There are a series of game mechanics that have specific overlap with therapeutic mechanisms, making certain games well suited for delivering stress reduction therapies.
Distraction elements such as visual spatial interference and flow based play turn down the inner noise and self talk. These elements pull the player into the moment, reduce meta cognition and disrupt rumination.
This University of California article highlights research that demonstrates how distraction through flow is an amazing way to turn down the noise and turn up the calm.
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/cant-stop-worrying-why-video-games-help
