The Fictional Frame: Storytelling and role-play in the therapeutic process

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs, RPGs) are somewhat belatedly being recognised for their therapeutic benefits, proving both wonderfully engaging and excitingly effective at challenging various presenting issues. RPGs (the most widely known being Dungeons & Dragons) let players create a cast of fictional characters, with whom and through whom they can tell stories of epic adventures and tremendous personal growth. Their use is compatible with most theoretical modalities, and provides practitioners with an incredibly versatile tool to use with their clients.

This presentation will explore the efficacy of RPGs within a therapeutic setting, and walk participants through the processes and considerations required to implement RPGs as part of their provision. By the presentation's completion, participants will have a thorough knowledge of the fundamental tenets of collaborative storytelling, be able to use various game mechanics to inform their clients' therapy, and have access to further avenues of learning, should they wish to pursue them. A significant obstacle to utilizing RPGs as part of one's practice is in terms of confidence: the belief that one doesn't possess sufficient imagination/creativity to utilize such an unconventional approach. This presentation will help participants realise that they actually do possess the necessary skills to work with RPGs effectively, and will demonstrate how to tap into those creative inner-reserves.

Objectives:

·     Discuss the theoretical principles that underly the use of RPGs within therapy.

·     Identify ways in which those principals might be applied to the therapeutic process.

·     Build confidence in one's ability to create imaginative scenarios that encourage growth within play-therapy clients.

·     Demonstrate ways in which RPGs might improve accessibility for clients who would otherwise struggle to engage with therapy.

References:

·     Hand, D. P. (2023). 'Role-Playing Games in Psychotherapy: A Practitioner's Guide'. Palgrave Macmillan.

·     Rubin, L. C. (Ed) (2020). 'Using superheroes and villains in counselling and play therapy: A guide for mental health professionals'. Routledge.

·     Storr, W. (2020). 'The science of storytelling: Why stories make us human, and how to tell them better'. William Collins.

·     Abbot, M. S., & Strauss, K. A., & Burnett, A. F. (2021). Table-top role-playing games as a therapeutic intervention with adults to increase social connectedness. 'Social Work with Groups, volume 45'(1), 16-31. https://doi.org/10.1080/01609513.2021.1932014

·     Broom, T. W., & Chavez, R. S., & Wagner, D. D. (2021). Becoming the King in the North: identification with fictional characters is associated with greater self-other neural overlap. 'Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, volume16'(6), 541-551. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsab021