Authored by Vilte Baliutaviciute, MA, QMHP, a member of the IntraSpectrum Counseling clinical team.
There are different approaches to psychotherapy, including Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and many more. Different types are used for different client situations; therapists typically draw on one or two different theories based on their training and the types of issues they specialize in.
Using role-play for therapy is one method sometimes used within Psychodrama Therapy, and its history is longer than one might think. Psychodrama involves using acting or role-playing to process key issues, emotions and concerns, and it’s been an established approach in therapy for decades. For people struggling with anxiety, autism spectrum disorder or social isolation, a role-play game can be a safe, fun way to practice new skills or process important feelings. And it’s been shown to be effective across a wide variety of cases.
The fantasy tabletop role-playing game “Dungeons and Dragons” (D&D) was created in the 1970s, and has had demonstrated success as part of mental health treatment plans:
- As early as 1994, a young man with schizophrenia, with the help of his therapist, used the popular game to safely explore his inner identity
- For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, playing a tabletop role-playing game (known as an RPG) with a group can help with cooperation and communication
- These benefits are not limited to specific groups or diagnoses either! D&D has been used to help college students practice moral reasoning, and teen players in RPG group therapy settings improved social skills, self-esteem, self-confidence & impulse control.
Given the variety and complexity of available role-playing games, therapists agree that the right game can help with anything from math and strategy skills to identity development. Role-playing settings offer a safe and engaging practice ground for a lot of things, including:
- trying on new identities
- relating to other people
- experimenting with new plans or ideas
- thinking creatively
Want to give it a try? There is such a variety of role-play settings and systems, there’s sure to be one that works for you! D&D is perhaps the most famous, but it’s far from the only option.
- There are role-playing systems built for settings such as sci-fi futures to royal court drama
- If meeting regularly for weeks is too much, there are short “one-shot” games meant to be played in a single sitting
- If you want to go-all in and move your body, look for Live-Action Role-play (LARP) groups in your area
- Not into swinging foam swords? Tabletop games are a classic
- Or, if you’d prefer creative writing for your role-play needs, try online forums such as RPNation
- If getting a group (or even a single partner) just isn’t feasible, there are even Solo LARPs and journaling roleplays, meant to be a self-paced personal journey of exploration and adventure for just one person.
Role-play games initially achieved popularity as fun & engaging entertainment. Now it’s increasingly common to find therapy D&D sessions too, because RPGs can be such valuable tools in mental health therapy, particularly with adolescent & young adult clients.
Want to learn more? Check out these Therapy-Gaming Groups and Resources:
- Game to Grow: a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the use of games for therapeutic, educational, and community growth
- Geek Therapy: a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates for the effective and meaningful use of popular media in therapeutic, educational, and community practice
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