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Exploring the Benefits of Group Therapy Using Tabletop Role-Playing

Storytelling and Therapy Combined

At Adventure Therapy, I combine the art of storytelling with the rigor of therapeutic methods to offer a transformative approach to group therapy. Leveraging the immersive world of tabletop role-playing games, the sessions are crafted to address various psychological challenges, including anxiety, social skills, and personal growth.

Research-backed methods provide a unique and engaging way to facilitate healing and self-discovery. Below, I delve into the key benefits that have been consistently demonstrated through our innovative therapeutic approach.

Decreased Anxiety

Tabletop therapy has been repeatedly shown to decrease generalized anxiety and social anxiety. It doesn’t come free. The sessions can challenge you, but not until you are ready.

Young man suffering from depression.

Improved Social Skills

Working with a group. Taking leadership positions and making sure you are heard all comes with practice. Research has demonstrated that these skills persist outside the sessions.

Group of smiling happy children showing thumbs up.

A Space for Personal Growth

Clients consistently state that they gain further insights into themselves and develop more self-esteem throughout the campaign.

Group of people sitting in a circle during group therapy.

Look at all the research below!

  • Decreased Generalized Anxiety (Varrette, 2022) (Connell, 2023)
  • Vast Improvements in Social Anxiety and Increased Social Connectedness (Abbot, 2021) (Varrette, 2023)
  • An Effective Treatment for Trauma and Complex Trauma (Wilson, 2024)
  • A Growing Treatment for Depression (Hughes, 1988) (Causo, 2021)
  • Anger Management (Zayas & Lewis, 1986)
  • Understanding the Importance of Diversity (Zayas & Lewis, 1986)
  • Players Described Feeling Valued by Others (D’Anastasio, 2017)
  • Developing Emotional Intelligence (Estes, 2020)
  • Self-Esteem, Self-Concept, Identity Formation, and Social Awareness (Rosslet & Stauffer)
  • Players Describe It as a Safe Space to Express Pent-Up Emotions in a Way That Is Safe for Self and Others (Rosslet & Stauffer)
  • Teens More Interested in Engaging with Therapists (Rosslet & Stauffer)
  • Improved Morality When Using a Campaign Used to Put Players in Moral Challenges (Wright, 2017)
  • Boosted Leadership Skills and Empathy (Mackey, 2023)
  • Improved Social Skills and Decreased Social Anxiety (Orr et al., 2020) (Bartlette, 2014)
  • Sense of Community (Blackmon, 1994) (Hazel, 2021) (Baker, 2022)
  • More Willing to Try Out New Skills in TTRPG (Bartlette, 2014)
  • Player Used and Practiced Skills in D&D Were Applied in Day-to-Day Lives (Zayas & Lewis) (Rosslet & Stauffer)
  • Conflict Resolution Skills Improve (Orr et al., 2020)
  • Gives People a Deeper Understanding of the Self through Their Character (Blackstock, 2016)
  • Improved Imagination (Merilaninen, 2012)

Full Works Cited

Ascherman, L. I. (1993). The impact of unstructured games of fantasy and role-playing on an inpatient unit for adolescents. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 43(3), 335–344.

Leeds, S. M. (1995). Personality, belief in the paranormal, and involvement with satanic practices among young adult males: Dabblers versus gamers. Cultic Studies Journal, 12 (2), 148–165.

Simón, A. (1987). Emotional stability pertaining to the game of Dungeons & Dragons. Psychology
in the Schools, 24 (4), 329–332.

Hartwig, E. K., Walker, E., & Stamman, J. (2024). Roll for initiative: Using Dungeons & Dragons in play therapy. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health. Advanced online publication.

Bracht, S. P. (2024). Meaning-making experiences and experience-based decision-making among middle school girls playing Dungeons & Dragons. Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences, 85 (11-A).

Wilson, D. R. (2024). The world of Dungeons & Dragons as a therapeutic approach to complex trauma. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 85 (10-B).

Sidhu, P., & Carter, M. (2023). Benevolent transgressive play in Dungeons & Dragons [D&D]. Simulation & Gaming, 54 (6), 708–729.

Hand, D. (2023). Role-playing games in psychotherapy: A practitioner’s guide. Palgrave Macmillan/Springer Nature.

Henrich, S., & Worthington, R. (2023). Let your clients fight dragons: A rapid evidence assessment regarding the therapeutic utility of ‘Dungeons & Dragons’. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 18 (3), 383–401.

Kilmer, E. D., Davis, A. D., Kilmer, J. N., & Johns, A. R. (2023). Therapeutically applied role-playing games: The Game to Grow method. Routledge.

Mackey, C. N. (2023). Perceptions of skill transference from Dungeons & Dragons to personal, social, and work. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 84 (8-B).

Baker, I. S., Turner, I. J., & Kotera, Y. (2022). Role-play games (RPGs) for mental health (why not?):
Roll for initiative. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. Advanced online publication.

Abbott, M. S., Stauss, K. A., & Burnett, A. F. (2022). Table-top role-playing games as a therapeutic intervention with adults to increase social connectedness. Social Work with Groups, 45 (1), 16–31.

Sidhu, P., & Carter, M. (2021). Pivotal play: Rethinking meaningful play in games through death
in Dungeons & Dragons. Games and Culture: A Journal of Interactive Media, 16 (8), 1044–1064.

Causo, F., & Quinlan, E. (2021). Defeating dragons and demons: Consumers’ perspectives on mental health recovery in role-playing games. Australian Psychologist, 56 (3), 256–267.

Wright, J. C., Weissglass, D. E., & Casey, V. (2020). Imaginative role-playing as a medium for moral development: Dungeons & Dragons provides moral training. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 60 (1), 99–129.

Banks, J., Bowman, N. D., & Wasserman, J. A. (2018). A bard in the hand: The role of materiality in player–character relationships. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 38 (2), 61–81.

Lis, E., Chiniara, C., Biskin, R., & Montoro, R. (2015). Psychiatrists’ perceptions of role-playing games. Psychiatric Quarterly, 86 (3), 381–384.

Betz, U. A. K. (2011). What fantasy role‐playing games can teach your children (or even you)? British Journal of Educational Technology, 42 (6), E117–E121.

Wilson, D. L. (2008). An exploratory study on the players of Dungeons & Dragons. Dissertation
Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 68 (7-B), 4879.

Varrette, M., Berkenstock, J., Greenwood-Ericksen, A., Ortega, A., Michaels, F., Pietrobon, V., & Schodorf, M. (2023). Exploring the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy and role-playing games as an intervention for adults with social anxiety. Social Work with Groups, 46 (2), 140–156.