Sign in

Ellie Finch

@elliefinch.bsky.social
229 followers 534 following 45 posts

Videogame therapist. Child, parent and family counsellor. Consultant. Trainer. Parent Carer. Minecraft fan.

PostsRepliesMedia
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Our latest newsletter is out, and it comes with some lovely news. PlayMode Academy is now an Approved Provider with the Association for Play Therapy (APT), so we can offer play therapy CE hours for our Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool training programme. playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...
playmodeacademy.org
September 2026 Newsletter — Playmode Academy
I have some lovely news to share this month. PlayMode Academy is now an Approved Provider with the Association for Play Therapy (APT), so we can offer play therapy CE hours for our Using Minecraft as ...
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...
playmodeacademy.org
Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool: September Level 2 Cohort — Playmode Academy
Celebrating our September Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool: Level 2 cohort, with feedback from practitioners in Australia, Singapore and the UK, plus upcoming training dates for November and May.
001
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Our July/August newsletter is out. CPD certification confirmed across all practitioner courses, a UnLtd Scaling Up Award, a NeuroPathways service spotlight, and £80 off Level 1 and Level 2 together for a limited time. playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...
playmodeacademy.org
July-August 2026 Newsletter — Playmode Academy
CPD certification is now confirmed across all our practitioner courses, and we've got a full academic year of Level 2 dates in place. For a limited time, you can also save £80 when you enrol on Level ...
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...
playmodeacademy.org
Celebrating Our Latest Level 2 Cohort - Fireworks and All — Playmode Academy
We’re celebrating our most recent Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool: Level 2 cohort, who finished their training this July - fireworks and all! Practitioners spent the sessions building skills and...
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
My latest newsletter is out! Big news this edition: CPD certification confirmed for two of our live trainings, a full academic year of Level 2 dates, and our new impact survey report. Plus research, books, and more. playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...
playmodeacademy.org
May-June 2026 Newsletter — Playmode Academy
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 ye...
021
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
My April newsletter is out! A review from a complete gaming novice who left excited to use Minecraft with clients, reflections on Games for Change London, upcoming events, and 20% off Level 1. playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...
playmodeacademy.org
April 2026 Newsletter — Playmode Academy
This month's newsletter includes a review from a recent Level 2 training - from a practitioner who came in as a complete gaming novice and left genuinely excited to get started with clients; a reflect...
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
If you haven't come across the Good Enough Counsellor podcast by Josephine Hughes, it's well worth a listen. I caught up with her at the BACP CYP Conference in March - we talked about PlayMode Academy and training practitioners to use Minecraft therapeutically. josephinehughes.com/new-ideas-fo...
josephinehughes.com
New Ideas for Therapists: Books, Research and Creative Approaches - Josephine Hughes
Explore new ideas for therapists, including books, research tools, creative approaches like Minecraft in therapy, and practical ways to save time in private practice.
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
This week I'll be speaking on ‘Creating Accessible Play Therapy Spaces for Neurodivergent Clients in Minecraft’ at the Geek Play Therapy Summit -an online gathering hosted by A New Hope Academy exploring video games, fandom and pop culture in therapeutic work. www.anewhopeacademy.org/geekplay26
anewhopeacademy.org
Geek Play Therapy Summit 2026 | A New Hope Academy
Are you ready to unlock the transformative power of geek culture in therapy? Join us for A New Hope Play Therapy's annual Geek Play Therapy Summit, where we bring together experts, practitioners, and ...
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
I will be speaking on ‘Breaking Blocks: Exploring Rebellion, Resistance, and Renewal in Minecraft’ at Geek Therapy's virtual conference taking place 16-19 April. TAGGS is the Therapeutic and Applied Geek and Gaming Summit. Discover the full schedule and book your place here: taggs.geektherapy.org
TAGGS speaker badge for April 16-19, 2026, featuring a headshot of a smiling person with headphones against a pixelated background and contact information TAGGS.GEEKTHERAPY.ORG for tickets.
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
This month's PlayMode Academy newsletter includes a reflection on presenting at the BACP CYP and Families Conference, a 20% discount on Level 1 in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool for subscribers, upcoming Level 2 training dates, and lots more playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...
playmodeacademy.org
March 2026 Newsletter — Playmode Academy
This month's newsletter includes a reflection on presenting at the BACP Children, Young People and Families Conference, a 20% discount on Level 1 for subscribers, upcoming Level 2 training dates, and ...
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Next week I’ll be presenting at the BACP CYP and Families conference. I’ll be sharing insights from our recent Journal of Family Therapy article on how videogames can be valuable resources in therapy sessions. www.bacp.co.uk/events/cypf2...
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
PlayMode Academy's February newsletter centres around families – from the newly published Journal of Family Therapy article, to resources supporting families to navigate gaming well. Read the newsletter here: playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...
playmodeacademy.org
Feb 2026 Newsletter — Playmode Academy
PlayMode Academy's February’s newsletter centres around families – from the newly published Journal of Family Therapy article, to resources supporting families to navigate gaming well, to the BACP Chi...
