Therapeutic Dungeons & Dragons takes the collaborative storytelling of the classic tabletop game and uses it in a structured, clinically informed group to help tweens build real-world skills in a way that feels engaging and motivating. Much like traditional group therapy, participants practice key Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills — such as identifying thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, learning emotion regulation and distress-tolerance strategies, and developing interpersonal effectiveness — embedded within gameplay rather than through worksheets or drills. The game’s social problem-solving and cooperative challenges provide natural opportunities for youth, especially those with ADHD and executive-functioning needs, to strengthen communication, impulse control, flexible thinking, planning, and frustration tolerance in a supportive peer environment. A typical session includes structured check-ins, gameplay with targeted scenarios linked to therapy goals, and a reflective wrap-up that helps youth connect in-game experiences to everyday life. This group is co-facilitated by Leah Pagels, MSW, RCSW, RCC, and Nathalie Pouline, BA in Child and Youth Care, combining clinical expertise with developmentally attuned, strengths-based support.

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