Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG) Therapy Groups
Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) have been around for decades, with Dungeons & Dragons being the most popular. It is only recently that the therapeutic benefits of TTRPGs have started gaining recognition. They can be used as a therapeutic tool for socialization, coping skills, self-expression, empathy, and many other areas. And yes, we don't just do this in groups. We can also bring this into your individual sessions. All sessions and groups are conducted online.
Quick Links
For our flagship 10 week experience click here: The Plane Professor
For our spooky 3-shot mini experience click here: Maria's Revenge
For our FAQ's click here: FAQ
About This Program
Calibrations Counseling & Consultation offers therapeutic tabletop role-playing game groups for adults in Ohio, conducted virtually via a HIPAA-compliant platform. Groups are led by Andrew Linder, a licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor (LPCC-S) in Ohio and a certified therapeutic game master. We offer two experiences: The Plane Professor, a 10-week flagship program, and Maria's Revenge, a 4-week introductory experience. No prior D&D experience is required. Groups are capped at four participants and are closed, meaning the same members begin and end the group together. Insurance is not accepted for TTRPG groups; pricing is based on a group of four at $80 per two-hour session.
Why TTRPG?
Tabletop role-playing games involve creating a character, developing a backstory, and collaborating with others to navigate a fictional world. This imaginative process has real therapeutic value, and research into its clinical applications is growing. Here are some of the recognized therapeutic benefits of TTRPGs:
Socialization
TTRPGs provide a social outlet for players, especially those who may have difficulty socializing due to social anxiety, shyness, or other factors. They offer a low-stakes environment where players can practice social skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving in a supportive and accepting setting.
Self-Expression
Creating a character in a TTRPG allows players to express themselves in new and imaginative ways. Players can explore different aspects of their personality, values, and interests through their character's traits, motivations, and actions. This can provide a sense of empowerment and agency that may be lacking in daily life.
Emotional Regulation
TTRPGs can help players develop emotional regulation skills including empathy, impulse control, and emotional awareness. Players encounter challenging situations in the game that require them to regulate their emotions and respond thoughtfully. These skills can transfer to real-life situations, where players apply what they practiced in the game to manage stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions.
Narrative Therapy
TTRPGs can function as a form of narrative therapy, a type of psychotherapy that uses storytelling to help clients process their experiences and emotions. Players can use their character's backstory, experiences, and relationships to explore their own, providing a safe and creative space to examine identity, values, and goals.
Catharsis
TTRPGs can provide a sense of catharsis, allowing players to release pent-up emotions or stress in a controlled and safe environment. Defeating a challenging enemy, saving a fictional character, or achieving a goal in the game can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that carries over into real life.
It is important to note that while TTRPGs have been around for a while, they are still being studied to demonstrate their effectiveness in clinical settings. Based on existing research, TTRPGs offer meaningful therapeutic benefits across socialization, emotional regulation, and self-expression.
The Plane Professor
This is our flagship experience. Each group could have a vastly different experience due to a simple roll of the dice. Every group decision can have monumental consequences on the story. Will you and your group be able to work together to figure out The Plane Professor? Let's roll and find out.
When:
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Tuesdays, 8 to 10 pm
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Groups will start once four participants are enrolled
Duration:
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10 week program: one intake session and nine game sessions, each two hours long
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Program is based on D&D 5E rules
What's included:
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Digital copy of the D&D Player's Handbook
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Digital copy of Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
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Character creation session
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Campaign journal
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A set of dice
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Groups capped at four participants
Pricing (based on a group of four):
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$40 per hour ($80 per group session)
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$170 for initial evaluation session, character creation, and session zero (two hours)
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You save $2,110 compared to individual therapy session rates*
Payment plans are available. Contact us for more information. Amount saved is based on the rate of individual therapy sessions compared to groups.
Maria's Revenge Details
Not ready to commit to the full program just yet? Want to see what this is all about first? This one is for you. You and your group are awoken in a strange cave by some eerie sounds echoing around. Will you figure it all out before Maria finds you? Let's roll and find out.
When:
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Thursdays, 8 to 10 pm
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Groups start once four participants are enrolled
Duration:
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4-week program: one session zero with character creation and three game sessions, each two hours long
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Program is based on D&D 5E rules
What's included:
-
Digital copy of the D&D Player's Handbook
-
Digital copy of Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
-
Character creation session
-
Groups capped at four participants
Pricing (based on a group of four):
-
$40 per hour ($80 per group per session)
-
$170 for initial evaluation session, character creation, and session zero (two hours)
-
You save $870 compared to individual therapy sessions *
Payment plans are available. Contact us for more information. Amount saved is based on the rate of individual therapy sessions compared to groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to play D&D?
No experience is needed at all. All you need is a set of dice (provided for The Plane Professor), a pen or pencil, paper, and your imagination. Your game master will walk you through everything else.
I don't like groups. Can I do this in my individual sessions instead?
Yes. If you'd prefer to bring TTRPG elements into one-on-one therapy rather than a group setting, that's an option. Individual sessions run at our standard rate of $150 per session.
Who leads the groups?
Groups are led by Andrew Linder, LPCC-S, a licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor in Ohio and a certified therapeutic game master. Andrew has been a lifelong gamer and brings both clinical training and genuine enthusiasm for TTRPGs to every session.
Why does this cost what it does?
That's a fair question and worth breaking down:
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Your game master is a certified therapeutic game master with clinical training as a licensed professional clinical counselor in Ohio.
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Every participant signs intake paperwork covering group policy and rules, creating a level of safety and structure you typically don't get in a regular gaming group.
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The closed group format, where the same members start and finish together, increases commitment, trust, and group cohesion in a way that benefits everyone's experience.
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Having financial skin in the game also increases commitment. Groups that have agreed to show up tend to actually show up.
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This is an investment in your mental health. The social and emotional skills you build here are ones you take with you long after the campaign ends.
Does insurance cover TTRPG groups?
Insurance is not accepted for TTRPG groups at this time. While the therapeutic benefits of TTRPGs are supported by growing research, the modality is still being studied for clinical recognition. All group pricing is private pay. Payment plans are available.
What do I need to participate?
At minimum, an email address, a phone, and your imagination. For the best experience you'll want a computer with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and an active email address. Dice are provided for The Plane Professor experience.
How does a virtual D&D session actually work?
We use a HIPAA-compliant video platform along with other tools to make the experience as immersive as possible. Full details and a breakdown of the setup will be provided with your intake paperwork.
Will there ever be an in-person option?
We would love to offer in-person sessions eventually, but for the time being all groups are held on our virtual platform.
Can I join a group that's already started?
No. These are closed groups, meaning the same members who begin the group will end the group together. This is intentional. Closed groups build stronger camaraderie, trust, and safety over time, all of which are part of the therapeutic value.
What happens if I miss a session?
How a missed session affects in-game play will be covered during the first session. In terms of cost, refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis but are not guaranteed. Due to the nature of the game and the closed group structure, consistent attendance is an important part of the commitment.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes. Participants must be 18 or older. These groups are designed for young adults and adults.
What if the group wants to keep playing after the program ends?
Groups can extend at the current rate of $80 per person per two-hour session, provided the entire group agrees to continue.
Ready to Roll?
If you have questions or want to find out when the next group starts, reach out and we'll get you the details.