The Talking, Feeling and Doing Game by Childswork / Childsplay – Therapeutic Board Game

Overview

The Talking, Feeling and Doing Game is a psychotherapeutic board game designed for children and the therapists who work with them. As the first published therapeutic game by Richard A. Gardener, M.D., it has stood the test of time as a trusted counseling tool that blends play with dialogue. The game invites children to express thoughts and feelings through a familiar board game format, turning therapy into a guided play experience rather than a confrontation.

Players start at the Start square and move toward Finish by rolling dice. Along the way, landing on different colored squares directs you to one of three card decks: talking, feeling, or doing. Each card prompts a response or action that can spark meaningful, developmentally appropriate conversation. A token reward chip can mark moments of insight and participation, reinforcing engagement in a non-threatening way.

What you get and how it works

Three card types offer broad, age-appropriate prompts that range from light to moderately challenging. This variety helps children open up at their own pace and can support a therapist-led dialogue that follows the child's lead. The information gathered during play can suggest diagnostically meaningful insights into the child’s psychodynamics, offering a structured route for discussion without pressuring the child to reveal more than they are ready to share.

• Three card decks: talking, feeling, and doing, each with prompts and directions
• A standard board with Start and Finish to track progression
• Dice-based movement and token rewards to sustain engagement
• Designed for ages 4 and up and intended for use by mental health professionals

Use in practice and real life scenarios

The game is well suited for individual sessions, small groups, and settings where learning challenges are present. For children who respond more freely when playing, the format can offer respite from more anxiety-provoking tasks while still providing a window into important themes. The interactive nature of prompts can help therapists observe spontaneous responses, which can guide next steps in intervention planning.

• Supports group psychotherapy by encouraging shared discussion
• Helpful for children who may benefit from non-verbal or play-based expression
• Offers a structured yet flexible pathway for uncovering important topics

Overall, The Talking, Feeling and Doing Game is a versatile tool that blends familiar gameplay with therapeutic prompts. It emphasizes child-centered dialogue, safe pacing, and clinician-guided exploration, helping sessions feel both structured and approachable for kids and their caregivers alike.