Ohio Counselors Level Up Group Therapy Using Dungeons and Dragons

At Dragon's Den Counseling, group therapy sessions go a little differently. “We check in a bit first. Zack Weber, a licensed professional counselor and professional dungeon master, said. Webber uses roleplay in game dungeons and dragons to help clients practice real-life scenarios. I do all the voices, do stupid things, and do music. It's very easy to immerse myself in,” Webber said. Their decisions create a storyline. However, Webber guides them through the intended lesson. He said the strategy will help clients engage in difficult social situations in the process, such as conflicts and making friends, and take on new perspectives. And build skills like self-advocacy and confidence. Zach Weber's dungeons and Dragons are at the heart of his office space. However, he also offers individual sessions that take advantage of client interests, such as videos and board games, as well as film and book characters. Often, D&D players simply roll a simple sinus dice to determine how the interaction progresses. A good role may persuade non-player characters. However, in Webber's sessions, he encourages the client to speak through interaction. “The rolls really decide that, but if they say something really great, I might give them the advantage of being creative or rewarding them by getting out of their comfort zone.” At the end of the session, they speak through a fantasy journey with a 30-minute “processing.” They discuss their interactions, areas they may have done well, or lessons they can take to use in their games and their lives. “You did a really good job talking to people in the game. What are some situations you think you might be able to take some of that courage from your character?” Weber said. “They are just playing themselves in reality, they are all the values ​​and beliefs of your real life, and everything that prevails in your character.” Bleeding is a role-playing term when the player's emotions, experiences and beliefs spill over their actions in the game. Weber says this is essential to his successful practice. “It can be difficult to really visualize or think about certain things, especially for nervous individuals,” Weber said. “So it's cool to visualize what you don't want or like or love the scenario.” This format shows it's beneficial for nervous clients, such as those with ADHD or autism. He works with children, teens and adults, and said that the age group is engaged in some of his most creative sessions.