Note (8/17/13): I've added a thread on Reddit IamA discussing my work and this proposed program. Check it out and join in the conversation: http://redd.it/1khzq2
Introduction
My name's Steve Kuniak, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor. I've worked as a Family Therapist, Addictions Counselor, Counseling Supervisor, and am now the Program Director of a Family Counseling Agency where I currently supervise 9 clinicians. I have some experience in program development both at this agency, and through a Counselor Education Program I helped to develop at my alma mater, Saint Vincent College. At present I'm also earning my PhD in Counseling through Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. At this time I am completing my doctoral dissertation, which focuses on the culture of gamers, and is exploring any relationship that may exist between gamer personality types, coping strategies, and resiliency. That leads to another of my qualifications with this project, I've been a geek/gamer my entire life.
Most notably, though, to this campaign is that I am a Gamer myself. I began gaming when I was about 3 years old with my family's Atari. I eventually graduated to my own Nintendo and Sega Master System. I've been gaming ever since. Many of my friendships and life experiences were flavored by my various geeky hobbies (I'm also a big comic book and sci-fi fan). I started to study Psychology in college, and found that the field I was entering into didn't always seem to be supportive of my interests. In fact in many instances I found that the things I enjoyed doing were looked at as being "childish" or "inappropriate."
I've been working hard to change these stigmas by using video games, comic books, and science fiction films and literature in my work, as well as offering lectures on technology and video games in therapy. Despite this I have come to a point in my career where I realize that to really make a strong impact I need to shift my focus. Though I know of a number of clinicians who are working in similar capacities to myself, trying to spread the word that our favorite activities are not as bad as people think, I believe something more focused is necessary. I have developed the structure for a facility that would focus on Gamer Wellness. It has been well received by the mental health community in my area, and has received positive praise from individuals aligned with the gaming industry. Now it's just time to make this dream a reality.
What We Need & How it Helps Fellow Gamers
I am seeking financial support for start up costs of a Gamer Wellness Program. The financial goal is high, but this is to ensure cost effective educational and mental health services for a broad demographic. This level will also help counteract the costs associated with developing the campaign. Many people have needs, but the supports to develop specialized services are few. This is such a new idea, there are almost no financial resources for a start up program of this design.
The collected funds would support costs associated with:
- Renting a building
- Purchasing gaming equipment
- Production of educational materials
- Compensation for licensed and certified professionals to offer services at free or reduced rates to individuals in need. The more I'm able to earn, the more like minded clinicians with whom I can contract.
In the mental health world "Wellness" focuses on positive psychology in your day to day life. There is an emphasis on being present, responsible, and in filling your life with positive experiences. These services would also be available as distance services. What I mean by this is that the Educational piece will be available through YouTube lectures. Counseling services will be available through Skype or another clinically based web service. So as people consider contributing know that THIS SERVICE IS NOT JUST LOCKED TO A PHYSICAL LOCATION. Technology will help it reach as many people in need as possible. In this case Every Contribution, No Matter How Small or Large, is Critical.
The goals of the Gamer Wellness Program are encapsulated in four points:
Socialization
- Gaming is often portrayed by mainstream media as an individual experience, we know this to be false.
- Gaming provides significant opportunities for quality interaction.
- Passionate gamers enjoy interacting with one another and share in cultural experiences.
- There are few places that promote gamers to interact socially and without fear of being judged.
This program will provide opportunities for individuals to socialize through gaming. Participants will be able to game with one another, experience themed gaming events, and learn positive social skills. Participants will use gaming to learn how to create success through trial and error. Gamers will learn how to be gracious winners, and good losers.
Education
There are a lot of misconceptions about gaming and gamers, this program would provide a venue to clear the air on these topics. Regular programs would be offered, including:
- Educational sessions for parents to help them understand gaming, game systems, game ratings, etc.
- Teaching other mental health providers how to interact in a more positive manner with their clients who identify as gamers.
- Support for teachers and other professionals to help understand and interact through the experiences their students are bringing into the classroom.
- Education around good gaming habits, gamer etiquette, and beneficial ways to enjoy our favorite activity.
There will also be a Gamer Wellness e-mail newsletter which will provide news relevant to gamers, but from a mental health and wellness perspective. Gaming reviews and guest commentary, again from this unique health and wellness perspective, will be featured in the newsletter and through the new Gamer Wellness YouTube Channel. There's a lot to be done, and your funds will help accomplish it all.
Treatment
Certified professional counselors will be able to provide individual and group counseling opportunities for interested consumers to receive outpatient mental health support. This would allow individuals to receive service from professionals who speak their "language" and will provide a comfortable and respectful environment in which to receive care.
Research
I have been earning my PhD in Counseling through Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. I have been studying the "Gamer Culture" as the focus of my doctoral dissertation. I gathered my data at PAXEast 2013 in Boston this past March, and have been working to score and analyze my data ever since. I have received a lot of positive feedback on this study, even as it remains in progress.
What this has helped me to realize is that gamers (and self proclaimed geeks) seem to be interested in sharing their stories and hearing about their peers. I would like to create a venue through this program to further my research. Though the initial program would be based in the Pittsburgh area, the research would be easily accessible to prospective participants online. This would allow a base to continue my scholarly exploration and help we gamers make our voices heard.
Other Ways You Can Help
Thank you so much for reading about our campaign.
If you aren't able to contribute we would really appreciate your willingness to pass the word along about this project.
Please use all of the social media options that Indiegogo provides to get the word along. We are grateful for your Facebook posts, e-mails, Tweets, and your word of mouth.