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.
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. Fridays 4:30-6:30 PM in Tacoma. 13-week program. Free 30-minute intake included.
Adult Group
Ages 18+. Saturdays 11:00 AM-1:00 PM 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
Choose what works for you
Monthly
$310 a month for 3 months, covering 13 weeks.
Insurance
If we are able to take your insurance for group therapy, then it's whatever they say (usually a copay) for the group component + a monthly fee of $150 to cover the additional elements related to Dungeons and Dragons.
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. Schneider co-facilitates the Dungeons and Dialogues groups. She brings group therapy expertise and a calm, grounded presence to the table, balancing Dr. Engelmann's storytelling energy and helping participants feel seen both in and out of the game, as their characters and as themselves.
