The Game That Heals: How "The Remembrance Game" Provides Therapeutic Relief

It’s called a game, and it has cards like a game—but it’s not a game. It’s serious. Leslie Robinson’s innovative approach to therapy uses this "game" as a powerful tool to help people confront and heal from major trauma in ways that standard therapy often doesn’t.  

The game, known as the Remembrance Game, is designed to draw people out, foster connection, and provide therapeutic relief. Robinson, a therapist with a track record of developing unique methods for addressing mental health challenges, recently introduced this tool in Turkey, where the need for trauma recovery has reached critical levels.

On February 6, 2023, Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that killed more than 55,000 people and displaced millions. Mental health services became a lifeline for survivors, many of whom were grappling post-disaster with profound grief, ecological loss, and a fractured sense of belonging. Recognizing this, the Maya Foundation invited Robinson to train 20 Turkish therapists in Istanbul to use her therapeutic game. The goal was clear: equip these therapists to use the Remembrance Game in their practices and train others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of healing.

The Remembrance Game serves as both a bridge and a balm. Participants gather in small groups, where the game fosters community and connection among people who have experienced similar losses. The therapists guide participants through structured, card-based prompts designed to gently elicit emotions and memories. One card might ask, "Where were you when you learned your loved one had died, and what was your experience?" Another might encourage participants to share a memory that makes them laugh or cry. These seemingly simple prompts help individuals begin to externalize their grief, paving the way for healing.

As Robinson explains, “The game works because it creates a safe space. People let down their defenses and start talking about things they haven’t been able to express. It helps them feel less isolated, and it opens the door to processing their grief.” 

The Remembrance Game also addresses ecological loss, a particularly resonant theme in Turkey. For many, nature holds deep personal and cultural significance—a source of solace and healing. Yet the earthquake ravaged these cherished landscapes, compounding the psychological toll. “They’re used to going to nature for solace and healing,” Robinson notes, “and instead nature is ravaging their lives.”

Beyond its therapeutic design, the game’s impact lies in its scalability and accessibility. Robinson’s training in Turkey but applies in other areas as well. Currently being translated into Arabic for use with Syrian refugees, the game will soon be implemented in Gaza when conditions allow.

This is not Robinson’s first foray into therapeutic games. Since 2009, her games have been used in over 1,000 U.S. colleges, as well as in programs for post-prison and veteran reintegration as well as family healing. Each game builds on her belief that structured play can break down barriers, spark meaningful dialogue, and facilitate healing in ways traditional therapy often cannot.

Therapeutic games like the Remembrance Game have several key advantages:

• Accessibility: They engage individuals who might resist traditional therapy. 

• Community Building: Group sessions foster connection and reduce isolation.

• Guided Conversations: Card prompts provide structure for discussing difficult topics. 

• Multisensory Engagement: Activities like drawing enhance emotional processing. 

• Scalability: Trained facilitators can implement the games, extending their reach. 

The global shortage of mental health professionals—especially in low- and middle-income countries—makes such tools invaluable. According to the World Health Organization, many countries have fewer than one mental health worker per 100,000 people. Robinson’s games offer a way to bridge this gap, providing a scalable and culturally adaptable solution to the global mental health crisis.

“Grief can feel like an unbearable weight,” Robinson reflects, “but when people come together, connect, and share their stories, it lightens the load. That’s what these games are about—bringing people together to heal.”

Robinson’s work exemplifies how creativity, innovation, and compassion can address some of the world’s most pressing mental health challenges. By turning play into a pathway for healing, she is offering hope to those who might not otherwise have none.