Dungeons & Dragons Therapy Gains Traction at DePaul University

Therapists at DePaul University have integrated the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons into structured group-therapy sessions. The program, named “Game to Grow,” uses the game’s narrative and role-playing mechanics to address grief, procrastination and trauma. Recent cultural exposure through series like “Stranger Things” and “Critical Role” has heightened public familiarity with D&D, and research links the game to identity-building and social connection.

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The initiative is led by Victoria Smith, a clinical social worker, and Nathaly Shammo, a social work intern, both at DePaul University. Their cohort of six students creates individual characters with distinct goals, allowing personal challenges to be explored within the game’s storyline.

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Each session blends therapeutic objectives with D&D mechanics: participants develop characters, undertake quests and confront in-game scenarios mirroring real-life stressors. The group remains limited to six students to ensure manageable interaction and peer support.

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Facilitators report that the approach fosters confidence, problem solving, socialization and the ability to handle unexpected situations. Emily Messina of Florida International University notes that structured leisure yields “wins” that reinforce self-determination and autonomy, boosting motivation for skill development.

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DePaul University’s administration endorses the program as an innovative mental-health outreach. Official commentary emphasizes that D&D therapy offers a more approachable alternative to conventional group therapy, aiming to lower participation barriers while delivering comparable outcomes.

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• “I wanted to create more unique ways for students to access group therapy. D&D therapy can feel more approachable than traditional therapy groups, providing a space where students can work on personal issues, develop skills and — most importantly — have fun.” — Victoria Smith, Clinical Social Worker, DePaul University

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• “Through storytelling and play, students are empowered to uplift each other and seek personal growth in a unique, memorable way. It encourages confidence building, problem solving, socialization and handling unexpected situations head-on.” — Nathaly Shammo, Social Work Intern, DePaul University

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• “The idea of being able to use leisure to structure your time and gain some wins lets you see a positive return on what you’re dedicating your time to, and building on that and seeing your skill sets grow. That’s going to turn into self-determination. You’re going to be more motivated to build on your own skill sets and have a sense of autonomy.” — Emily Messina, Researcher, Florida International University

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While anecdotal reports highlight benefits, systematic data on outcomes such as symptom reduction or long-term skill retention remain limited. Additional empirical research is required to assess the efficacy of D&D-based interventions across diverse populations.

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