ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance of using experiential learning tools to teach university student psychology and psychotherapy trainees how to enhance child resilience to symptoms of mental illness in the community, beyond the one-on-one therapy setting. A specific example – the creation of a mental health promotion board game – is presented. Purposeful experiential learning through the creation and use of “Moods Managed” board game appeared to enhance student awareness of both community-based resilience-building, knowledge of specific psychological theoretical frameworks, and the value of creativity when working with children. Further, students reported that they used skills learned to enhance self-care. The creation of “Moods Managed,” therefore, was an experiential learning tool that taught students responsibility towards society, theories of counselling, how to contribute to resilience in children who do not access mental health services, and how to enhance personal well-being.
