“They Just Won’t Open Up”
At Game On Psychology, we use evidence-based approaches and therapeutic gameplay to help children who struggle to open up, regulate emotions, and engage in therapy. Our practice specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults who may feel resistant to traditional therapy, using engaging activities that build communication, confidence, resilience, and lasting life skills.
We don't see video games as distractions. We view them as opportunities to connect, understand, and grow. Many young people, particularly boys and young men, struggle to engage in traditional therapy. Sitting face to face, making direct eye contact, and answering pointed questions can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming, often leading to silence or resistance. By meeting clients in an environment where they already feel comfortable, we remove those barriers and create opportunities for authentic communication. Integrating evidence-based psychotherapy with therapeutic gameplay allows children, adolescents, and young adults to engage more naturally in meaningful conversations while immersed in a shared activity. Sitting side by side with a controller in hand lowers defenses, builds trust, and allows important conversations to unfold naturally.
This is more than just playing games. Sessions at Game On Psychology is guided by The Game On Method™, Dr. Rust's proprietary clinical approach that integrates evidence-based psychotherapy with therapeutic gameplay. Every session is intentional, using naturally occurring moments during gameplay to help children build emotional regulation, communication, confidence, resilience, and practical coping skills.
Through The Game On Method™, we help children:
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Build trust and engage in therapy when traditional approaches have fallen short.
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Develop emotional regulation and frustration tolerance through meaningful, in-the-moment experiences.
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Strengthen communication, confidence, and resilience through collaborative play.
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Explore thoughts, emotions, and identity in a setting that feels natural, engaging, and approachable.
For parents, our approach offers a new way to see gaming, not as a source of conflict, but as a tool for growth and connection. In parent-child co-play sessions, families discover how shared gaming experiences can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and turn screen time into meaningful time together.
At Game On Psychology, our mission is simple: to break down the barriers that prevent young people from engaging in therapy and transform the language of play into a pathway for lasting growth and meaningful change.
Services We Offer
At Game On Psychology, we offer a balanced range of therapeutic services to meet the needs of children, adolescents, and young adults. Our innovative game-based therapies break down barriers to communication and foster authentic connection, while our traditional psychotherapy services provide evidence-based support for a wide variety of emotional and behavioral challenges. Together, these approaches create meaningful opportunities for growth, resilience, and stronger relationships.
Game Based Therapy
Therapy takes place in a relaxed, side-by-side setting while playing video games together. This parallel play model allows children, adolescents, and young adults to express themselves more naturally, creating space for genuine conversation. Wins, losses, teamwork, and frustration become real-time opportunities to practice coping skills, build resilience, and process emotions in a way that feels less intimidating than traditional talk therapy.
Parent & Child Co-Play Therapy
In these sessions, parents join their child in guided gameplay facilitated by a licensed psychologist. Co-play shifts gaming from a source of conflict to a tool for connection, providing opportunities for teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. With the therapist’s guidance, everyday in-game challenges become teachable moments that strengthen family bonds, improve understanding, and create a more positive relationship around gaming.
Traditional Therapy
In addition to game-based services, we provide traditional psychotherapy tailored to the unique needs of children, adolescents, and young adults. Using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and supportive counseling, we address a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. Sessions focus on building self-awareness, improving coping skills, and fostering personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
Play Therapy
Through creative activities like toys, art, and role-play, we help children process emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and communicate in ways that feel safe and engaging. Play therapy fosters growth by allowing children to explore feelings and experiences symbolically, without the pressure of direct conversation.
Social Skills Training
Many children and adolescents benefit from targeted support in developing social confidence. Using structured activities, role-playing, and interactive games, we help clients build essential skills such as communication, cooperation, perspective-taking, and conflict resolution. This training can be particularly helpful for those navigating peer challenges, anxiety, or difficulties with teamwork.
Executive Functioning Support
Strong executive functioning skills are key to success in school and life. We provide practical strategies to improve organization, planning, time management, and emotional regulation. Through goal-setting, structured play, and in-the-moment coaching, clients learn to build habits that support independence, resilience, and academic achievement.
“Play is the highest form of research.” - Albert Einstein.
There is incredible power of play, especially within therapy settings. Using games, we can bridge communication gaps and develop meaningful connections.
