Welcome to Mindful Mage Counselling!
At Mindful Mage Counselling, I specialise in helping individuals and couples navigate various life challenges and personal growth opportunities. My practice areas include:
Keep scrolling for more information on each topic.
My therapeutic approach incorporates the use of Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Games (TA-RPGs), which provide a unique and engaging method for clients to explore complex emotional and social dynamics in a safe and controlled environment.
Couples Counseling: Strengthening communication, resolving conflicts, and enhancing intimacy in relationships are central goals. Through TA-RPGs, couples can role-play scenarios that help them better understand each other’s perspectives and develop healthier communication patterns. The collaborative nature of RPGs promotes teamwork and empathy, which are vital components in any relationship (Spinelli, 2018).
Stress Management: Techniques and strategies to cope with and reduce stress are essential in today's fast-paced world. TA-RPGs offer a creative outlet for stress relief, allowing clients to immerse themselves in alternative realities where they can experiment with problem-solving strategies and emotional responses without real-world consequences (Spinelli, 2018).
Self-Esteem: Building confidence and a positive self-image is facilitated through the development of in-game characters that reflect the client's aspirations and strengths. The act of successfully navigating challenges within the game can enhance a client’s self-efficacy and overall self-esteem (Dyson et al., 2016).
Relationship Problems: Addressing conflicts and improving dynamics in personal and professional relationships can be approached through TA-RPGs, where clients can explore different interaction styles and consequences in a non-threatening setting. This method is particularly effective for those who find direct confrontation difficult (Spinelli, 2018).
Men's Issues: Focused support for men dealing with emotional, psychological, or social challenges is offered through TA-RPGs, which can create a space for exploring vulnerability in a way that feels safe and controlled. The role-playing aspect allows for the exploration of traditional and non-traditional gender roles, contributing to personal growth and self-acceptance (Fein, 2015).
Parenting: Guidance and support for parents facing challenges in raising children can be provided through TA-RPGs, which allow parents to role-play various parenting scenarios. This can lead to better understanding and management of their children's behaviour in real life by practising different approaches in-game (Spinelli, 2018).
Personal Growth: Exploring personal goals, self-improvement, and achieving a fulfilling life are at the heart of my counselling practice. TA-RPGs serve as a metaphorical journey where clients can explore different paths and outcomes, gaining insight into their desires, fears, and motivations (Daniau, 2016).
References
Daniau, S. (2016). The Transformative Potential of Role-Playing Games—: From Play Skills to Human Skills. Simulation & Gaming, 47(4), 423-444. https://doi.org/10.1177/1046878116650765
Dyson, S. B., Chang, Y.-L., Chen, H.-C., Hsiung, H.-Y., Tseng, C.-C., & Chang, J.-H. (2016). The effect of tabletop role-playing games on the creative potential and emotional creativity of Taiwanese college students. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 19, 88–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2015.10.004
Fein E. (2015). Making meaningful worlds: role-playing subcultures and the autism spectrum. Culture, medicine and psychiatry, 39(2), 299–321. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11013-015-9443-x
Spinelli, L. (2018). Tabletop Role-Playing Games and Social Skills in Young Adults [Honors College Theses]. Pace University. https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/honorscollege_theses/192/