GROUP THERAPY + GAMING
AGES 11 - 18
Group Therapy
Participate in a therapeutic group designed by a gaming specialist and psychotherapist. Maintain relationships with like-minded others and learn about yourself in a safe and supported environment.
Develop Skills
Learn mental health strategies and skills to help relieve anxieties, develop confidence or simply relate with others with similar interests or struggles. Level up and be a healthier you.
Play Games
Who said therapy couldn't be fun? The combination of group therapy and gaming can unlock creative and fun ways of improving oneself. Each group session involves fun and personal development.
SUPPORTED BY
Groups | Dates | Fees | 2026
Term 2 - West Auckland
Location: Glen Eden Community House
13 Pisces Road, Glen Eden
8 weeks every Thursday 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Start date: Thursday 23rd April 2026
Last Session: Thursday 11th June 2026
Term 2 - East Auckland
Location: Howick Psychotherapy
100 Cook Street, Cockle Bay
8 weeks every Friday 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Start date: Friday 24th April 2026
Last session: Friday 12th June 2026
Fee: $50 per week / $400 total
Register
Interest
Fill out the form below to register interset for our 2026 groups. For more information, contact us on info@gamingforgrowth.co.nz or via phone or email.
About
Gaming for Growth was created with three purposes in mind: building relationships, levelling up, and having fun. Meet Daniel Harrison, the psychotherapist who facilitates the groups:
The Groups - Gaming for Growth
- Each session has a purpose (gaming and family, healthy gaming, how we regulate emotions)
- Group therapy and discussion facilitated by therapist
- Relationships are built, ideas expanded and skills developed
- Games are played either at the end of our group therapy or integrated, depending on the topic of the day (cooperation, boundary settings)
- At the end of the 8 weeks, participants would have developed connections, improved social skills, created a sense of belonging, emotional relief and had fun gaming with each other
Gaming for Growth offers an opportunity to level up your mental health, make friends and play games along the way. Join us as we develop skills, build confidence, have fun and much more!
Daniel Harrison - Director | Psychotherapist
Daniel is an experienced psychotherapist with over two decades working in mental health. With a background in both psychotherapy and a lifelong love of video games, Daniel created Gaming for Growth to combine therapeutic insight with the connective power of play. His groups are designed to support young people in building emotional awareness, confidence and community - while having a lot of fun along the way.
Growing up, Daniel developed a passion for all things gaming. For the most part, gaming was joyful and meaningful escape, offering a sense of adventure and mastery. However it also became a way to avoid difficult emotions and disconnect from the world around him. As he grew older, and later as a therapist, Daniel came to understand how gaming could be both a refuge and a barrier. That insight helped shape his belief that games, when used with intention, can be powerful tools for emotional connection, personal growth and mental wellbeing.
Daniel loves spending time with his wife and kids and still games with his family (and keeps his competitive streak alive!). He believes in the power of community and making therapy more accessible - especially for young people.
Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa NZ (PBANZ)
Aotearoa Psychotherapy Association of NZ (APANZ)
MHSc Psychotherapy
Grad Dip Psychotherapy
BHsc Applied Mental Health
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a select few questions we are frequently asked. Let us know if your question isn't answered here!