Top 10 Reasons to Reconsider TTRPG Therapy: A Multi-Generational Guide
A short preface (how this post came to be multi-generational)
I use AI to help me organize my thoughts and I was working on a draft of this blog and trying to get a good outline to start from and one of the outline item suggestions the AI made included the acronym IRL, and I immediately wondered who that speaks to generationally and who we should be speaking to and how tone matters, and so being the awesomely autistic dweeb that I am, I decided to ask the AI to finish writing this blog post by writing the source material in a tone and fashion that would convey our message clearly to each generation to help them feel included in our outreach. The results from the AI's process follow. Please let me know if you think the agent was successful or not.
Top 10 Reasons to Reconsider TTRPG Therapy
Adults only (18+). Real therapy using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Official Dungeons & Dragons® rules. Teletherapy groups with a one‑to‑one ramp.
Universal primer (plain language)
- Evidence‑based: We use ACT—clarifying values, easing fusion with sticky thoughts, and taking workable actions tied to measurable goals.
- Not a “therapy‑ized” game: We use official Dungeons & Dragons® rules and materials. Real challenge and uncertainty are purposeful—change often happens at the edge of comfort.
- Adults only (18+).
- Onboarding: free 20‑minute consult → first session is assessment & treatment planning → one‑to‑one character/values work → join a group when you’re ready and a group is forming.
- Session Zero: safety planning, content preferences, boundaries, and table norms.
- Between sessions: brief reflection prompts; standout entries earn in‑game loot each week. Optional continued one‑to‑one sessions to process what you’re learning in group.
- Accessibility: working on SST/assistive participation so non‑speaking play is possible.
- Ongoing: at least one individual check‑in every 60–90 days to review the treatment plan; after each story arc, we level up characters, debrief, and check in together.
- Privacy & research: initial paperwork includes consent to capture session audio/video for internal process improvement as we prepare for eventual academic research. Confidentiality remains 100%; only the therapist reviews this. If a formal study is proposed later, you’ll receive a separate, optional consent with full details.
Boomer Edition 🧭🗺️
Adults ~60+; respectful, structured, privacy‑forward; rekindle that space‑age curiosity and campfire‑story spirit.
10) No experience needed
We explain the basics plainly and build gradually—like learning a new card game at a family table. You’ll have clear instructions and a patient guide.
9) This is real therapy
ACT gives the work its backbone—goals we agree on, strategies we practice, and steady review of progress.
8) A gentle social on‑ramp
Begin one‑to‑one. When you’re ready, join a small, well‑moderated group. Participation can be non‑speaking if needed (SST/assistive options).
7) Session Zero = safety
Professional standards, practical safeguards, thoughtful pacing—before any adventure begins.
6) Right‑sized pacing
Clear summaries, unhurried turns, and support with the rules when helpful. No rushing; no jargon.
5) Character creation = values work
Craft a meaningful persona—like choosing a role in a service club—so you can practice real‑life skills in a safe setting.
4) You won’t be dropped into strangers
Courteous peers, moderated discussion, dependable routines. Choosing not to join a scene is always acceptable.
3) Adults only
We currently serve adults of all ages.
2) Yes, it’s Dungeons & Dragons®—for real
We follow the recognized rules of the game and present engaging challenges. Short take‑home reflections reinforce progress; in‑game rewards acknowledge effort. Individual sessions are available for additional support.
1) Enjoyable practice that strengthens everyday life
Adventures become structured practice for problem‑solving, boundaries, and purpose—delivered in a format that’s enjoyable to return to.
Gen X Edition 📼🕹️
Adults ~44–59; direct, wry, outcome‑oriented; if you rolled dice in a friend’s basement once upon a time, welcome back.
10) No experience (or recent experience) needed
No fluff. Clean prompts. Your first turn is obvious and supported—even if your last character sheet lived in a Trapper Keeper.
9) This is real therapy
ACT, not buzzwords: values, defusion, measurable actions. We track progress against goals you actually care about.
8) A gentle social on‑ramp
Build reps privately, then join a group when timing works with work, caregiving, and life. SST/assistive participation available.
7) Session Zero = safety
Up‑front agreements, boundaries, and practical tools. Low drama, high respect.
6) Right‑sized pacing
Tidy references, therapist‑handled crunch as needed, no spreadsheet grief.
5) Character creation = values work
Choose competencies that matter; pressure‑test them in scenarios that feel like well‑designed encounters.
4) You won’t be dropped into strangers
Competent facilitation, clear roles, stable cadence. Opt‑outs are normal; spotlight is shared.
