Pixelated Healing: Games, Storytelling, and Mental Health with Filipe F. Thomaz

Where traditional therapy sometimes reaches a wall, pressing "start" can open the door to emotional recovery.In this episode of Disability Empowerment Now, host Keith Murfee-DeConcini connects with Filipe F. Thomaz, creator of the emotionally charged indie game Into a Dream, to explore how computer games and narrative art serve as powerful tools for mental health and healing. Moving far beyond simple escape, Filipe breaks down how interactive storytelling creates an accessible space for players to process depression, grief, and emotional isolation at their own pace.Together, they dive into the intersection of game design, narrative empathy, and advocacy—examining how active participation allows us to navigate complex emotional landscapes safely, build resilience, and dismantle mental health stigma. Follow us on all social media platforms @disabilityempowermentnow for exclusive content from the podcast.

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