BlockJam: Impact Case Study

BlockJam is a pioneering counselling service launched by MindJam, an organisation already well known for its online mentoring for neurodivergent young people through video games like Minecraft. With BlockJam, MindJam has expanded its therapeutic offer to include counselling sessions in a purposefully designed Minecraft world.

From Training to Innovation

In 2024, BlockJam counsellor Emily Chalder completed both Level 1 and Level 2 of the Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool training programme. The training gave her the confidence to create and launch the BlockJam service at MindJam.

“This is my favourite counselling course I’ve ever done... Ellie is a pleasure to be taught by and her enthusiasm and knowledge of both the game and the therapeutic application of it shines through.”
– Emily Chalder, BlockJam Counsellor

Following the training, Emily and the team at MindJam incorporated many of the core concepts and build ideas into a bespoke Minecraft world, developed specifically for therapeutic work. This world now forms the foundation of BlockJam counselling sessions – offering young clients an emotionally safe and engaging space for self-expression.

What is BlockJam?

BlockJam sessions take place in a custom-built Minecraft world designed to support emotional exploration. Children are invited to build, play, and reflect alongside their counsellor, using metaphor, creativity and digital storytelling to explore thoughts and feelings.

Each client is given their own private world. Sessions are held via Google Meet (video, audio, or text), and worlds are securely saved between sessions. Before starting, families are supported through a friendly setup process, including a tech check and an initial conversation to ensure the service is the right fit.

The training programme in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool training provided a rich space for creative exploration and idea generation:

“It was fun thinking about different ways the game could be used in a therapeutic setting and was great for generating ideas.”
– Emily Chalder

A Meaningful Addition to Counselling Services

BlockJam is more than a novel approach – it reflects a growing commitment to shaping therapeutic spaces that meet children and young people in ways that feel relevant, safe and empowering. For many, that place is in the digital world.

Emily’s training and the development of BlockJam show how Minecraft can offer a structured yet creative environment for therapeutic work – particularly for neurodivergent children or those who may find traditional therapy spaces challenging.

Take a look at the BlockJam World

MindJam has created a YouTube video showcasing the BlockJam Minecraft world – a rich digital environment featuring activities from the Level 2 training, expanded with their own thoughtful ideas. It’s a great example of how digital design and therapeutic insight can come together to support children in meaningful ways.

Watch the video here: https://mindjam.org.uk/services/blockjam-counselling/