There is nothing like realizing that you aren’t alone in your suffering. Group therapy offers individuals a unique experience in not only working through their stressors, but meeting others who feel similarly. The feeling of validation that happens in group is priceless and the friendships can last a lifetime.
Group therapy can be appropriate for individuals looking for extra support who aren’t ready for individual sessions, want to try out therapy for the first time, or are nervous to start individual therapy.
Dungeons and Dragons Therapy Groups
Why D&D Therapy?
Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is the most popular tabletop roleplaying game nd is having quite a moment in the spotlight. Players in D&D take on the role of a character in a fantasy world, and they collaborate with other players to pursue a goal, collect treasure, or defeat bad guys.
The game is facilitated by a lead player, called the Dungeon Master, who describes situations for the players and asks them how they’d like to proceed. Then, it’s up to the players to decide how their character would act in a given situation. To add an element of chance to the game, players then have to roll a die to see how well their plan works.
As the facilitator, I prep encounters and experiences for the players that specifically target their mental health goals. Participants get to practice coping skills, problem-solving skills, group collaboration, and more in real-time during an exciting and motivating experience. This approach to group therapy has seen so much success because tweens and teens WANT to come to therapy!
Here are a few other reasons why D&D is so great when used in group therapy:

- D&D is collaborative and not competitive. It is a natural place to build social connections that can last outside of therapy
- It requires emotional regulation – a skill we target frequently in the game
- Playing as a character allows participants to experience the world through someone else’s eyes, which can build empathy
- DND isn’t just about combat; Participants engage in puzzles, social encounters, and other experiences that require problem-solving skills and are rewarded for creative approaches
D&D Group Information
This group is $65 per session. Participants are required to attend all 12 sessions.
The groups meet on Sundays starting January 22nd and ending April 23rd (no sessions on 2/19 or 4/16).
Girl Empowerment Group (ages 11-15) meets from 12:00-2:00.
Tween Group (ages 11-14) meets from 2:30 to 4:30
Teen Group (ages155-18) meets from 5:00-7:00
Additional Group Information
We will schedule a consultation call if you register for group so that we can determine if the group is a good fit for you and so that you can meet me and feel less nervous on your first day!
Groups usually run between 8 to 12 weeks and are targeted for specific age groups or interests.
Group rates may vary depending upon the amount of sessions.
Attendance at all group meeting is a must; missed sessions cannot be made up individually.
Connections Creative Arts Therapy
Kate Shannon, LCAT, LCPC MT-BC
(315) 681-7958
kate@connectionscat.com
919 S. Winton Road
Suite #316
Rochester, NY 14618
- Monday
- 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Thursday
- 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed