Gaming for Wellbeing & Self-Care

When most people think of therapy and self-care, video games probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But at A New Hope Therapy Center (ANHTC), we recognize that everybody is different and that traditional talking therapy doesn't work for everyone.

We are big on the healing potential within pop culture (in fact we have a thriving non-profit, A New Hope Academy, dedicated to integrating pop culture in therapy) and our therapists are trained in a wide range of cutting-edge creative options both in-person and online. From speaking about your favourite movies, music and other cultural touchstones, engaging in art-making or creative writing, or using video or role-playing games​, we welcome your interests into your healing journey.

In this month's blog, we're spotlighting cozy gaming — a genre of gaming well worth exploring if you haven’t already, and a great addition to your self-care toolkit.

Wait—Gaming as Self-Care?

We often think about self-care as yoga retreats, deep breathing, journaling, and digital detoxes. Don't get me wrong, all these things can be extremely helpful, but digital self-care doesn't always have to mean switching devices off. For some people when they're under a lot of stress or anxiety and their nervous system is in overdrive, a gentle external resource like a cozy game can be beneficial to help settle the mind and body.

Cozy games are designed to help you unwind. These games are calm, safe, and non-violent. There’s no pressure, no high-stakes competition. Instead, you might find yourself immersed in activities like tending a garden, decorating a home, crafting, befriending quirky characters, or exploring gentle fantasy worlds. Think soft visuals, ambient music, and a sense of comfort and control.

While cozy games are popular with children and teens, they are absolutely for adults too. So whether you’re looking to connect with your kids over a game, unwind after a long day, or simply build in more moments of gentleness, cozy games can be a beautiful way to care for yourself.

Some Ideas to Get Started

There are so, so many cozy games out there but here are a few you could try to get started, and the first 3 are totally child and family-friendly:

• 🎮 Animal Crossing: Live a gentle island life filled with decorating, fishing, and friendly animal neighbors (Nintendo Switch)

• 🕸️ Silk: Make beautiful, flowing digital art right in your internet browser—no downloads or art skills needed (free, just visit https://weavesilk.com/).

• Disney Dreamlight Valley: Explore a magical world, complete fun quests, decorate your home, garden, farm, or cook with your favorite Disney and Pixar characters (PC, Switch, PS4/PS5, Xbox One)

• 🌾 Stardew Valley: Tend your farm, build friendships, and enjoy a calm, seasonal rhythm (PC, Switch, Xbox One, PS4, Mobile)

• ☕ Coffee Talk: Serve warm drinks and connect with humans and mythical creatures in a cozy, late-night cafe full of heartfelt conversation (PC, Switch, PS4/PS5, Xbox One, and mobile)

  
  

You Deserve Comfort, Too

Self-care doesn’t have to be serious to be healing. Sometimes, curling up with a warm drink and a cozy game can be exactly what you need.

If you’re ready to find new ways to care for your mental health through therapy that embraces what you love, pop culture, gaming, creativity and all, we are here to walk alongside you. Reach out and start your journey today.

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A self-described geek, Maria Laquerre-Diego is a CEO and Owner who is committed to increasing access to mental health services and breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy services. As a therapist turned CEO, Maria has developed a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and the barriers surrounding mental health treatment. Influenced by her time at New Mexico State University in the Family and Consumer Science department, and University of New Hampshire’s Marriage and Family Therapy department, Maria has turned her dedication to giving back and supporting future generations of therapists. In addition to supporting mental health providers, Maria takes an active role in addressing the continued stigma of mental health services through the use of pop culture – everything from movies and television shows to superheroes and Disney characters. Maria has spoken about mental health at several local events, has served as an officer on professional boards and has provided training to clinicians all over the country while maintaining her and her family’s roots as Aggies! Outside of the office, Maria can be found spending time with her family and loved ones, exploring the world through travel, and creating cosplays for herself, her husband and their two little ones. Maria is always happy to talk about Star Wars, Marvel and mental health and can be contacted through her practice website www.anewhopetc.org