Why Dungeons and Dragons?
D&D isn't just a game. It's a research-backed approach that builds real-world skills in a safe, creative environment. See the research.
Social Skills
Practice conversation, negotiation, teamwork, and conflict resolution in a structured, low-stakes setting.
Emotional Regulation
Learn to identify, name, and manage difficult emotions through character choices and collaborative storytelling.
Community
Find your people. Groups are small by design so every voice matters and every character belongs.
Skills That Carry Into Real Life
Group Options
Choose the group that fits your life. All groups are led by licensed therapists.
Teen Group
Ages 13-17. Meeting in person in Tacoma. 13-week program. Free 30-minute intake included.
Adult Group
Ages 18+ Meeting in person in Tacoma. 13-week program. Free 30-minute intake included.
Family Therapy
For 3-6 family members playing together. Ongoing format shaped around your family's goals.
Upfront
Nice and simple: $900 at the start for 13 weeks.
Pricing
Monthly
$310 a month for 3 months, covering 13 weeks.
Choose what works for you
Insurance
If we are able to take your insurance for group therapy, then you pay your usual copay/deductible (like a normal office visit) + a Campaign Materials Fee of $150 a month.
How It Works
1
Check-In
Each session opens with a brief check-in to ground the group, followed by one focused skill: emotional regulation, communication, or a social skill you can use that week.
2
The Adventure
The heart of each session is the adventure. Your therapist is the Dungeon Master, guiding a story built around the day's skill and each member's goals. The challenges your character faces are the practice.
3
Check-Out + Challenge
We close by connecting what happened in the game to real life. Each member leaves with a small real-world challenge to try before the next session. That's where the growth sticks.
Meet the Dungeon Masters
Dr. Chris and Dr. Aly
Dr. Engelmann, PhD, Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Engelmann has played D&D for more than ten years and was the first Game to Grow certified Therapeutic Game Master in Washington State, with additional certification as a Therapeutic Dungeon Master through Geek Therapeutics.
He developed the D&D group therapy program at the University of Puget Sound, which still runs today, and has led more than 100 D&D-based group therapy sessions. He trained with Dr. Kilmer and Adam Davis, authors of Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Games, has guest lectured on therapeutic D&D for clinics and training programs around the region, and has received materials from Wizards of the Coast to support therapeutically applied D&D.
Dr. Alyssa Schneider, PhD, Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Alyssa Schneider is a Licensed Psychologist who believes that sometimes the best way to practice real-world skills is in an imaginary world. Dr. Schneider has completed training through Game to Grow and became a Certified Therapeutic Dungeon Master through Geek Therapeutics. They have facilitated D&D-based social skills groups and family therapy experiences, helping players practice skills both at the table and in everyday life. Whether clients are negotiating with dragons, navigating group conflict, solving puzzles, or learning how to share the spotlight, the goal is always the same: creating opportunities for growth through shared adventure.
As both a psychologist and a gamer, Dr. Schneider enjoys helping players discover strengths they may not realize they possess. Their therapeutic style combines evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the creativity, humor, and collaboration that role-playing games naturally encourage.