Using Dungeons & Dragons and Other TTRPGs as a Therapeutic Tool

A virtual training by Darbi Keene, LCSW
Event offering 2 CEU Credits.

Description: This presentation explores how Dungeons & Dragons and other TTRPGs can be used as a therapeutic tool to support emotional growth, identity development, and social connection. It examines the clinical benefits of tabletop role-playing games and highlights how D&D can create affirming, identity-safe spaces for LGBTQ+ clients. Participants will leave with practical strategies for ethically integrating therapeutic role-play into their practice.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
1. Define tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) and core components.
2. Explain therapeutic mechanisms of TTRPGs.
3. Identify ethical and clinical considerations.
4. Describe why TTRPGs are especially powerful for LGBTQ+ clients.
5. Apply at least one experiential exercise in virtual or in-person settings.

Bio:
Darbi Keene, LCSW (she/her) is a neurodivergent therapist, speaker, consultant, and therapeutic game master. As an autistic and ADHD clinician, she brings both lived experience and clinical expertise to her work. Darbi is the owner of Walking with Wildflowers, a private practice where she provides therapy and adult autism and ADHD assessments, specializing in working with neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and chronically ill clients.

She provides trainings and consultation for therapists, school districts, and organizations seeking to create more neuroaffirming and LGBTQ+ affirming environments. She has been a featured speaker and podcast guest on topics related to LGBTQ+ affirming spaces, neurodivergence, therapeutic TTRPGs, and mental health.