communication with clients, and it has astronomical outcomes in their lives. The only limits are the imaginations of the therapist and the client.


References Baker, I. S., Turner, I. J., & Kotera, Y. (2022). Role-play games (RPGs) for mental health (why not?): Roll for Initiative. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 21. https://doi.org/10.1007/ s11469-022-00832-y Causo, F., & Quinlan, E. (2021). Defeating dragons and demons: Consumers’ perspectives on mental health recovery in role-playing games. Australian Psychologist, 56(3), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.10 80/00050067.2021.1890983


Deterding, S. (2017). Alibis for adult play: A Goffmanian account of escaping embarrassment in adult play. Games and Culture, 13(3), 


Hartwig, E. K., Walker, E., & Stamman, J. (2024). Roll for initiative: Using dungeons and dragons in play therapy. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2024.2 322521  A rapid evidence assessment regarding the therapeutic utility of Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 18(3), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2021.1987367


Kottman, T., & Meany-Walen, K. K. (2018). Doing play therapy: From building the relationship to facilitating change. The Guilford Press.


Kottman, T., & Meany-Walen, K. (2016). Partners in play: An Adlerian approach to play therapy. American Counseling Association. Mearls, M., & Crawford, J. (2014). Dungeons & Dragons player’s Handbook (5th ed.). Wizards of the Coast. Rosselet, J. G., & Stauffer, S. D. (2013). Using group role-playing games with gifted children and adolescents: A psychosocial        (4), 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Erika Walker, LSCSW, RPT-S™, Advanced  practice in Wichita, KS. Erika uses D&D with her  D&D and teaching other therapists how to utilize the game in their work as well. erikawalkertherapy@gmail.com


www.a4pt.org | March 2025 | PLAYTHERAPY | 19


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