Minecraft Therapy
Embark on a unique therapeutic journey in the world of Minecraft! Minecraft therapy cultivates social skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and sensory-motor skills within our secure, monitored environment.
At Louden Group, we offer Mirecraft Therapy for those with unique needs. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and improve your skills.
Overview
Benefits
How It Works
Regular Sessions
FAQs
Research
Overview
Welcome to our innovative Minecraft Therapy platform at Louden Group! As we embrace the digital age, we recognise the immense therapeutic potential of incorporating gaming into traditional therapeutic practices. At its core, Minecraft is not just a game; it’s a versatile virtual environment where imagination meets reality, offering endless therapeutic opportunities.
Minecraft Therapy allows participants to engage in a familiar, fun and interactive setting. By using this game, our therapists create tailored environments to address specific therapeutic goals, ensuring a personalised experience for each individual.
Whether it’s for enhancing social skills, improving executive functions, or developing creativity and problem-solving abilities, Minecraft Therapy offers an enjoyable and efficient alternative to conventional therapeutic methods. With the combination of the virtual world’s limitless potential and Louden Group’s dedicated and experienced therapists, participants can expect an engaging and transformative journey.
Join us as we mine, craft, and build a better future, one block at a time.
Benefits
Minecraft therapy offers a wide range of benefits for children and adolescents, including:
Improved Social Skills:
Example: Group projects in the game foster communication and teamwork. Participants must coordinate, delegate tasks, and work cohesively to build a village or a fortress.Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities:
Example: Overcoming challenges like finding resources or navigating terrains demands planning and strategising, aiding in honing problem-solving skills.Creativity:
Example: Designing and constructing structures, from simple huts to majestic palaces, allows participants to express themselves creatively and think outside the block.Strengthened Motor Skills:
Example: Activities like crafting items or engaging in combat sequences can help enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.Growth in Planning and Organisation:
Example: Managing in-game resources, like food and materials, teaches participants about inventory management, prioritisation, and forward-thinking.Cultivation of Resilience:
Example: Facing in-game adversities, like combating mobs or surviving in challenging biomes, helps in building resilience and learning from setbacks.Enhancement of Attention and Focus:
Example: Complex crafting recipes or intricate building projects require keen attention to detail, promoting concentration and focus.Learning Through Safe Simulation:
Example: Participants can practice real-life skills such as farming, trading, or even economics in a controlled, risk-free environment.Promotion of Emotional Intelligence
Example: Interactions with in-game characters or other players can pave the way for understanding emotions and empathy.
With Louden Group’s expert guidance, Minecraft is transformed from a game into a powerful tool for holistic personal development. Each virtual challenge met and obstacle overcome translates to tangible skills and growth in the real world. Join us as we mine the depths of potential, block by block.
How It Works
Navigating the world of Minecraft offers a unique therapeutic experience. At Louden Group, our structured approach ensures that each participant, whether in individual or group sessions, achieving maximum benefits from our Minecraft therapy. Here’s how we bring about transformative experiences:
Initial Assessment:
Our journey begins with a comprehensive assessment of the participant. By understanding individual strengths, challenges, and preferences, our therapists can design a therapy plan tailored to meet specific needs.Goal Setting:
Based on the assessment, our team crafts distinct therapy goals. These can range from enhancing problem-solving skills, bolstering creativity, or nurturing communication abilities.Session Type Determination:
Depending on the therapeutic goals and individual preferences, participants might be recommended for individual sessions, group sessions, or a mix of both.Role Assignment & Tasks:
Within the Minecraft realm, participants might take on roles like builders, miners, or explorers. They could be tasked with creating structures, navigating mazes, or collaborating on projects. Roles and tasks vary to ensure diverse experiences and learning opportunities.Guided Therapy Sessions:
Whether in a solo journey or a collaborative group adventure, our therapists are always present. They guide interactions, introduce in-game challenges, and ensure each session aligns with therapeutic objectives.Progress Monitoring:
Every block placed, every challenge met, is an insight into the participant’s growth. Our therapists keenly observe, document, and analyse this progress across sessions.Review and Feedback:
Periodic reviews provide an opportunity to discuss progress, challenges, and triumphs. For group sessions, dynamics, and group achievements might also be highlighted. Based on feedback, subsequent sessions are adapted and refined.Session Evolution:
As participants progress, the therapeutic approach evolves. New in-game challenges, environments, and tasks are introduced to ensure continued engagement and growth.
At Louden Group, we explore the boundless world of Minecraft to craft therapeutic sessions that resonate, inspire and catalyse growth. Whether on a solo quest or part of a team, every participant embarks on a journey of self-discovery, skill enhancement and fun.
Regular Sessions
At Louden Group, our Minecraft therapy is designed to adapt to the unique needs of each participant. Whether it’s through one-on-one individual sessions or dynamic group sessions, our Occupational Therapists are dedicated to recommending the most beneficial approach to support growth and development.
Individual Sessions:
- Personalised Attention: Participants receive undivided attention from our therapists, ensuring that the activities and goals are tailored precisely to their needs.
- Flexible Timing: The duration of individual sessions can vary, offering flexibility to accommodate the participant’s schedule and attention span.
- Targeted Interventions: Our therapists can focus on specific skills or challenges, providing targeted interventions and support.
Group Sessions:
- Social Interaction: Participants have the opportunity to interact with peers, fostering social skills and a sense of community.
