Mastering Your Dragons: Using Tabletop Role-Playing Games in Therapy

Using Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) as a therapeutic tool is more feasible than previously thought. While role-playing games (RPGs) have existed for decades, their application in therapy can be challenging for those unfamiliar with tabletop gaming. This article explores the history of D&D, its therapeutic applications, and case studies of five individuals (ages 7–19) using RPGs addressing anxiety, depression, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and nightmares. It also examines group therapy settings for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), LGBTQ adolescents exploring identity, and women in residential treatment for substance use and trauma recovery. Each case study highlights both the successes and challenges of integrating RPGs into therapy, demonstrating how D&D fosters social skills, identity exploration, trauma recovery, and emotional growth. The findings suggest that RPGs are flexible and effective tools for addressing diverse mental health concerns by encouraging emotional exploration and personal development. While the results are promising, further research is needed to assess the long-term impact of RPGs in therapy and their broader clinical applications. Expanding this research could solidify D&D’s role as a valuable therapeutic intervention across various mental health settings.