What are Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGS)?
Think collaborative storytelling, dice (when relevant), and imagination!
TTRPGS are social games where a group (or even just one player and the GM/Therapist) tells an evolving story together.
One person, facilitates the narrative, while others create and embody fictional characters exploring this shared world. Dungeons & Dragons is a well-known example, but many systems exist.
Not only fun and games!
What does TTRPG look like?
This isn't just playing games for fun. It's a powerful form of therapy that uses the structure and dynamics of TTRPGS to help you work towards your therapeutic goals. The game provides a dynamic, creative space for exploration and insight.
The "psychological distance" of playing a character allows you to try new ways of being, explore difficult emotions, social interactions, or challenging life situations without direct real-world consequences. It feels safer because it's your character doing it, not you.
Through gameplay, you naturally develop communication, collaboration, problem-solving, perspective-taking, and frustration tolerance skills. This can be particularly supportive for individuals with ADHD looking to practice executive function skills.
By stepping into a character's shoes and reflecting on their choices and motivations, you gain deeper insight into your patterns, beliefs, and "ego states". We can explore your "scripts" and what's holding you back through the narrative.
Playing different characters is a powerful tool for exploring aspects of your identity, trying on different "scripts," and integrating parts of yourself. This is deeply relevant for LGBTQ+ folx navigating identity and social dynamics.
In our therapeutic work, we will consider what aspects of TTRPGS we use and whether they are relevant to what you want to achieve. You do not need any particular knowledge, although that can be helpful. I will guide you through the narrative setup and character creation if you would like to use this for yourself.
How Does a Therapeutic Session Play Out?
Sessions blend engaging gameplay with dedicated time for processing and reflection. We'll immerse ourselves in the game's narrative, facing challenges and making choices. Afterwards, we shift to a therapeutic debrief, linking the game's events to your real-life experiences, goals, and patterns. As your therapeutic GM, I facilitate the game, manage dynamics, and guide the therapeutic processing, tailoring scenarios to help address your specific goals.
Session lengths align with standard individual (50 min or 105 min) or couples/relationship sessions (60 min, 90 min, 50 min, or 105 min) as agreed in our contract. Unless otherwise agreed upon, which might include Group Therapy.
Who is TTRPG Therapy For?
While a natural fit for the gamer/geek community, its benefits are wide-reaching. It is a good fit for:
- Individuals navigating ADHD or other neurodiverse concerns
- LGBTQ+ community exploring identity
- Those in polyamorous relationships who seek a creative way to explore dynamics
- Anyone seeking a creative, less traditional path to therapy no matter your neurotype, gender, age, cultural heritage
- You, when other talking therapies may have been too intense
Ready to Roll Initiative on Your Therapeutic Journey?
Let's craft your adventure together. Tell your story, your way, let your unconscious inform you about the heroes inside you and the villains in your shadow that kept you safe. All your parts are welcome, scars, bruises and dreams are merely lines on the map to where your story leads.
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