Creating New Ways to Cope

Michael Markham ’16 is currently working towards obtaining his LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker). Markham’s work is unique and innovative; he is exploring the use of tabletop gaming as a therapy approach.

MMU: What initially attracted you to Mount Mercy’s social work program?

MM: Initially, I was drawn to MMU because the mentors I surrounded myself with had either attended the social work program at the school, or they touted MMU’s ability to mold college kids into solid social workers. 

MMU: You’re currently working towards your LISW. Tell us about your work in exploring the benefits of gaming as a therapy technique.

MM: My desire to pursue gaming as a therapeutic modality is fundamentally shaped by my belief in the importance of play across the lifespan. Working as a newer therapist, I realized the importance of joining with the client to form a therapeutic alliance. My initial efforts into “geek therapy” were in service of this goal. Eventually my interest in melding geek culture with elements of therapy grew. I realized tabletop role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons contained components of narrative-therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). D&D is a game rooted in goal development, skill building, and role playing; all within the safe environment of the game-table. I believe I can reach a population that may not find traditional therapy approaches a fit for them.

MMU: Did any experiences you had in college help to inspire what you’re working on now?

MM:  My internships while a student at MMU taught me that I could bring my passions to my social work practice. That the truer I was to myself and how I wanted to practice, the more genuine I presented to clients through my practice. This realization gave me the courage to follow my passions, and to the work I am currently developing.

MMU: What’s your favorite Mount Mercy memory?

MM: I enjoyed my internships immensely, particularly my internship at the Department of Corrections Community Based Services in the 6th Judicial District. I enjoyed so many opportunities interning there, which had a hand in shaping my core practicing philosophy. My favorite memory as an intern with the DOC was when I did a ride along with an officer from the high-risk unit one night. I was able to see the opportunities that the officer had to improve the lives of the recently paroled by looking for opportunities to meet the unmet needs of people re-entering our communities after serving prison sentences. 

MMU: What does a Mount Mercy education mean to you?

MM: I always believed a social worker must be open to any opportunity that comes their way, to “stay curious,” as a mentor of mine would say, and to seek out learning experiences in non-traditional settings for social workers. The social work program at MMU facilitated a learning environment where I could both learn the nuts and bolts of generalist practice and seek out non-traditional internships to make my own.

MMU: Do you have any advice for current Mount Mercy social work students?

MM:  Stay curious and be open to new experiences. There are a multitude of ways to bring yourself to your social work education and practice, don’t be afraid to pursue your own unique brand. I have learned that true learning occurs outside our comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and learn something new, it has benefitted my career immensely.