From play to possibility: The Mindsetter game creating an "In-Between" space for reflection, co-creation, and hope by Gesa Döringer, Holland
In solution focused work, change doesn't happen in isolation— it emerges in the dialogue between therapist and client, coach and coachee, or within a team. Games provide a structured yet flexible environment where people can explore and experiment without fearing failure. When played in a group, games stimulate collaboration and shared discovery.
By combining SF with gamification, The Mindsetter Game is a powerful tool that facilitates transformative conversations by adding playfulness, shifting focus to strengths and resources, and initiating new perspectives. Through 96 engaging questions, the Mindsetter offers a safe “playground.” A place where ideas and solutions arise dynamically rather than being imposed. When played in a group, The Mindsetter Game establishes a collaborative, supportive environment, an "in-between" space where insights emerge naturally through interaction during the game, not instructions. And it brings „high energy and rich conversations” to the group (Mark McKergow). That energy, together with peer-support and diverse perspectives helps players to see new possibilities, reinforcing that they are not alone in their journey towards change.
The combination of the SF questions and gamification provides a space where players dare to show their vulnerability without feeling vulnerable. Instead, they experience agency, hope and collaboration. Whether used in therapy, coaching, or team facilitation, the game encourages a co-creative, strength-based approach. With over 165 games played worldwide in diverse settings, The Mindsetter Game has proven to be both light-hearted and impactful, creating a space where participants feel heard and seen and where they can safely explore their desired future.
This interactive workshop invites participants to join the game and • experience how playfulness can stimulate new perspectives and ideas. • discover that cheating can be a very effective way of co-creation. • explore how to integrate the game into their own practice to enhance engagement, transformation and agency.
Gesa Döringer is an experienced SF therapist, trainer and occupational therapist. For the past 17 years she has been working as a jobcoach at the department for adolescents with Early Onset Psychosis of Amsterdam UMC, combining her two professions with passion. She respectfully witnesses the resilience and solutions of her clients and admires how they dust themselves off after experiencing psychosis and dare to focus on their goals and next steps ahead. Experiential learning and game elements are her secret ingredients to hold space for her clients and encourage them to gain new insights and flexible perspective taking. For the past 10 years she has worked as an author and SF Trainer in Germany and the Netherlands. In 2023 she published her SF game, the Mindsetter in 2023 which is by now played in 25 countries worldwide.
