General / Off-Topic Mental Health -Do gamers want a specific type of therapist?

[stephie_rose_]

I am a long time gamer but I am also a qualified counsellor/therapist. I am interested to know whether those in the gaming community find it easier to connect with a therapist that understands them and their gaming world.

As someone who spends a lot of time in social apps on VR such as Horizon Worlds & VRChat, but also spends time on Twitch, I have noticed an increase of those wanting therapy but not sure where to go or how they can connect with a middle aged therapist who doesn't understand the world they live in. Gaming is the biggest industry and mental health is at a peak high of awareness and yet there is no one out there to connect with.

This is NOT an advertisement, but simply a curiosity to find out how I can better help those in the gaming community with their mental health.

Thanks,
Stephie_Rose_

 

[PiLhEaD]

My experience is to find a therapist who you feel a connection to. Everything else flows naturally from that. Worrying about whether they 'understand the world they live in' feels unhelpful, and tbh my experience of some enormously helpful therapy is that it's useful if they stand outside what you consider 'your world'.

My advice to anyone feeling that they need help, and we all do from time to time, is to try a few therapists, all decent ones offer a free first consultation, partly for the therapist to assess whether or not they are the best therapist for you.

And then you need to be completely, totally, uncomfortably, honest, open and frank with them. And yes, that can be tough. Also, set finite goals... which a decent therapist will want too.

 

[stephie_rose_]

My experience is to find a therapist who you feel a connection to. Everything else flows naturally from that. Worrying about whether they 'understand the world they live in' feels unhelpful, and tbh my experience of some enormously helpful therapy is that it's useful if they stand outside what you consider 'your world'.

My advice to anyone feeling that they need help, and we all do from time to time, is to try a few therapists, all decent ones offer a free first consultation, partly for the therapist to assess whether or not they are the best therapist for you.

And then you need to be completely, totally, uncomfortably, honest, open and frank with them. And yes, that can be tough. Also, set finite goals... which a decent therapist will want too.

Thank you for your response! May I ask, when you have looked for a therapist, how did you go about it?

 

[PiLhEaD]

Thank you for your response! May I ask, when you have looked for a therapist, how did you go about it?

The first time was through work, and I took the second one I tried from their list. The last time was through the NHS and I gelled immediately with the first one.

Both times were incredibly helpful. Both were limited to six-sessions, hence to need to be clear about agreeing finite goals.

 

[Slopey]

This isn't really the place to discuss such issues.

If people require such services, there are many legitimate support services available which can be found via local GPs/healtcare providers and elsewhere. Not on a gaming forum.