96: In Defense of Video Games (for partners of gamers) with Derrick Hoard, LMFT
Jun 17, 2024
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Licensed therapist Derrick Hoard discusses the therapeutic value of video games, challenging misconceptions. Emphasis on emotional expression, safe spaces, and navigating relationship dynamics. Importance of honest communication, understanding hobbies, and societal shame towards leisure activities.
Video games serve as a form of emotional expression and therapy, fostering personal growth and empathy.
Open communication and understanding in relationships are essential to balance individual hobbies and foster healthy dynamics.
Deep dives
Video Games as a Source of Connection and Community
Video games provide a platform for building connections and finding a sense of community. Through gaming, individuals can form friendships, provide support, and share experiences with like-minded individuals. The immersive nature of video games allows for meaningful interactions and emotional connections that extend beyond traditional social settings.
The Therapeutic Value of Video Games
Video games offer therapeutic benefits by providing a space for emotional expression and exploration. Players can engage with storytelling, experience a range of emotions, and develop coping mechanisms within the game environment. Gaming serves as a tool for self-reflection, empathy building, and personal growth, offering a unique avenue for processing feelings and learning valuable skills.
Navigating Relationships and Hobbies
Balancing relationships and personal hobbies requires open communication and mutual understanding. Partners should acknowledge each other's interests and boundaries, ensuring that individual passions are respected. Honesty about the time and engagement with hobbies, such as video gaming, can foster healthy dynamics and prevent misunderstandings or conflicts.
Empowering Neurodivergent Gamers
Neurodivergent individuals can benefit from gaming as a means of self-expression and social connection. Video games provide a safe space for exploring emotions, developing coping strategies, and connecting with others who share similar experiences. Understanding the value of gaming as a tool for personal growth and empowerment can help neurodivergent individuals embrace their interests and unique perspectives.
Welcome to Struggle Care, where we talk about all things individual and systemic that affect your life, wellness, and mental health. Joining me is Derrick Hoard, a licensed marriage and family therapist, TikTokker, and video game aficionado. I’ve followed him since 2020, and I love his thoughts and perspectives. Today’s topic, video games and relationships, stirs up some strong reactions and opinions, but you will walk away from this episode with a fresh and thoughtful view of the hobbies we all enjoy in our lives. Let’s get into it!
Show Highlights:
Video games are misunderstood and not recognized for what they are—the most beautiful, immersive forms of storytelling that exist.
Men can get in touch with emotions through playing video games.
Video games get unjustly blamed for communication problems in relationships.
Video games comprise a safe space of non-judgment where one can feel confident and competent.
Thoughts about men in therapy, gender dynamics, and emotional labor
Consideration and honesty in relationships about our hobbies
Society’s expectation of productivity leads us to feel shame and guilt about our hobbies. This is so wrong!
Understanding how to have honest and authenticity in our relationships—from the start
Red flags to look for when video games (or other obsessive hobbies) become our ONLY coping skills in life3
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