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
Fan art by Martin Bailly
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!
Fan art by Seok Min Eo (ArtStation)
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:
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Increasing happiness and decreasing stress through play
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Building a support network in our field
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Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
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Stronger creative thinking and problem-solving skills
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Expand skills in managing anxiety
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Slaying dragons and releasing tension in a playful way
"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
Fan art by Pinokiki
Who can participate?
Our newest virtual group is specifically designed for female-presenting and non-binary 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 Erika 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 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
Meet Your Dungeon Master & Discover the Campaign
Meet Erika Walker (she/her/hers), a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, who is serving as the Dungeon Master (DM) for our newest Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) group. In Erika's own words...
"I have been playing D&D since 2016, and DMing for both friends and clients since 2018. I was first running Tomb of Annihilation for my friends—nobody told me that was one of the worst possible ones to start with, and to be fair, I didn’t ask either. After a while, I realized I wasn’t having fun because there was simply too much to know about the module. So, I asked my friends if I could take them somewhere else—somewhere we all would enjoy, and they said yes. This was how The Boundless Lands began and it has been a place I’ve loved introducing my clients to over the years.
The Boundless Lands is set in the wonderful world that author and actor, Chris Colfer created in his young adult series, The Land of Stories. You learn (in the first session so no real spoilers) that the whole world has been cursed and it is up to you—and your companions—to free everyone. Along the way, you will meet some very familiar faces, as well as some you might have never met before in your travels."
With Erika at the helm, our D&D group isn't just a game; it's a journey of self-discovery and growth.
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?
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Participants must attend one of the scheduled Session 0s on July 27th 8-10am MST or 2-4pm MST in order to participate in the campaign.
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Participants will need to create a free Roll 20 account and create a Level 1 character. Erika is happy to set up 1:1 meetings to help you through this part if you are new to playing!
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Participants will need to sign our consent form, provided as part of your sign up process and outline your boundaries for playing safely.
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We will meet virtually on every other Sunday from 8-10 MST
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This campaign is a closed group and limited to 12 participants. If you are finding us after our campaign has started - please email us to see if there is still availability! If we have spaces, we would love for you to join us and Erika can get you up to speed!
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If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Maria (maria@anewhopeacademy.org) or Erika (erikawalkertherapy@gmail.com).