An innovative psychologist from Adelaide, April Benjamin, has developed a video game designed to assist children in dealing with anxiety and mental health issues. Drawing on her extensive experience with young people, she identified a gap between conventional therapy methods and children’s engagement preferences. Benjamin noted that many kids struggled with therapy’s homework components, prompting her to create a more interactive solution.
The game, titled Taming Yore Dragon, cleverly integrates essential therapeutic principles into a fun and interactive experience. Benjamin observed that while children enjoyed playing, they were also unknowingly absorbing cognitive behavioural therapy concepts—much to the appreciation of their parents.
Set to launch on the gaming platform Steam for approximately $30, Taming Yore Dragon is expected to be available within two months. Benjamin hopes to encourage fellow child psychologists to incorporate the game into their therapeutic practices, providing an engaging alternative to traditional methods while promoting mental wellness among children.