Gaming Is More Than Just Fun—It’s a Learning Tool
Easterseals Gaming Therapy at Easterseals Northeast Indiana is helping participants build social and emotional skills that matter. Players learn to manage frustration, communicate clearly, and work as a team through a curriculum developed by Alex Martin, the behavior solutions coordinator for Easterseals Northeast Indiana.
Martin says regulation and communication are among the top benefits of Easterseals Gaming Therapy. Video games, while competitive, provide a safe environment for participants to develop these skills.
Why Gaming Works as Therapy
Paige Hart, the esports coach for Easterseals Northeast Indiana, sees enormous potential in Easterseals Gaming Therapy.
“There are teachable moments in every situation,” Hart says. “You can learn to give good feedback.”
Becoming a better teammate in gaming can translate to becoming a better co-worker, roommate, or friend. By combining therapy techniques with gaming, participants gain skills that benefit all areas of life.
Building a Foundation for Growth
This spring, Martin piloted the Easterseals Gaming Therapy program in Columbia City. The first couple of weeks were dedicated to familiar, enjoyable games such as Mario Kart.
“It creates a kind of baseline,” Martin explains. “People know each other. People know the game.”
Participants quickly began appreciating the teamwork aspect. Jerritt, a group member, shared, “The four of us are a big team… even when we’re frustrated.”
Adjusting to New Challenges
After the comfortable start, Martin introduced the fast-paced and chaotic game Overcooked, which pushed players to work under pressure. The game’s competitiveness often led to frustration—but also provided opportunities for improving communication.
Even with familiar games, challenges arose. When a misunderstanding between two players over the Mario Kart character Link caused tension, the group used the moment to practice conflict resolution.
Learning Conflict Resolution
Through patient mediation, Martin and Hart helped the players work through the misunderstanding. Jerritt offered a sincere apology, and the players were able to shake hands and move forward.
Moments like these are central to the success of Easterseals Gaming Therapy—transforming conflict into opportunities for growth.
Next Stop: Fort Wayne
After a successful run in Columbia City and at Cardinal Services, Martin and Hart plan to launch Easterseals Gaming Therapy in Fort Wayne. They also hope to train other staff members to use video games as tools for teaching life skills. For more on ES Gaming visit our local and national gaming pages.