3) Adults only
Career plate‑spinning, midlife audits, third‑act planning—all welcome.
2) Yes, it’s Dungeons & Dragons®—for real
Authentic rules, purposeful challenge design, real consequence. Brief reflections with a payoff (loot) keep insights portable. Optional one‑to‑ones when you want to separate signal from noise.
1) Functional, repeatable growth—delivered playfully
Test, learn, iterate—without the corporate jargon. Keep what works; shed what doesn’t.
Millennial Edition ☕📱
Adults ~28–43; competence + warmth; burnout‑aware; nostalgic for co‑op campaigns and good coffee.
10) No experience needed
Think “great tutorial level”—learn by doing, not by manuals. We scaffold, you flow.
9) This is real therapy
ACT is practical: values clarity, defusion, committed action. Outcomes beat platitudes; measurable without hustle culture vibes.
8) A gentle social on‑ramp
One‑to‑one first; group when you’re ready. Exposure is leveled like sensible quests. SST options if speaking is tough.
7) Session Zero = safety
Consent tools we actually use. Clear rhythms for check‑ins and debriefs.
6) Right‑sized pacing
Prompts, cheat cards, and therapist‑handled mechanics cut friction. Complexity unlocks when it’s fun to have it.
5) Character creation = values work
Backstory meets life goals. Design a character that helps you practice what matters in relationships, work, and creative life.
4) You won’t be dropped into strangers
Thoughtful placement in a forming group; shared spotlight, no railroading. Opt‑outs respected.
3) Adults only
From early‑career pivots to midlife resets—come as you are.
2) Yes, it’s Dungeons & Dragons®—for real
Authentic system, solid encounters, real stakes. Between sessions: quick reflections with meaningful in‑game rewards. Optional one‑to‑ones keep insights sticky.
1) The most enjoyable way to upgrade routines
Boss fights become stuck patterns; loot becomes workable skills; party becomes accountability—with joy.
Gen Z Edition ✨🎲
Adults 18–27ish; clarity first, consent forward, accessibility built‑in; bring that science‑museum wonder back online.
10) No experience needed
We teach as we go—small steps, clear safety tools, beginner‑friendly onboarding. You set the pace; we keep the cognitive load humane.
9) This is real therapy
ACT sits under everything: values map, defusion skills, and small commitments you can use this week. We track what’s working.
8) A gentle social on‑ramp
Start one‑to‑one. Practice behind a character. When you’re ready, join a group with curated vibes. Quiet mode is valid—SST/assistive options are in progress.
7) Session Zero = safety
We name lines/veils, use traffic‑light check‑ins, and treat consent as a living document.
6) Right‑sized pacing
Cheat cards, therapist‑handled mechanics when helpful, and gradual complexity keep things fun—not overwhelming.
5) Character creation = values work
We co‑build history and crossroads, then align the character with your values so you can embody them on purpose.
4) You won’t be dropped into strangers
We begin one‑to‑one, then place you in a forming group that fits. Opting out is always respected.
3) Adults only (18+)
If you’re legally an adult, you’re welcome—new to games or deeply nerdy.
2) Yes, it’s Dungeons & Dragons®—for real
Canon rules. Legit encounters. Real uncertainty. Between sessions you’ll get a short reflection prompt; standout entries earn in‑game loot. Prefer extra processing? Keep one‑to‑one sessions alongside group.
1) Level up the life you’re building
Adversaries = old patterns; loot = workable skills; party = peers who’ve got your back. Misses are data, not doom.
What to expect (consolidated roadmap)
Free 20‑minute consult for fit and questions.
First session (required): assessments & treatment planning tied to the life story you want to tell.
One‑to‑one sessions to build your character and values map; design a comfort plan for group if anxiety is in the mix.
Readiness & timing: continue one‑to‑one as needed while a group forms.
Session Zero (group): safety, consent, norms, tools.
Teletherapy Adventure Sessions: check-in → play scenes → debrief → personalized homework journal prompt delivered through secure electronic message after the session and can be completed and returned in the same manner.
Periodic Non-Adventure Sessions (after each story arc concludes): level up characters, reflect, and check in together.
Ongoing requirement: at least one individual session every 60–90 days to review and update the plan.
Privacy & research
Initial paperwork includes consent to capture audio/video for internal process improvement as we prepare for future academic research. Confidentiality remains 100%. Only the therapist reviews this material. If a formal study occurs later, participation would be optional with a separate consent that explains what data may be collected or shared.
Book your free 20‑minute consult today!
Dungeons & Dragons® is a registered trademark of Wizards of the Coast; name used solely to identify the ruleset employed.