therapy into a dynamic, interactive process. These methods reveal emotional and behavioral patterns, teach valuable coping skills, and make therapy more inviting. Clients of all ages gain tools that improve their social, emotional, and cognitive health beyond the therapy room.

Therapists who embrace these approaches open new pathways for healing and growth. If you are a counselor or someone considering therapy, exploring these creative methods might offer a fresh and effective way to support mental health.