🐢 Tortally TherapeuticsBe at ease in your own shell.
The couples word-guessing game

Shell we
connect?

Different words. Shared understanding.

Describe the word. Dodge the forbidden words. Discover how you make sense of each other—one playful round at a time.

48 original cards • 2 partners • 1 shared score

Can you find another way to say it?

  1. Only the clue-giver sees the card. The other partner guesses aloud.
  2. Describe the target without saying it, parts of it, or any of the five forbidden words (including word variations).
  3. No spelling, first letters, rhymes, translations, sounds-like clues, or gestures. Verbal clues only.
  4. Guess as many cards as you can before time ends. Switch roles each turn.

Correct guess = +1 shared point. Passing or accidentally saying a forbidden word = a new card, with no point deducted. Either person can pause or stop.

Telehealth: Do not screen-share the card to the guesser. The clue-giver can use the game privately on their own device, or the therapist can privately provide a card using their usual secure session tools. This game does not sync devices. In person, turn the screen toward only the clue-giver.

Shared score 0Time 1:00

Clue-giver only!

Make sure your partner cannot see the card. Reveal when you’re ready.

Partners cooperate; the score is just for fun.

Your shared result

Bring the connection into the conversation.

  1. Which clue helped you understand your partner? What made it work?
  2. When the first explanation didn’t land, how did you adapt?
  3. How could you use that same curiosity in a real conversation this week?

“When my words don’t reach you, I can try another way—and stay curious about yours.”

Therapist facilitation notes

Use the everyday deck for a playful start and the relationship deck to open discussion. Keep it cooperative. Observe pacing, assumptions, encouragement, responses to mistakes, and the ability to rephrase; do not interpret game performance as proof of trust or relationship health.

Between turns, invite one short reflection. Ask: “What helped?” or “What could you try differently?” Avoid using clues to criticize a partner. If frustration rises, pause the timer and model a supportive response. Either person may pass or stop without explanation.

For a gentler version, choose untimed play or agree to allow gestures before starting. Skip relationship terms that feel too charged. If joint disclosure is unsafe because of fear, coercion, or retaliation, use a different activity and assess separately.

No names or responses are collected. Progress is held only in this tab and resets on refresh. Clues and guesses are spoken; the game does not listen or automatically detect forbidden words. The therapist or players mark results.