Board and card games are some of the most effective tools against boredom. Each year, people spend billions of dollars stocking up on their favorite games.
But did you know that some games work therapeutically, too?
Keep reading to learn about five board and card games that you can use therapeutically.
Table of Contents
1. Dixit
Dixit is more or less Rorschach testing turned into a card game.
Players take turns playing as the storyteller, with other players drawing cards. It’s up to the storyteller to take the vague imagery in each card and weave a cohesive narrative out of what they see.
Dixit is a fantastic tool for gaining insight into patients or just learning more about how your loved ones view the world.
2. Uno
This classic card game may be a blast from the past, but it’s every bit as fun to play today as it was when you were a kid.
While Uno doesn’t have much therapeutic value in a traditional sense, its easy rules and quick gameplay make it a relaxing game to play. Consider breaking out your deck of Uno cards when feeling stressed or upset.
At the very least, it can take your mind off of things for a little while.
3. Guess Who?
Watching your parents age is difficult. While there are tons of great communities, like ashford assisted living, that provides excellent care and fantastic amenities, you can do your part by helping your loved one stay sharp.
Guess Who? is an excellent way to help your senior flex their mental muscles by requiring deductive reasoning and simple memorization.
4. Blokus
Think of Blokus as Tetris as a board game, with up to four players able to enjoy the game at once.
To win, players must use strategic thinking to block opponents’ moves. Once an opponent can no longer move, they’re out of the game.
Like Guess Who?, Blokus is perfect for seniors or anyone looking for a slower approach to their board games.
5. Werewolf
Even if you’ve never played Werewolf, you’ve probably had some form of interaction with this popular party game at some point, as it also goes by the name Mafia in some circles.
The premise is as follows: A group of players puts their heads down. Then, The Moderator chooses one player to be the Werewolf, notifying the player with a non-verbal clue like a tap on the shoulder.
While there are a few other roles, such as the Seer and The Doctor, most participants will play as villagers. It’s their job to suss out who is the Werewolf before all players are eliminated.
It’s a fun game that can help those working on deductive reasoning and logic skills.
More Than Fun: Use These Card and Board Games Therapeutically
Who said games are just for fun? You can use these games therapeutically to improve a wide range of skills like recognition, logic, and more.
Make sure to give these games a shot!
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