When it comes to therapy, the tools of the trade are evolving in ways few would have imagined just a decade ago. While traditional clinical practice rooms and worksheets still play the central role, digital games, virtual reality, and even tabletop role-playing games are proving to be powerful therapeutic interventions. From aiding physical rehabilitation to strengthening cognitive functions and supporting mental health, game-based learning is breaking down barriers in therapy.
Let’s take a closer look at how game-based interventions are reshaping rehabilitation, mental health treatment, and social-emotional learning.
[Image Credit: Courtesy of Children’s Hospital Colorado]
For children undergoing intensive medical treatments, physical therapy can feel like another exhausting hurdle. At Children’s Hospital Colorado, therapists and game developers tackled this challenge by designing Booger Blaster, a virtual reality game that encourages movement while keeping young patients engaged.
The game disguises rehabilitation exercises as playful challenges. Patients use a variety of virtual tools—boxing gloves to punch obstacles, a bow that fires french fries, and a “cat blaster” that shoots hamburgers—to meet their therapy goals. These mechanics are cleverly designed to stimulate specific physical movements crucial for recovery.
For 11-year-old Alyson McPherson, a cancer survivor rebuilding her strength after surgery, Booger Blaster turned her once-dreaded physical therapy sessions into something she looked forward to. ““The punching, kicking and that just kind of took my mind off from doing all the exercises,” she explained, highlighting how VR can help patients push past discomfort to reach their goals.
[Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University]
Cognitive rehabilitation isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and researchers at Northeastern University are proving that digital therapy games can adapt in real-time to meet individual needs. Unlike commercial video games, therapeutic games are designed to activate neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize and strengthen neural pathways. Tony Simon, a cognitive neuroscientist, explains that effective digital therapies must operate as closed-loop systems, meaning they should continuously adjust difficulty levels to keep players at the optimal challenge point for cognitive growth.
Take CogniviveVR, a virtual reality therapy designed for stroke recovery. By tracking player movements and adjusting tasks accordingly, the game helps retrain motor skills in a way that feels natural. Stroke patients who played CogniviveVR five to six times per week for eight weeks demonstrated measurable improvements in coordination and motor control – outcomes that previously required months of traditional therapy.
Similarly, FastBrain, another digital therapy game, has been shown to improve executive function in children with ADHD by continuously challenging their attention and impulse control skills without overwhelming them.
(Image Credit: Emma Lee/WHYY)
Therapeutic gaming isn’t just limited to digital experiences. Tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) are also making an impact. In Philadelphia, therapist Katrina Serrano has integrated D&D into her group therapy sessions, using the fantasy world as a space for clients to practice real-world coping strategies.
Each player creates a character that often reflects aspects of their own struggles or aspirations. A socially anxious participant might play a bold leader, while someone working on emotional regulation could embody a character known for patience and wisdom. Through collaborative storytelling, players safely explore personal challenges in a fictional setting before applying these lessons in real life.
One participant reflected, “Through the game, I am learning how to trust my instincts when it comes to decision making and to be comfortable with the possibility of making the wrong choice sometimes, and learning how to forgive myself for real or perceived mistakes,” For many, the structured yet imaginative nature of D&D provides a unique way to process emotions and build confidence.
[Image Credit: The Bodhana Group]
The Bodhana Group, a Pennsylvania-based organization, is taking game-based therapy even further. Their structured role-playing game (RPG) programs help individuals develop social-emotional skills in an engaging, pressure-free environment.
Founder Jack Berkenstock uses a “blend of narrative therapy, drama therapy, expressive arts therapy and play therapy concepts” as well as “therapy like CBT or DBT”, couched in “gaming as a language,” making potentially intimidating therapy sessions feel like play. Instead of instructing players to practice social skills outright, therapists embed these lessons into the game. For example, a group might have to negotiate with an in-game merchant, naturally strengthening communication and decision-making skills.
–
From virtual reality boosting physical recovery to role-playing games fostering emotional resilience, game-based learning is proving to be a valuable tool in therapy. The approach is structured, evidence-backed, and engaging. As game-based therapy continues to gain traction, the opportunities for innovation are expanding. Whether it’s digital games adapting to a player’s cognitive needs or role-playing games building confidence in a safe space, the intersection of play and therapy is only getting deeper. If you’re looking to get involved, contact us to explore our game-based learning development services!