What are D&D Skills Groups?
Join T.C.’s D&D Skills Groups!
Hello! Finding a group of people to play DnD with can be intimidating. For some, it is even more challenging when there are struggles with anxiety, social cues, or discouragement. This is why therapist Sam Secord (MA, LAMFT, LADC) hosts DnD Skills Groups!
Sam’s goal with these groups is to connect people with similar experiences in a safe environment to explore skills related to group dynamics, communication skills, and friendships. It can be easier for people to practice skills through the medium of a game, character, and roleplay. While these groups are not intended to be group therapy, they still provide a safe place to practice communication skills, vulnerability, and risk-taking.
The skills work is bolstered by encouraging healthy interactions through positive reinforcement via game mechanics, such as roll modifiers, and giving advantages for healthy risk-taking and collaboration. Therapeutic Consultation (T.C.) wants group members to be able to take risks and provide chances to redo social interactions without shame or guilt. To do this, T.C. has created the stories and game mechanics in collaboration with therapists, Dungeon Masters, and a Ph.D. student studying mythology.
The “DnD Skills Groups” are usually 2.5-3 hours and last for four sessions. Groups consist of 4-5 players and the Game Master (GM). Players must commit to all four sessions in the series to encourage group cohesion.
The Cost and What Is Included
$75/session and a commitment to the four-part series.
A 30-minute “Session Zero” where the GM can help with character creation, assess boundaries, and introduce the story. Included with the other session costs.
Four Group Sessions ranging from 2.5-3 hours.
A 25-minute consultation to assess what skills want to be worked on and what group placement makes the most sense.
Groups are based on DnD experience, age, and skills wanting to be worked on.
A painted miniature from The Painting Halfing to represent the player’s character.
Real-time coaching from a dual licensed therapist, Sam Secord.
Groups Available
Social Skills Group
This group is aimed at people who want to build communication skills, such as risk-taking, initiating interactions, reading social cues, meeting new people, and more. When formulating this group, we analyzed common symptoms associated with people with social anxiety or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to create a story that could help challenge and reinforce new skills. Our goal was to create a more structured and predictable environment for practicing conversations, turn-taking, and social cues in a low-pressure setting.
Themes to expect
Encouragement to engage in roleplaying and understanding different players' viewpoints
Socializing with fellow players and non-player characters (NPCs) controlled by the Game Master (GM).
The opportunity and encouragement to correct statements in and out of the game.
Gentle corrections when a misunderstanding occurs.
Being challenged to step outside one’s comfort zone while maintaining the ability to say no.
The story could go in an unexpected but fair direction.
ADHD Skills Group
This group is aimed at people looking to build skills related to organization and impulse control. When formulating this group, we analyzed common symptoms associated with people with ADHD to create a story that could help challenge and reinforce new skills. Our goal was to develop a rewarding story that challenges people to practice breaking tasks into manageable steps, recalling past groups, and reinforcing patience and active listening skills.
Themes to expect
Encouragement to organize or document sessions in a way that more easily prompts later recall.
Gentle recorrection when someone interrupts or speaks over another player.
The opportunity and encouragement to recorrect statements said in and out of the game.
Reinforcing waiting for turns, listening attentively, and staying engaged in conversations.
Being challenged to step outside one’s comfort zone while maintaining the ability to say no.
Men’s Connection Group
This group is aimed at people looking to build skills related to connecting with other men. We formed this group out of our desire to address the growing epidemic of male loneliness. We analyzed areas of discouragement men face that may prevent them from reaching out and connecting with others. From this, our goal became to create a fun and interactive story that gives men space to be vulnerable and connect more deeply.
Themes to expect
Male-identifying people are welcome and will be included in this group.
The opportunity and encouragement to recorrect statements said in and out of the game.
Requests from the Game Master (GM) to elaborate more about a story or feeling.
Being challenged to step outside one’s comfort zone while maintaining the ability to say no.
Interested? Here are your next steps!
Expect and respond to an email from a group facilitator.
Set up a consultation session (free!).
Discuss goals and group options with the facilitator.
Await for a group to start!
