Have you ever had a client who talks about Video Games, Dungeons and Dragons, Anime, or Comic Books? Likely they identify as a Geek.
Being a geek can be seen as difficult for many; the social awkwardness, ineptitude, and judgment from others leads individuals to feel isolated in a world of their own. Geeks, by traditional definition, are passionate about anthologies and characters from a variety of fictional, fantasy, and virtual formats that are sometimes niche or unpopular, creating feelings of relatedness towards avatar experiences in an often otherwise lonely life.
Integrating Geek Culture into Therapeutic Practice: The Clinician's Guide to Geek Therapy is a comprehensive compendium of how Geek Therapy clinicians and scholars currently use a variety of games, media artifacts, and other geek culture items in therapeutic context and intervention. Even more important, the authors within this book are currently at the forefront of their research fields and are accordingly considered experts within the growing field of Geek Therapy clinical practice. Throughout the book, leading researchers within the field of Psychology, Communication Studies, and more have been able to provide clinical examples, research-based approaches, and specifics about how to utilize these items therapeutically - further enhancing the material and providing solid supportive guidance for clinicians. Clinicians reading this can develop further competence and understanding of the concepts found within their practices which will be helpful for their personal success and cultural competence to best serve their clientele.
- Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms
- Improved self-esteem
- Richer interpersonal interactions
- Greater social and school engagement and
- Superior development of social skills and problem solving
These techniques are being used to improve overall psychological well-being across all ages, as well as focusing on the specific needs of targeted populations, such as those with ADHD, ASD, PTSD, and mood and anxiety disorders.
Dr. Anthony Bean is a seasoned psychologist known for his diverse expertise and innovative approach to mental health. With a wealth of experience, he specializes in areas such as video game addiction, psychological assessments, and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Bean is a sought-after expert in media, frequently contributing insights on psychological topics. His research spans contemporary issues, contributing valuable insights to both academic and practical domains. Known for a dynamic and engaging presence, Dr. Bean is dedicated to fostering well-being through a holistic understanding of mental health, making him a trusted figure in the field.
"Geeks and gamers have long since passed from the fringes into the mainstream, and it is high time that the mental health field recognizes this. In an unprecedented way, Integrating Geek Culture into Therapeutic Practice: A Clinician's Guide To Geek Therapy collects many of the leaders in the field of geek and gamer psychology, and it presents their insights in a compelling manner. Anyone who works with geeks and gamers will want to have this as a reference, and - whether they know it or not - pretty much everyone working in mental health works with geeks and gamers." - Raffael Boccamazzo, PsyD
The editors have assembled a toolbox stuffed with all kinds of great resources for anyone who needs to use games of all kinds as an avenue for reaching and helping young people and adults. Even better: they have done so with both scholarly authority and loving familiarity. This is a fantastic, well-researched, and useful guide to the many ways games can be used as part of therapy to teach, heal, and engage by the leaders of the Geek Therapy field. - Jamie Madigan, PhD
"Integrating Geek Culture Into Therapeutic Practice: The Clinician's Guide To Geek Therapy is the essential tome for any therapist working with people who love Marvel movies, Dungeons and Dragons, video games or whose life actually looked like Stranger Things. Too often, therapists from other cultural perspectives harbor prejudices about geeks but this book based in research, features experts within the field, great clinical practice and personal insights is the path forward for any therapist working with this population." - Christopher Ferguson, PhD,
"This book is an excellent overview of geek culture and how to integrate it into a mental health setting. I not only appreciated this book for it's well-sourced and scientific approach to discussing these issues (while also remaining easy to read to the general public), but how this book also addresses some of the negative or toxic aspects of geek culture and how to challenge them. Overall loved this book and will recommend it openly." - Matt
"Absolutely great book for those interested in geek therapy. I would recommend!" - Nerak Dickerson
