Podcast 43: Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology

This episode’s guest expert, Megan Connel, PsyD

There is a growing number of psychologists and other mental health professionals using tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons to help people through therapy. It’s not hard to see why: the game builds group dynamics, lets people practice new social and mental skills, and open up in a safe situation through role playing. At the same time, the psychology of social dynamics has a lot to suggest about how to help other players out and deal with issues or problems at the table.

My guest expert, Megan Connel PsyD, knows all about these topics. She uses D&D in small group therapy, she runs a weekly D&D game full of psychology wonks on Twich, and she has produced a YouTube series about using psychology to help people at the table. We also talk about why the game is experiencing such a resurgence and how other psychologists are studying it.

Show Notes:

Audio Credits:

  • Robot Motivation” by The Polish Ambassador, licensed under Creative Commons: CC BY-NC-SA 3.
  • Additional music from The Witcher 3 OST

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