February 19, 2026, Thursday 8:15 am to 9:45 am, In-Service Training
Title: How to Utilize Video Games and VR in Therapy: Harnessing the Intersection of Gaming Culture and LGBTQIA+ Communities
Speaker and Degree: Dan Kelly, LCSW
Description: In 2023, the Electronic Software Association (ESA) found there were over 212 million people playing video games, and GLAAD uncovered that approximately 1 in 5 players identify as LGBTQ. The gaming industry is increasingly aware of those in the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities as active players. Yet the gaming industry often inadequately represents, and at times, inadvertently fosters hostility towards these populations. In this digital age, it is paramount that clinicians better understand the nuances and intersections between gamer culture, its subdivisions, and the individuals and families they work with in therapy. Video games and VR inherently offer a variety of avenues for skills development and exploration of the self; from client engagement to narratives, internal worlds to external worlds, individual to family functioning, micro to macro systems. Through the practice of gamification and utilizing video games and virtual reality in therapy sessions, we have an opportunity for further understanding and working with our clients. Dan Kelley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in private practice in Pleasant Grove, UT.
Learning Objectives: Based on this presentation I…
1… have gained a better understanding of gaming culture and its intersection with the LGBTQIA+ communities.
2… learned methods and techniques for gathering relevant client information using video games and VR as therapeutic tools of engagement.
3… obtained knowledge, tools, and ideas for independently implementing evidence-based interventions with video games and VR.
CEU’s have been applied for all in‐service programs through the Utah Psychological Association. CEU’s are free for Guild members & $5 for non‐members, per meeting. CEUs for Plan-B events have been applied for via NASW
AASECT hours:The Guild is collaborating with our friends at The Healing Group Institute (THGI) to issue AASECT continuing education hours for the Guild's in-services. If you’d like to receive 1.5 AASECT continuing education credits for attending this presentation, you’ll need to purchase them for $35 at the following link: https://thehealinggroupinstitute.com/lgbtq-therapist
Once you’ve made your purchase, you’ll receive an email with an evaluation form that unlocks with a code word (which will be announced during the Inservice). After the In-service, simply fill out the evaluation form and your official AASECT certificate will be automatically emailed to you. You can purchase credits for any event before or after it takes place, so there’s no need to wait until it’s over to get yours.
AASECT stands for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, the leading organization that sets standards for professional education and certification in the field of human sexuality. Earning AASECT credits helps you meet continuing education requirements and demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence.
