Lou Anna Claveau

How is a D&D Therapy Group different from a normal D&D campaign? -Confidentiality applies! This means you will not know the other players outside of group sessions, and will not be able to disclose what happens within the group to others. -The Counselor/Dungeon Master (DM) has created a campaign specific to anxiety and depression, social skills and bullying. -You will be guided on how to be intentional about character creation pertaining to your growth journey. -We will reflect on themes and character-player parallels during reflection portions at the end of each group. -Careful consideration is given to put a frame around the gameplay, taking time to de-role. Additionally, extra emphasis is given to safety tools regarding game content. Do I have to already know how to play D&D? -No, in fact, you probably already know more about playing a role than you realize. Masking is common when we experience anxiety, depression, ADHD, poor social skills and even when we don’t have those we “play” different roles each day. -If you’re the type that likes to prepare beforehand, here are a ton of resources to get you started: (Links open to YouTube) How to Ensure your Character Fits into your Party https://youtu.be/uEKYzKLDfPo How to Plan your Characters Future by using a back story? https://youtu.be/hhkYSLOMmTs Funny, short video on the basics: https://youtu.be/wHBM9ARGdD8 -However, remember no experience is needed! We will walk through character creation and how to play together. What edition of D&D will we be playing? -We will be playing D&D 5th edition. -It is up to your DM/counselor’s discretion to fudge rules and rolls depending on what is best for the group and individuals in the group. What does a D&D Therapy Group actually look like? We meet online through Zoom and Roll20 2 hours for 12 weeks. We’ll take about 15 minutes to check in, do a mindfulness transition into character, and then spend the majority of time in gameplay. We’ll then transition out of character leaving about 30 minutes to debrief out of character how that session went. Your DM and counselor, and will be there to help facilitate character creation, gameplay, and draw out the themes that connect us and will also help manage conflict resolution and aim to cultivate an emotionally safe space for all. Pre-Group Consultation Schedule a free 20-minute online consultation to learn more. The consult is an opportunity to meet, learn more about the group, and ask any questions you have. ASKING ISN’T A COMMITMENT TO PLAY . How do I actually grow from playing in a D&D Therapy Group? -Check out details here about the inherent benefits of playing tabletop role play games like D&D. Introduction to basics with links by Katie Lear: https://www.katielear.com/child-therapy-blog/2020/5/20/dungeons-and-dragons-as-therapy-mental-health -We will take time to reflect on parallels between group dynamics, moral decisions, values, goals, characteristics, and conflicts. -The caveat is always that you get what you put into the campaign. So I challenge you to focus on how you can translate all knowledge and skills from gameplay to your personal life. We will check in about this each session too.