The "Village of Virtues" instrument is a game-based method for psychological counselling through symbol work developed by the German scientist-psychologist Wilfred Schneider and based on the theory of character strengths created by the VIA Institute on Character. It is developed based on recent findings of positive psychology and uses practical resources from the theory of the universal human virtues. It helps clients look at the conflict / communication problem they face from a different perspective.

The game is played with 1 or 2 participants who have problems in communication or are in conflict. Symbols such as houses, plants and a set of small objects are used to identify virtues and emotions (their own and those of the opponent in the conflict). This helps to better express the problem and find a possible solution for it.

Objectives:

• to enable the client to see a more human side of his opponent and to find similarities or things to respect in him;
• to discover a solution for the problem.