Don't Go Bananas CBT Game | NDIS Emotional Regulation Aid

Turn therapy into play with Don't Go Bananas, a dynamic card game designed to teach the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in a fun, low-pressure environment.

For NDIS participants—particularly teens and young adults dealing with Autism (ASD), ADHD, or psychosocial disabilities—managing big emotions like anger, anxiety, and jealousy can be a daily challenge. This game acts as a bridge between feeling and thinking, helping players identify "thought traps" and replace them with healthy, rational coping strategies.

How This Resource Supports NDIS Participants

Gamifying Mental Health (CBT): Traditional therapy can sometimes feel confrontational or boring. This game introduces CBT concepts (connecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviours) through gameplay, making it easier for participants to engage in self-reflection without feeling "lectured."

Building Emotional Regulation: The game prompts players to analyze specific scenarios that trigger negative emotions. By practicing how to handle these scenarios in the game, participants build the neural pathways needed to stay calm and regulate their emotions in real-life stressful situations.

Enhancing Social Skills: Played with 2–4 people, it encourages turn-taking, active listening, and empathy. Participants learn to understand not only their own reactions but also the perspectives of others, which is vital for community participation.

Structured Communication: For those who struggle to articulate their feelings, the game cards provide a structured framework and vocabulary ("I feel X because Y"), reducing the cognitive load required to express distress.

Key Features & Benefits

Evidence-Based Approach: grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques, widely recognized for treating anxiety and mood regulation issues.
Targets 5 Core Emotions: Specifically addresses Anger, Depression, Anxiety, Jealousy, and Fear, covering a broad spectrum of emotional challenges.
Interactive Learning: Moves beyond worksheets to active participation, which helps with retention and engagement for neurodiverse learners.
Versatile Application: Ideal for use in psychology sessions, occupational therapy, school counselling, or as a family bonding activity to support a participant's NDIS goals at home.
Age Appropriate: Designed for ages 14+, making it suitable for teens and adults who require age-respectful therapy tools that aren't "childish."

NDIS Funding Information

This item is classified as a therapeutic resource for capacity building. It is commonly claimed under:

• Consumables: 03_156118264_0135_1_2 (Educational or Therapy Resources)

• Improved Daily Living: Used as a resource to support psychology or OT goals.

We strongly recommend consulting with your Psychologist or Support Coordinator to confirm how this specific resource aligns with your capacity building goals.

Meticulous Specifications

• Product Type: Therapeutic Card Game

• Methodology: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Recommended Age: 14+ (Teens and Adults)

• Players: 2 – 4 Players

• Duration: 15 – 30 Minutes

• Focus Areas: Emotional Regulation, Social Skills, Coping Strategies

• Emotions Covered: Anger, Anxiety, Sadness, Fear, Jealousy

Package Includes

• 1 x Deck of Scenario and Prompt Cards

• 1 x Game Rules / Instruction Guide