Board Game Groups: A Therapeutic Alliance

In recent years, the integration of board games into counselling practices has emerged as a dynamic, client-centered approach to mental health and social development. By combining traditional therapeutic techniques with the engaging, interactive nature of board game groups, practitioners foster environments where individuals can build resilience, improve communication, and process emotions in a structured yet playful setting.

These groups are particularly effective for addressing social anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, offering participants a low-pressure platform to connect with others while honing essential life skills.

Board games inherently provide a framework for collaboration, healthy competition, and teamwork, all of which mirror real-life interpersonal dynamics. For those struggling with social isolation or self-expression, the shared focus of a game reduces the stress of “small talk,” allowing conversations to flow organically. The rules of the game act as a neutral “third party,” giving participants a common goal to lean into rather than confronting the uncertainty of unstructured interactions. This structure encourages active listening, empathy, and problem-solving—key therapeutic objectives—while fostering a sense of accomplishment and inclusion.