Washington Mental Health Counselors Conference 2026

Going to The Sandbox - Using Videogames Collaboratively to Foster Growth Mindsets

Games are a central pillar in how many people connect with others, particularly younger clients. Given the popularity of online games and the fact that the videogames are the largest entertainment industry in the world, it is important as clinicians to look at what these platforms are providing and how we can engage with this important part of our clients lives. Games have been shown to support various psychological needs including autonomy, competence, and achieving goals. As well as providing a space for clients to develop a growth mindset. Growth mindset is the belief that one’s talents and abilities can be developed through deliberate practice and feedback, while a fixed mindset refers to a belief that one’s talents and abilities are unchangeable.

Video games have become the modern day playgrounds with a myriad of folks joining in shared play, presenting a chance for clinicians to engage directly with a medium that can be used to promote a growth mindset. Research shows that a growth mindset is linked to persistence in challenging tasks, and can result in real-world outcomes, such as increased academic performance, reductions in racial achievement gaps, and even moderate the impact of stressful life events on trauma symptoms.

Speaker:

Hayden Jones, LMHC