Animal Crossing Therapy
- Social Gaming
- Group Therapy
- Counselling
- Supportive Gaming
- Social Gaming
- Group Therapy
- Counselling
- Supportive Gaming
Animal Crossing is a popular life simulation video game series developed by Nintendo. In this game, players move to a deserted island or village populated with anthropomorphic animals and engage in various activities such as fishing, bug catching, fossil hunting, and home decorating.
Its gentle, open-ended gameplay and charming, low-stress environment make it beneficial for counseling. Animal Crossing provides a virtual space where players can express creativity, establish routines, and interact with friendly characters, all of which can contribute to reducing anxiety and improving mental health.
The game’s emphasis on community and connection can help players develop social skills and foster a sense of belonging, making it a valuable tool in therapeutic settings.
Choose from:
Counselling (1:1 private with counsellor)
Supportive Gaming (1:1 private with support worker)
Social Gaming (2+ participants online support worker led)
Group Therapy (2+ participants counsellor led)
Using EHCP and SEN Funding to access our services.
We offer sessions using a variety of games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox, and more. Participants should have experience with at least one of these games to facilitate meaningful connections.
Funding Options
Our gaming therapy, counselling services, and supportive gaming services can be accessed through:
1. Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP): Our services can be included in an EHCP plan, providing eligible individuals with access to our expertise.
2. Special Educational Needs (SEN) Funding: We accept SEN funding from local authorities, enabling individuals with special educational needs to benefit from our services.
3. Private Payment: For those without EHCP or SEN funding, our services are available through private payment.
4. SEN education bodies (schools, colleges, organisations etc.) : For those who attend an SEN school for instance, you can request that our services be included as part of your educational requirements.
How to Access Our Services via EHCP
To access our services through an EHCP plan:
1. Discuss your needs with your EHCP coordinator or SENCO.
2. Request that our services be included in your EHCP plan.
3. Provide us with your EHCP documentation and funding details.
Get Started
To learn more about accessing our services through EHCP or SEN funding, contact us at info@minds.care and our dedicated team will guide you through the process.
Benefits of Animal Crossing Therapy
- Improved Cognitive Skills - Enhanced memory, learning and processing
- Improved Motor Skills - Assists with motor skills hand-eye coordination
- Fun and Familiar - Gaming provides a fun and familiar experience
- Problem-solving - Having fun solving problems and learn adaptability
- Staying engaged - Improves focus and concentration
- Communication - Verbal, non-verbal and texted communication
- Expressing creativity - Having fun in 'creator modes' building models
- Social development - Assists in forming social skills and development
- Emotional growth - Learning abilities to recognise and discuss emotions
- Increased Receptivity - Providing effective therapy through gameplay
- Motivated Participants - Participants are eager to engage in therapy
Choose your type of therapy
Gaming Therapy (Counselling) sessions are ran by an Qualified and Registered Therapist who is also a qualified and accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist or Social Worker. Ideal for those looking to improve mental health and work towards their goals.
Supportive Gaming sessions are ran by an Online Support Worker who is a trained and experienced mentor to an expert-level gamer and has appropriate clearance to perform these type of mentorship programs.
Social Gaming are led by an Online Support Worker with 2+ participants to 1 eTherapist ratio. Participants team up for enjoyable challenges tailored to their therapy objectives.
Group Therapy are ran by Qualified Therapist that teams up with the 2+ participants for enjoyable challenges tailored to their therapy objectives.
Minds UK eTherapists
All ‘eTherapists’ are registered if necessary with their appropriate governing bodies and have the correct clearances to provide therapy. Each have their necessary education and unique experience in a background of their discipline. Each ‘eTherapist’ works towards set goals and focuses set by the participant and their support team (parents, family, guardian, carer, support coordinator etc.)
Sessions & Ages
- Children Aged 7 > 17
- Adults of any age
- We match similar participants where possible
Session Times
Sessions run during the day, nights and on weekends all year long. This includes during school hours, after school and during holidays. Simply select your preferences during registration.
Requirements.
Participant must already have an Xbox, PlayStation, Switch or PC plus a strong internet connection and any online multiplayer subscription necessary to play the required game online with others.
Cost for Gaming Therapy
Sessions are a minimum of 1 hour for counselling. All sessions can be extended up to 4 hours with breaks in-between.
Counselling (1:1)
£75+VAT per hour
Supportive Gaming (1:1)
£50+VAT per hour
Social Gaming (2+ participants Online Support Worker led)
£25+VAT per hour
Group Therapy (2+ participants Counsellor led)
£37.5+VAT per hour
Set-up, Technical Issues & Reporting
Online games require occasional setup, especially when joining for the first time. Internet dropouts or technical issues may also occur. Our eTherapist takes notes during sessions to align with your therapy goals, which is factored into the session duration. A small portion of each session will be spent on these necessary activities.
Player Registration Form
Step 1: Enter your name, phone number and email to begin.
Step 2: You will be taken to the registration page where you will be required to complete a service request and an intake form.
Step 3: Return the form to info@minds.care
