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:
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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
Who can participate?
This 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! Otherwise, not much! We will provide you with a set of dice to keep and a notebook to use during your journeys. A tablet or laptop can be helpful at times but not necessary.
"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 Host
Meet Zac Egan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who serves as the Dungeon Master (DM) for our thrilling Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) group.
Zac's journey into therapy isn't your typical tale. Fueled by a passion for blending the fantastical with the therapeutic, he's carved out a niche where unconventional interventions reign supreme. With a keen eye for the power of storytelling and imagination, Zac seamlessly integrates video games, anime, movies, tabletop role-playing games (like D&D), and board games into his therapeutic toolkit.
As the mastermind behind our D&D adventures, Zac's expertise extends beyond the realm of traditional therapy. He crafts immersive worlds where players can explore, conquer challenges, and forge bonds—all while delving into the depths of their own psyche. With Zac 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 watch our D&D 101 orientation before you join our campaign. As this will cover the basics of D&D, making a character, and how to use D&D beyond. This is especially important as you will be expected to have a character made to the requirements of the group and ready to go for our first session.
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While this campaign is an open group, meaning you are welcome to join us as you can, this campaign is limited to 6 participants for each session. You will sign up for each date individually (registration link below), so please do not sign up for dates that you are unable to attend - this allows someone else to join for that session.
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Check your availability for our current campaign dates - see below!
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Have questions? Ask our DM! You can email Zac at zac@anewhopetc.org
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