_edited.jpg)
.png)
Therapeutic Dungeons & Dragons
for Therapeutic Healers
Have you forgotten the power of play?
Step out of the therapy world and enter a fantasy one!
No experience necessary!
Dungeons & Dragons for Therapeutic Healers
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS FOR THERAPEUTIC HEALERS
Rediscover the magic of play!
Ready to trade in your therapist hat for a wizard's cloak?
No experience needed - just a thirst for adventure!
Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for boosting mental health and creativity. From testing new strategies to flexing those social muscles, playtime is essential at any age. But let’s face it, as grown-ups, finding the right outlet for play can be tough.
Enter Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), where imagination knows no bounds and fun is the name of the game. It’s like a playground for adults, where you can slay dragons, solve mysteries, and forge friendships—all while honing those problem-solving skills and tapping into your inner hero.
So, dust off your dice and get ready to roll—because the adventure of a lifetime awaits!
What is Dungeons & Dragons?
Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a beloved tabletop roleplaying game created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in 1974. With the rise in popularity of shows like Community and Stranger Things, interest in D&D has soared.
In D&D, players step into the shoes of fantastical characters, teaming up to achieve goals, amass treasure, and battle foes. Unlike traditional games, there's no predetermined path; instead, players craft their own narrative through collaboration and improvisation. Guiding the adventure is the Dungeon Master, who sets the scene and challenges players to make choices. Each decision is met with a roll of the dice, injecting an element of chance into the story.
But here's the twist: D&D isn't about winning or losing—it's about shared experiences and collective storytelling. This fosters unforgettable moments of surprise, humor, and heartfelt connection that unfold organically as the game progresses.
"D&D for therapists isn't just about fantasy; it's about strengthening our therapeutic skills through storytelling, teamwork, and imagination. It also reminds me how important it is to play!"
— D&D for Therapists Attendee
What are the Mental Health Benefits of D&D for Healers?
Some of the possible mental health benefits of D&D for healers include:
-
Increasing happiness and decreasing stress through play
-
Building a support network in our field
-
Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
-
Stronger creative thinking and problem-solving skills
-
Expand skills in managing anxiety
-
Slaying dragons and releasing tension in a playful way
Who can participate?
Our newest virtual group is specifically designed for therapeutic healers such as therapists, counselors, social workers, and those in our mental health field. This is not a group that is open to the public.
What will I need to take part?
The willingness to have fun and be playful! You will need to set up a free Roll 20 account, which Jasper will help walk you through during our Session 0. Otherwise, not much! It is helpful to have a set of dice and a notebook to use during your journeys.
"D&D has provided a fun outlet to immerse ourselves in an amazing game while creating new relationships, many with colleagues from our field. It's been so enjoyable to laugh and strategize for a few hours on the weekend with a diverse and fun group!"
— Courtney Chadwick, BS, Master Level Student in Public Health and Social Work
Meet Your Dungeon Master
Meet Jasper Guilbeau (he/him), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who is serving as the Dungeon Master (DM) for our newest Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) group. In Jasper's own words...
"Hey there, I'm Jasper! I've been playing tabletop RPGs for over 5 years and have been a GM for about 3 years. I am passionate about helping people new to TTRPGs immerse themselves in the gameplay and characters that they create.
My style emphasizes role-playing and character relationships to both the world and to other characters.
You can follow me for more information about the games I run by following me on instagram @serenity_games_with_jas or by emailing me at serenitygamewithjas@gmail.com with any questions you may have."
With Jasper at the helm, our D&D group isn't just a game; it's a journey of self-discovery and growth.
"D&D for therapists has become a highlight of my month. It's not just about playing a game; it's about engaging in meaningful interactions and learning from each other. The creative challenges and character development have greatly enhanced my therapeutic techniques and my personal growth."
— D&D for Therapists Attendee
Discover the Campaign
On the continent of Altris, dragons have dominated the land for as long as anyone can remember. For any inhabitant of the land who was not a dragon, life was fraught with peril and fear of impending destruction. Dragons formed factions and sects and warred with one another over the three things that all dragons covet: treasure, territory, and the continuation of their lineage. Non-dragon folks lived in small, isolated communities while they tried to scrape together a living amidst the chaos.
Now, things are much different. The benevolent blue dragon queen made peace between dragon factions and installed herself as the Empress over all dragon-kind. She ceded a portion of her own territory to form the country of Helian. Helian is the first territory on Altris run by non-dragon folks and has become a safe haven where non-dragon folks could come together and govern themselves for the first time in recorded history.
In this golden age of prosperity, flourishing of the arts and cultures, and new scientific or arcane discoveries is where we will find ourselves in this campaign.
Registration
What is the cost?
$10 per session - this fee covers the cost of materials and resources needed by our therapeutic Dungeon Master.
I'm interested! What's next?
-
Participants must attend the scheduled Session 0s on Saturday August 22 from 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT in order to participate in the campaign.
-
Participants will need to create a free Roll 20 account and create a Level 1 character. Jasper is happy to help you through this part if you are new to playing!
-
Participants will need to sign our consent form, provided as part of your sign up process and outline your boundaries for playing safely.
-
We will meet virtually on every other Saturday from 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM MDT beginning September 5
-
This campaign is a closed group and limited to 6 participants.
-
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Maria (maria@anewhopeacademy.org) or Jasper (serenitygamewithjas@gmail.com).