HealGame Ukraine: Impact Case Study

Case Studies
Written By Ellie Finch

Image source: Minecraft (provided by HealGame Ukraine)

Expanding Therapeutic Frontiers in Conflict Contexts

In 2023, Oleksii Sukhorukov, Ukrainian psychologist and founder of HealGame Ukraine, reached out to me to explore how Minecraft could be used therapeutically to support children affected by war, displacement, trauma and disability.

Through his community initiatives, Oleksii champions the potential of games to foster safety, connection, and healing for children navigating the long-term emotional impact of war. After discovering my work, he invited me for a conversation which he published as part of HealGame Ukraine’s blog series. You can read the interview here: https://healgameukraine.click/en/ellie-finch-children-are-having-real-meaningful-relationships-in-these-games/

Engaging with Training and Practice

Following our initial connection, Oleksii completed Level 1 of the Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool training, joining a growing international community of professionals committed to ethical, inclusive use of digital tools in therapeutic practice. He and a colleague are currently preparing to begin Level 2.

WonderWorld: A Minecraft Quest for Refugee Children

One of Oleksii’s most inspiring innovations has been the development of WonderWorld, a Minecraft-based therapeutic quest that involves online and offline tasks designed specifically for Ukrainian refugee children. This project creates a safe and symbolic space for emotional expression and teamwork. In his article WonderWorld: Minecraft + Offline Quest for Ukrainian Refugee Children, Oleksii outlines how the Minecraft-inspired quest can support children to reconnect with play, process emotions, and rebuild a sense of control and joy.

“Even without screens, the ideas behind Minecraft - the openness, the creativity, the power to build and rebuild - can be transformative. We’ve seen children light up with purpose as they take part in these symbolic adventures.”

You can read more about WonderWorld here: https://healgameukraine.click/en/wonderworld-minecraft-offline-quest-for-ukrainian-refugee-children/

Looking Ahead

HealGame Ukraine’s work is a powerful reminder that therapeutic game-based approaches don’t require high-tech environments - they require imagination, compassion, and a deep understanding of what children need to feel safe and seen. As Oleksii continues to grow his work through both our online training and his grassroots implementation, PlayMode Academy is proud to support and learn alongside him.

Image source: Minecraft (provided by HealGame Ukraine)

Ellie Finch

Ellie Finch, MA MBACP (Accred), is a clinical supervisor, counsellor, and social worker specialising in support for neurodivergent clients and families of children with additional needs or complex conditions.

Her work is rooted in a neurodiversity-affirming approach, which values neurodivergence as a natural variation in human experience and focuses on building supportive, respectful environments rather than 'fixing' difference.

Ellie is known for her innovative use of creative digital tools and videogames like Minecraft in therapy to create accessible, engaging support. She is founder of PlayMode Academy, a non-profit social venture that trains professionals in the therapeutic use of creative digital tools.

PlayMode Academy is part of Ellie Finch Counselling, Consultancy and Training Ltd, a non-profit company limited by guarantee (a structure often used by social ventures in the UK).

Ellie is also part of the University of Cambridge research team behind Bridging the ChASM: Creating Accessible Services using Minecraft - a project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) that explores the therapeutic potential of videogames and how they can be used to create more inclusive mental health support.

NOT AN OFFICIAL MINECRAFT SERVICE. NOT APPROVED BY OR ASSOCIATED WITH MOJANG OR MICROSOFT

https://www.playmodeacademy.org
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