- Skill Building in a Group Setting: Engage in activities that promote teamwork, communication, and cooperative play.
- Fixed Timing: Group sessions are scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at two different times to accommodate various needs:
- 1:30pm – 3:00pm AWST (4:30pm – 6:00pm AEDT, 4:00pm – 5:30pm AEST)
- 3:00pm – 4:30pm AWST (6:00pm – 7:30pm AEDT, 5:30pm – 7:00pm AEST)
How to Decide?
Assessment and Recommendation: Our Occupational Therapists will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the participant’s needs, strengths, and goals. Based on this assessment, they will recommend either individual sessions, group sessions, or a combination of both.
Ongoing Evaluation: We continuously evaluate the progress and engagement of each participant, ensuring that they are in the most suitable setting for their development.
Join Us for Regular Sessions
Take the next step in the therapeutic journey with our Regular Sessions in Minecraft therapy. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and discover the perfect fit for you or your loved one. Let’s explore, build, and grow together!
FAQs
What is Minecraft therapy?
Minecraft therapy utilises the popular game ‘Minecraft’ as a therapeutic tool. By engaging participants in the game’s virtual world, it offers unique opportunities to address therapeutic goals such as communication, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Is this therapy suitable for my child?
While Minecraft therapy can benefit many individuals, it’s most effective when aligned with the participant’s interests and therapeutic needs. An initial assessment with our team can determine its suitability for your child.
Can adults participate in Minecraft therapy?
Absolutely! Minecraft therapy is not limited to children. Adults can also benefit from the therapeutic opportunities it offers.
How does a typical session look like?
A typical session, whether individual or group-based, is supervised by our trained therapists. Participants engage in pre-determined activities within Minecraft that align with their therapeutic goals, all while receiving guidance and support from our team.
How do group sessions work?
In group sessions, participants collaborate on shared objectives within the game. It provides a platform to hone teamwork, communication, and social skills, all while navigating the virtual world of Minecraft.
Are the sessions secure?
Yes, safety and privacy are paramount. We use secure servers, and only approved participants can access the game during therapy sessions.
Do participants need prior experience with Minecraft?
No prior experience is needed. Our therapists will guide new players through the basics, ensuring they’re comfortable navigating the game.
How is progress measured?
Progress is monitored based on the set therapeutic goals. Therapists observe, document, and provide feedback on in-game activities, interactions, and achievements relative to these goals.
Can this therapy complement other therapies my child is undergoing?
Absolutely. Minecraft therapy can be a valuable addition to a holistic therapeutic approach. It’s always recommended to discuss this with our team and any other therapists involved.
How long are the sessions?
Session lengths can vary but typically last between 45 minutes to an hour. The exact duration is tailored based on individual needs and stamina.
Will I receive updates about my child’s progress?
Yes, regular reviews and feedback sessions are integral to our approach. You’ll be kept informed about your child’s achievements, challenges, and overall progress.
Do I need special equipment?
Participants will need a device compatible with Minecraft (e.g., computer, tablet, game console). If you have concerns about equipment, please reach out to our team for guidance.
Is Minecraft therapy covered under NDIS funding?
Yes, Minecraft therapy can be covered under the NDIS, especially when it’s identified as a therapeutic support in your plan. We recommend discussing it with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator to ensure it fits within your funding.
Can I claim Minecraft therapy sessions under ‘Capacity Building’ in my NDIS plan?
Generally, our Minecraft therapy sessions align with the ‘Capacity Building’ category of NDIS plans, specifically under ‘Improved Daily Living.’ However, the specifics can vary based on individual plans. We’re happy to discuss and guide you through the process.
How do I include Minecraft therapy in my upcoming NDIS plan review?
If you’re seeing benefits from Minecraft therapy and wish to continue or start sessions, it’s essential to communicate this to your NDIS planner. Providing reports or documentation from our therapists can also support your request.
Do you provide documentation for NDIS reviews or audits?
Yes, we can provide summaries, reports, and other necessary documentation regarding your Minecraft therapy sessions to support NDIS reviews.
Are there any additional costs or fees apart from what’s covered by the NDIS?
Our primary aim is transparency in pricing. Any costs associated with our Minecraft therapy sessions will be discussed upfront. In most cases, our fees align with the NDIS price guide. If there are any additional materials or tools required, we’ll ensure you’re informed.
What if my NDIS funding runs out before my next plan starts?
We understand the challenges of navigating NDIS funding. If your funding is running low or has been exhausted, please speak with our team. We can discuss potential options, including adjusted session frequencies or other available supports.
Research
Alawajee, O. & Delafield-Butt, J. (2021). Minecraft in Education Benefits Learning and Social Engagement. International Journal of Game-Based Learning (IJGBL), 11(4), 19-56. http://doi.org/10.4018/IJGBL.2021100102
Cadieux, L., & Keenan, M. (2020). Can Social Communication Skills for Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder Rehearsed Inside the Video Game Environment of Minecraft Generalize to the Real World? JMIR Serious Games, 8(2), e14369. http://doi.org/10.2196/14369
Experience a one-of-a-kind therapeutic journey in the Minecraft world! Engage, communicate, and hone social skills in a fun, relaxed setting. Rest assured in our safe environment, with monitored gameplay. Foster skill development in communication, problem-solving, teamwork, sensory and motor skills, and more.”