010
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
What does family therapy look like inside a videogame? Our new research article explores two case studies using Minecraft with neurodivergent children and their families. I’ve shared additional images and reflections here: playmodeacademy.org/resources-an... #familytherapy #minecraft
playmodeacademy.org
Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool in Family Therapy — Playmode Academy
Reflections and case material from a newly published Journal of Family Therapy article exploring systemic work with families in Minecraft.
010
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Over 280 people registered for PlayMode Academy's free webinar, Exploring Grief through Minecraft. Access the webinar recording free here: playmodeacademy.org/training/exp...
playmodeacademy.org
Exploring Grief Through Minecraft — Playmode Academy
A free introductory webinar for practitioners supporting bereaved and pre-bereaved children and young people. The session will be recorded and the recording shared with everyone who registers, so you ...
141
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Wow! Over 180 people have registered for PlayMode Academy’s free webinar on 'Exploring Grief through Minecraft' taking place Tues 3 Feb, 10.30am-12pm GMT. Register for your free place: elliefinch.thinkific.com/products/liv... You can also register to receive the recording if you can’t attend live.
elliefinch.thinkific.com
New Event
How can we reach children and young people facing bereavement when words aren’t enough? This introductory webinar explores how Minecraft, the world’s most popular game, can be used as a therapeutic to...
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
My first newsletter of 2026 is out. It includes links to free resources, recent research, and upcoming training and events. Do subscribe if you’d like future updates, and feel free to share with colleagues. playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...
playmodeacademy.org
January 2026 Newsletter — Playmode Academy
This January newsletter shares updates from PlayMode Academy, including upcoming trainings, a free CPD webinar on Exploring Grief in Minecraft, conference dates, and opportunities to get involved in r...
010
Reposted by Ellie Finch
Family and Community Wales @familywales.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
In the new year, a new webinar will explore how Minecraft can support young people in understanding and expressing grief. For more information: www.exchangewales.org/free-webinar...
exchangewales.org
Free webinar: Exploring Grief in Minecraft – ExChange
001
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
If you are curious about using creative digital tools like Minecraft therapeutically you can read my December newsletter here: playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...
playmodeacademy.org
December Newsletter — Playmode Academy
If you are curious about using creative digital tools like Minecraft therapeutically, my December newsletter highlights a year of exciting growth for PlayMode Academy, including national media feature...
010
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
I'll be joining MindSite News and Braulio Rivera from WellPower today for a discussion on using Minecraft as a therapeutic tool. The event is free and you can register here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
010
Reposted by Ellie Finch
ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Armour stands in various sizes, retextured and remodeled as figurines for @elliefinch.bsky.social @minecraftedu.bsky.social Sandtray World. Great for expressing feelings without the need for words!
021
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
This month’s newsletter highlights an exclusive 20% discount on Level 1 in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool for subscribers, an upcoming free live webinar on exploring grief in Minecraft, and feedback from our recent impact survey. www.linkedin.com/pulse/welcom...
linkedin.com
Welcome to Ellie Finch’s November Newsletter
If you’re curious about using creative digital tools like Minecraft therapeutically, this newsletter highlights an exclusive 20% discount for newsletter readers, an upcoming free live webinar on explo...
020
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Dan Noble from @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social, co-creator of the Sandtray Therapy Minecraft World, has created many incredible items for the world. The updated world is coming soon! Register for free access: playmodeacademy.org/visit-our-sa...
playmodeacademy.org
Visit Our Sandtray World — Playmode Academy
Explore the innovative Sandtray Therapy World in Minecraft and contribute to its development by joining our Beta today!
010
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
My October newsletter is out! This month I reflect on parenting my disabled daughter while building a non-profit, and on playing Minecraft Education with my son - plus free resources, research, and a free webinar for parents: www.linkedin.com/pulse/welcom... #Minecraft #Therapy #Parenting
linkedin.com
Welcome to Ellie Finch’s October Newsletter: This month’s focus is Parenting in a Digital World
If you’re curious about using creative digital tools like Minecraft therapeutically, this newsletter highlights free resources, upcoming events, and a service spotlight to inspire you. Hello everyone!...
021
Reposted by Ellie Finch
ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
A rideable bicycle (modeled on my very own bike) I created for @elliefinch.bsky.social Sandtray Therapy World. #MinecraftEducation #Blockbench #Outsidetheblocks elliefinch.co.uk/training/playmode-academy
011
Reposted by Ellie Finch
ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Two types of old style school desks I created that appear in @elliefinch.bsky.social Sandtray Therapy World. #MinecraftEducation #Blockbench #Outsidetheblocks elliefinch.co.uk/training/playmode-academy
001
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Love this tractor!
010
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
I’m really grateful to @familywales.bsky.social for featuring my work on their blog and helping to share how creative digital tools like Minecraft can make mental health and social work support more accessible.
