Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get involved with the CyberJocks Gaming Program?
Families are sometimes referred through private practice if it is determined that there are social deficits or behavioral issues that can be addressed through the program. Otherwise, families are more than welcome to join the fun at CyberJocks which is located at 3311 Sheridan Dr. in Amherst, NY.
- In addition to video games, do you utilize any other methods (psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Training etc.) in your program?
First and foremost, CyberJocks is about building relationships. This reflects psychodynamic training. With the younger children, we include parents in the group play and focus on both parent-child relationships and peer relationships. With the older children, the focus is exclusively on peer relationships. We always look for opportunities to process interactions that occur during group play. The younger the children, the more frequent the breaks between the games and the more opportunities to talk. Identifying feelings in self is a common goal followed by identifying feelings in others.
We look for opportunities to practice problem solving - a preferred problem solving methodology is the Turtle Technique (stop, go inside your shell, generate alternative, evaluate each alternative.) This reflects the shift to cognitive behavioral training. We also utilize a point system for exhibiting appropriate social and behavioral responses, the points are used to determine who gets to pick the game, who gets to go first, etc.
- Do you use different types of games for different groups? Are they custom-made for therapy or can anyone buy the same games?
All video and computer games are multi-player games and parental permission is obtained prior to the kids playing any new game. We use less complex games with the younger children groups and increasingly complex ones for the older children groups. The games played during any particular group depend on which child obtains the most points (younger children,) or which child is the "host" (middle school,) or on a group consensus (high schoolers.) The games and gaming systems are all off-the-shelf.
- Is there an evaluation/diagnosis phase in your program? For instance, do you see children and parents for a few sessions and then diagnose what the presenting problem is and then decided on video game use?
Formal diagnoses are only given to patients who come through private practice, not through the SGEG program. Although, if a child is involved in both the private practice and SGEG any information obtained through a child’s participation in the program is obviously very beneficial to the diagnostic process.
- How do you decide it’s time to end the program with a child and how does that process take place?
Ending the program is decided when parent and child reports indicate that the presenting problem or problems are no longer significant. Cyberjocks is an open form program which does not insist on attendance, parents and children are welcome to attend at their convenience.
- Where could I go for more information about video games and therapy?
What Kids Learn That's POSITIVE From Playing Video Games
Computer Gamer personalities linked to Aspergers'
Another article on the above link
