What is LEGO Therapy?

At One Brick At A Time Counselling, we have seen the power of LEGO play and the transformation of lives, through this modality of therapy.

Our goal is to share our skills as LEGO therapists, continuing to unlock new pathways to assist people in living their best lives.

Below is an outline of the benefits of the LEGO therapy we use at One Brick At A Time, as well as its history and development.

LEGO therapy and how can you benefit by doing this type of therapy.

LEGO therapy is a groundbreaking approach to social development and communication skills. This type of therapy has captured the hearts and minds of people across generations. Originating from the concept of Play therapy, LEGO therapy leverages the universal appeal of LEGO bricks to enhance social interactions communication and emotional well-being.

Benefits of participation
in LEGO therapy for all ages

  1. Enhanced communication

    LEGO therapy provides a non-threatening platform for individuals to express themselves. Through building projects together, participants learn to communicate ideas, negotiate, and collaborate effectively, improving verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

  2. Improved social interactions

    Participants develop social skills such as sharing, turn-taking and teamwork. Building LEGO creations in a group setting encourages positive social interactions, leading to increased self-confidence and a sense of belonging.

  3. Stress reduction and relaxation

    Engaging in creative LEGO activities promotes relaxation and stress relief. Focus on building intricate structures can be meditative, allowing participants to unwind and find joy in the process.

  4. Cognitive benefits

    LEGO building enhances cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, spatial reasoning and fine motor skills. Participants of all ages can enjoy the mental stimulation that comes from planning, organising, and constructing LEGO models.

A brief history of LEGO therapy

LEGO therapy is a groundbreaking therapeutic approach that combines play and social interaction and has a rich history rooted in creativity, innovation, and the power of human connection. Its evolution over the years has transformed the way therapists, educators, and communities support individuals in developing crucial life skills and overcoming challenges.

Early beginnings (2000s)

The concept of using LEGO bricks as a therapeutic tool gained momentum in the early 2000s. Driven by the belief that creative play could facilitate communication and social skills, therapists and researchers began experimenting with LEGO-based interventions. As anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness emerged, the LEGO therapy program started appearing in clinical and educational settings.

Formalisation and recognition (2000 to 2010)

LEGO therapy gained formal recognition and structure in the mid-2000s. The term LEGO therapy became widely recognized, and formalised models, such as the LEGO developed by Daniel LeGoff and colleagues, started shaping the way therapists approach social skills development. These models emphasized structured group activities where participants collaboratively built LEGO products, fostering communication and teamwork.

Integration into diverse settings (2010s to present)

In recent years, LEGO Therapy has expanded its reach, integrating into diverse settings beyond traditional therapy sessions. Schools, community centres, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities have adopted LEGO therapy programs as a means of supporting learning, social integration, and mental health. The versatility of LEGO therapy has allowed it to adapt to different age groups and populations, making it a valuable tool in addressing a wide array of social and emotional challenges.

The history of LEGO is a testament to the innovative spirit of therapists, researchers, and educators who recognize the potential of creative play in fostering meaningful connections, and promoting social and emotional well-being.

As LEGO Therapy continues to evolve, its impact on individuals of all ages reaffirms the enduring power of play in the realm of therapy and education.

Through the transformative power of LEGO play, we at our organisation have witnessed lives changing - literally one brick at a time. We are excited about accompanying you on this LEGO Therapy journey, as it paves the way for new avenues in helping individuals to live their best lives.

Research and validation (2010s)

2010 marked a period of intensive research and validation for LEGO therapy. Studies exploring the

effectiveness of various populations, from children with autism spectrum disorders to elderly individuals

in care facilities, provided empirical evidence of its therapeutic benefits. Research findings highlighted

improvements in social skills, communication, and emotional well-being among participants, solidifying

LEGO therapy’s credibility in the therapeutic community.

References:

1. LeGoff, D.B. (2004). Use of LEGO as a therapeutic medium for improving social competence. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 34(5) 557-571

2. Owen-deSchryver, J.S., Carr, E.G., Cale, S.I. & Blakely-Smith, A. (2008). Promoting social interactions between students with autism spectrum disorder and their peers in inclusive school settings. Focus on autism and other developmental disabilities, 23(1), 15-28.

3. LeGoff, D., Sherman, M., & Moldin, S. (2004). LEGO registered trademark-based therapy on how to build social competence through LEGO registered trademark-based clubs for children with autism and related conditions Jessica Kingsley publishers.