May-June 2026 Newsletter

NewsMinecraft
Written By Ellie Finch

You might notice this newsletter covers both May and June - that's because we've been heads-down working on some of the things you'll find in this edition. Worth the wait, we hope...

This edition has some big news - CPD certification confirmed for our live courses: Level 2 in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool and Using Creative Digital Tools Therapeutically, a full academic year of Level 2 dates now confirmed, and our brand new impact survey report produced in collaboration with Costello Medical, which puts some real numbers behind the difference the practitioners we've trained are making to the lives of children and young people. There's also a research spotlight from the Anna Freud Centre, two books from colleagues I'm really pleased to see out in the world, and more.

Read the newsletter here.

You can subscribe to the PlayMode Academy Newsletter here. Subscribers receive 20% off our self-paced trainings and two free digital resources.

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.

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.

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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NeuroPathways: Impact Case Study