Tabletop Role-Playing Therapy

Author: Megan A. Connell

Social, group or collective psychology | Psychotherapy | Role-playing, war games & fantasy sports

Published on 28^th March 2023 by WW Norton & Co in the United States.

Paperback / softback | 240 pages, 6 black-and-white illustrations
228mm x 154mm x 20mm | 298g

Across the globe, therapists are using tabletop roleplaying games (RPG) such as Dungeons & Dragons as a part of their practice. This book provides an overview of what RPGs are and what makes them such an effective and powerful tool for therapy. By examining research on gaming, flow, immersion and role-play, readers will gain a better understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and how to skilfully and ethically use RPGs in their own practices. The author also looks at the history of RPGs, specifically focusing on issues of diversity and representation to help providers understand some possible pitfalls that exist within the medium. The book utilises an example group to walk through everything from conception, planning, running, documentation and termination of the group.