B.C. program uses video game Minecraft to help children process grief – BC

Losing a loved one is difficult at any age. But for children, the loss is particularly acute.

Now, a new innovative therapy is helping kids deal with grief using something they are familiar with: video games.

Twelve-year-old Beckett loves playing Minecraft, a wildly popular game. He also participates in a new program called “Lumaria” which uses a virtual Minecraft world to help children deal with grief.

4:39
B.C. grief camp says demand for help is growing

“It’s fun, and nice to talk about, too … it kind of takes your mind off of talking about it, and more onto Minecraft which makes it easier to talk,” he said.

Beckett, who lost his father, contributed to the program.

It was created by therapist Meaghan Jackson through the charity Lumara Grief and Bereavement Care Society.

“I’ve been facilitating children’s grief groups for about 17 years now and I have never witnessed such an excited and engaged response in this process,” Jackson said.

During two-hour long sessions, up to eight kids do a virtual campfire check-in and have an…