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
For those of you on LinkedIn... I've just started a newsletter on there....https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/welcome-ellie-finchs-august-newsletter-playmode-academy-ellie-finch-dktje
linkedin.com
Welcome to Ellie Finch's August Newsletter for PlayMode Academy!
Hello and welcome! I've been writing a newsletter regularly for a while now but only just discovered you can put them on LinkedIn! So here I am trying out the newsletter feature..
010
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
What does it mean to be a changemaker? For me, it means meeting people where they are – and sometimes, that’s in Minecraft. I spoke about accessible, creative therapy at Creative Cambridge 2025. More here: www.elliefinch.co.uk/post/creativ...
elliefinch.co.uk
Creative Changemaking: Highlights from Creative Cambridge Conference 2025
What does it mean to be a changemaker?For me, it means creating accessible, engaging services by meeting people exactly where they are – and sometimes, that’s in Minecraft.I was honoured to join the C...
010
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
It was a joy to speak on the Founders Panel at The Bradfield Centre for visiting students from The Wharton School. We explored how Cambridge shapes social impact. I shared my journey from mature undergrad student to founding a non-profit training practitioners in creative digital tools.
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
I joined Dr Jo Griffin on the Counselling Tutor Podcast to talk about supporting parent-carers of children with SEND and complex needs. Listen to Episode 308 (from 26:57): www.counsellingtutor.com/podcast/epis...
counsellingtutor.com
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Join me Fri 27 June for a live online training with Let’s Play Therapy Institute. We’ll explore Minecraft as a digital sandtray for play therapy and counselling, with hands-on practice and ethical guidance. Info & booking: letsplaytherapy.org/courses/Usin...
letsplaytherapy.org
Using Minecraft as a Digital Sand Tray in Individual Therapy
Discover the Sandtray Therapy World in Minecraft, co-created by Ellie Finch and Dan Noble, and gain practical techniques for using Minecraft in individual therapy sessions. Perfect for therapists look...
110
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Delighted to be a guest speaker for Play Included recently, sharing how Minecraft can support children and young people therapeutically. I’ve long admired their work with LEGO®-based therapy. Explore their trainings here (affiliate link): playincluded.com?affId=EFinch
playincluded.com
Home
We are experts in LEGO brick based therapy. Our engaging and effective Brick-by-Brick® programme is for those working or training in the education, health or care sectors.
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Good news! I’ve recently added some new dates for the Level 2 live online training in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool that will suit practitioners across different time zones including the UK, US, Canada, Asia and Australia: elliefinch.thinkific.com/courses/Ther...
010
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
I'm really looking forward to presenting for the Iron Mill College School Counsellor Network on 27th March. I'm going to be giving an introduction to using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool. The event is free and online. Register here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/school-cou...
eventbrite.co.uk
School Counsellor Network - Minecraft as a therapeutic tool
Discover how Minecraft can be used as a therapeutic tool. No gaming experience necessary!
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
Grateful to Liana Lowenstein & Core Wellness for having me at the "It's a Beautiful Day in the Playborhood" event! Loved sharing how to use Minecraft in Play Therapy Session & the live Q&A. Missed it? Catch the recording FREE (affiliate link): corewellceu.com/event/home-4...
corewellceu.com
It’s A Beautiful Day In The Playborhood: 4th World Edition! | Core Wellness
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Playborhood: 4th World Edition!
010
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Duvet Days are important! After a tough holiday season (hospital visits & pneumonia!), I'm grateful to Core Wellness for accomodating me to present at tomorrow’s Playborhood as a pre-recorded session + live Q&A! Register here (affiliate link): corewellceu.com/play4/?shop=...
020
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
I've written a Christmas Newsletter! Oh yes I have! I'll pop the link in the comments.
120
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
Had an amazing time at the UKCP conference, Psychotherapy in a Changing World! Our research poster on using Minecraft as a therapeutic tool sparked fantastic conversations. I'll pop links in the comments below to the poster and my article in the recent edition of the UKCP's New Psychotherapist.
240
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
I’m very proud to have an article on the therapeutic benefits of videogames in the Autumn 2024 edition of the UKCP’s New Psychotherapist. www.psychotherapy.org.uk/media/dz3fbk...
030
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
I’m thrilled to be a speaker presenting for this MUST-SEE webinar. You can register to watch for FREE on January 14, 2025, 10:30 AM -3 PM EST (New York time). Sign-up now (affiliate link): corewellceu.com/play4/?shop=...
000
Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Would you like your own Sandtray Therapy room in Minecraft? With Dan Noble @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social, I've created one that is free for anyone to use and you can access it here: www.elliefinch.co.uk/sandtray-world
elliefinch.co.uk
Sandtray Minecraft World | Ellie Finch
053
Reposted by Ellie Finch
Dr. Nadine Ebri @nadineebri.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Less than 24 hours on Bluesky and I’m already loving it. Check out this starter pack that includes educators from all over the world using Minecraft Education in innovative ways! 💚 go.bsky.app/JTvdBRA #EduSky
3337