D&D 101 for Therapists

October 25 & 26, 2024 | Zoom Webinar

Schedule

Want to join our party and learn D&D?

Step into the world of imagination, adventure, and therapeutic potential with "D&D 101 for Therapists." This beginner-friendly presentation is designed for clinicians new to the realm of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), particularly Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). In this interactive workshop, participants will learn the fundamental concepts and terminology of D&D, explore how the game's immersive storytelling can enhance therapeutic practices, and discover the therapeutic benefits that come from integrating TTRPGs into clinical settings. From character creation to navigating a game session, therapists will gain hands-on experience and insights into how these games support the therapeutic powers of play and can foster social skills, emotional regulation, and personal growth. Join us to unlock the therapeutic powers of play and bring a new dimension to your therapeutic practice!

Training Objectives:

Define at least five basic terms and terminology used in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D).
Connect elements of TTRPGs with at least three elements of the Therapeutic Powers of Play.
Identify and explain at least four therapeutic benefits of using TTRPGs in a clinical setting.
Demonstrate the ability to create a basic D&D character, including selecting race, class, and generating ability scores.
Engage in a role-playing scenario and demonstrate the ability to describe character actions and interactions within the game framework.
Outline the basic structure of a D&D session, including the cycle of play, and describe the roles and responsibilities of the Dungeon Master and players.
Explore the role of immersion in therapy through techniques such as voice modulation, costumes, and props, and will demonstrate how these techniques can enhance the therapeutic experience.
Identify 'bleed' (the spillover between player and character) in role-playing sessions, using strategies to differentiate between the therapist's and the client's in-game and real-life identities.

Presenter

Zac is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a graduate degree from Western New Mexico University, where he specialized in clinical social work and earned a certificate in school social work. He is passionate about using unconventional therapeutic interventions, such as video games, anime, movies, and tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, alongside conventional techniques to engage and support his clients. Zac has been a Dungeon Master for 14 years and has completed all three levels of training with Game to Grow for integrating D&D and psychotherapy. He has been running therapeutic TTRPG groups and incorporating D&D into therapy settings for the past three years. Zac’s primary therapeutic orientation is mindfulness, but he also integrates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Jungian psychology, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Additionally, he is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is working towards certifications in both EMDR and Play Therapy. With extensive experience working with teenagers and adults in both group and individual settings, Zac aims to provide holistic and humanistic care through an integrative therapeutic approach.

Details & Registration

Date: October 18 & 19, 2024

Location: Online Zoom Training (MST Timezone)

Pricing:

$200 Early Bird Pricing

$250 Regular Pricing

*Pricing includes CE Certificate

Schedule: