COUN7502: Introduction to Therapeutically Applied Tabletop Role-Playing Games in Play Therapy

This introductory course will demonstrate how Therapeutically Applied Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TA-TTRPGs) in play therapy can be a useful tool for personal growth and community development when facilitated by a trained professional. TA-TTRPGs can be tailored to align with various play therapy practices for change found across several therapeutic orientations. Transtheoretical change mechanisms such as the Therapeutic Powers of Play are a perfect example of how TA-TTRPGs can be a perfect fit for play therapy interventions in both group and family play therapy sessions!  Current research and practices will be discussed, and recommendations will be noted that can be used to make TA-TTRPGs even more effective.  Through shared experiences during this course, students will experience firsthand the healing power that storytelling, roleplay, and gameplay has for groups and families in play therapy.