Therapeutics – TTRPGkids

Intentionally therapeutic TTRPGs and TTRPG resources

This list contains tabletop RPGs and tabletop RPG related books/resources that have therapeutic elements built into the game or literature, and it is intended to help you find resources for your next applied game session.

Review of Venture Society by 9th Level Games

Venture Society is a TTRPG designed for young players that teaches about empathy and social skills while on a fun non-violent adventure! I had the opportunity to GM the pre-release demo at Origins Game Fair with an awesome little adventurer and his family, and I got to speak with the game’s creators about their goals with the game. Here’s my take, and I hope you enjoy this preview!

How To Support Neurodiverse Players at the Game Table: From The Perspective of a Neuro Diversity Specialist

This article by another writer is part of a parallel shared guest post between TTRPGkids and Thomas R Wilson, a…

Using TTRPGs to teach kids social-emotional skills

TTRPGs can be amazing tools for helping players, particularly kids, practice social and emotional skills in a fun and engaging way. Check out below to see why they work so well AND get a few easy ways that you can incorporate social-emotional learning into your TTRPGs!

Welcoming Neurodiverse Youth to the Game Table: From the Perspective of a Neuro Diversity Specialist, by Thomas R Wilson

This article by another writer is part of a parallel shared guest post between TTRPGkids and Thomas R Wilson, a…

Review: Wizards, Warriors, and Wellness from The Bodhana Group

Wizards, Warriors, and Wellness by Jack Berkenstock and Baron Blakley from The Bodhana Group is a wonderful intro to therapeutic tabletop RPGs whether you’re a therapist or layperson and experienced or new to applied gaming.

Featured Project: Gratitude Guardians

Based on monster trading card games, Gratitude Guardians is an awesome TTRPG for both fun and self reflection!

Review of Tabletop Role-Playing Therapy: A Guide for the Clinician Game Master

Tabletop Role-Playing Therapy by Dr. Megan Connell is a guide for clinicians looking to use TTRPGs with their clients. As a layperson, this was also an amazing exploration into why our regular, non-guided sessions and campaigns can feel therapeutic, and it has deepened my perspective on what TTRPGs can be – I hope you find it as engaging as I have!

Recap and talk audio from TTRPGkids at Origins Game Fair 2023

TTRPGkids was able to go to Origins Game Fair 2023 to run a whole bunch of events centering around all-ages gaming! Check out here for the recap and the recorded audio from some of the talks in case you couldn’t make it!

Interview with Jack Berkenstock from The Bodhana Group!

I got to chat with Jack Berkenstock, Executive Director of The Bodhana Group, about TTRPGs and therapeutics, how The Bodhana Group started and grew, and about turning George Wendt (the actor who played Norm from Cheers) into a wizard. Check out our interview here!