I have an amazing client. She loves Fantasy. Makes some amazing cosplay creations and also absolutely loves role playing games. I’ve had the immense honour to build a world with her that is worthy of … Read more
I’ll be running Lord of the Rings 5e Dungeons & Dragons games with Affirming Care Services Pty Ltd as part of their Socio-Emotional Language groups. Players will get to step into the world of Middle … Read more
Always Invited, an autistic advocacy organisation, received a community grant from the Victorian Government’s Disability Self Help grants program to run a Dungeons & Dragons beginners game aimed at young neurodivergent people. They selected my … Read more
Circle of Twilight is a free online Dungeons & Dragons campaign co‑created by Affirming Care Services Pty Ltd therapists and clientelle for the 16-19 age group. It is a safe, imaginative space where neurodivergent players … Read more
At Affirming Care Services, our group programs are built around connection, shared interests and meaningful participation. Rather than expecting children and young people to fit into rigid social skills programs, we create supportive spaces where … Read more
Each image showcases some of the tools of my trade as a therapist running Dungeons and Dragons sessions. We have places for each of these social emotional language (SEL) groups at Affirming Care Services Pty … Read more
The following is a recap of a session I ran today. Player names have been changed to protect the innocent. This session was part of my therapist duties with Affirming Care Services Pty Ltd It … Read more
Looking for players in outer north of Melbourne. I’m running an Eberron (steampunk) game of DND at Craigieburn Library, Monday late afternoon/early evening. Beginning with a prequel until we get enough players for a good … Read more
My first time being officially involved in lego therapy sessions – and I am also running the DND sessions in this school holiday program. A mix of DND board games, DND roleplaying games and DND … Read more
Ashley Thorburn has recruited another awesome gaming focused support worker for her business, Thrive Disability Activity Support. “Kohl is based in Footscray and is a safe, queer friendly and trauma-informed support worker. They love table … Read more
One of the DMs I mentor asked me recently about handling a younger player, in online sessions , who struggled a bit with talking over others and social timing during sessions. Thought I’d share my … Read more
Sundays Fortnightly at Reservoir Library. Suits 14.5 to 16. Dungeons and Dragons. Free game. Private client. Fridays weekly online via discord. 3pm to 5pm. Age 16-17. 18-19 possible if a volunteer Working with Children check … Read more
I was asked today by a young neurodiverse client – how did I predict the players actions and their consequences then weave them into the larger story so quickly (there were some big, cinematic moments). … Read more
It’s incredibly rewarding to see participants grow and connect through storytelling and shared adventure. If you know a young neurodivergent female who loves imagination, storytelling and connecting with like-minded peers, this could be a wonderful … Read more
The rescue of the party’s leige lord, David Freedom, from the arms of Umberley herself, vindictive goddess of the ocean. They’ve found: This is the Devils Maw, the entrance to a maritime trench where Umberley … Read more
Captives of the Catfolk – the Mess Hall. I tell the clients what the scene is, and they set it up using an assortment of paper minis, old toys, new toys, and a coffee cup … Read more
Michael Thorburn is the founder of the Game Therapy Network. His daughter, Ashley Thorburn, runs an activity based disability agency Thrive Disability Activity Support and they have a new worker with gaming experience. Anna is … Read more
Michael Thorburn, founder of the Game Therapy Network, had the great pleasure today to mentor Noah from Thrive Disability Activity Support in the difference between running social games and running gaming supports using aspects of … Read more
Exercise boosts focus, memory, and mood, reduces stress, and fights the stiff neck + low energy combo from sitting all day. You don’t need to multiclass into “gym bro.” Start small: walks, push-ups between sessions, … Read more
“Introducing the newest member of the Affirming Care Services team: Michael Thorburn – Game therapist and dungeon master extraordinaire! We’re thrilled to have another passionate D&D enthusiast to facilitate our table game-based programs of support.” … Read more
Autism Valued is running a Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game group for neurodivergent kids aged 10–17 this coming term. I facilitated this program for several years but have now handed the reigns to my awesome … Read more
My favourite grass roots charity, Autism Valued, is looking for a Dungeon Master Assistant to support their Dungeons & Dragons groups. The role is mostly about helping the main DM, guiding players when they need … Read more
It still surprises people when I tell them there are real jobs in gaming — not just in the tech or entertainment world, but in health and education too. We’re starting to see positions pop … Read more
Dungeons & Dragons Youth Supervisor (Bullsbrook), Indigo Junction | SEEK Volunteer This isn’t just any ordinary volunteer role- this is your chance to create a magical space for local youth to gather, strategise, and roll … Read more
#reservoir A Free Dungeons & Dragons Campaign Client: Neurodivergent (AuDHD) female mid-teen. Age Range for group: mid-teens. Location: Reservoir, Victoria. Day/time: To be advised. Gender diverse encouraged. Lgbtqia+ safe space. With my client I have … Read more
Went to a client’s (age 10) house today for DND where we co-dm. Proud moment when said client pulled out the packaging boxes they have been collecting for terrain in our campaign. Positive gaming isn’t … Read more
By encouraging creativity, imagination, and storytelling, players build emotional resilience and social confidence. Rolling dice with friends becomes a regular ritual of laughter, connection, and shared goals — all of which contribute to a stronger … Read more
Would you like your autistic children to be involved in a lifelong hobby? One where they can walk into any game store for the rest of their life and become the centre of their own … Read more
Looking for a safe, creative and social activity for your autistic child these school holidays? You’ve laughed at the movie – now play the game! Try AV’s Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying games! You can email … Read more
Through story and teamwork, games like Dungeons & Dragons help players explore emotions, build problem-solving skills, and find new perspectives on life’s challenges. Therapists across Australia — including those offering NDIS-funded supports — use structured … Read more
Saturday afternoons 2-4pm (fortnightly). A social get together for young autistic adults. This is a private event. No charges involved. ” An opportunity to get to know other people with same and maybe build some … Read more
Hi all, Dan the Game Master , masters educated teacher and member of the Game Therapy Network, is looking at starting up an afterschool roleplaying game club in Footscray and is gathering pre-registrations. If you’re … Read more
A simple stopwatch, introduced then set aside, gives the sense of fair rules and illusion of even time, helping participants feel secure. These foundations support confidence and help with acquiring of the skills to join … Read more
Halfway up, they were confronted by glimmers of themselves — fragments from across time — asking pointed questions. If a question was not answered truthfully, the target suffered 1d4 psychic damage. Players took on the … Read more
Social isolation is a growing concern, particularly in regional Australia and among people living with disability. Tabletop roleplaying games offer a structured yet flexible way to reconnect with others. Playing D&D encourages teamwork, laughter, and … Read more
I’ve got 3 games of Lost Mine of Phandelver at various times listed on www.startplaying.games/gm/gametherapy These are not therapy sessions, I’m testing the platform to help my clients get paid work. #amateurdmwhogetspaid StartPlaying Games is … Read more
Every D&D session is a social experience built on cooperation, humour, and shared adventure. Players work together to solve problems and tell stories, which naturally encourages teamwork and trust. Over time, these moments form the … Read more
The Game Therapy Network is a Melbourne-based initiative that harnesses the power of games to promote mental health, social inclusion, and community connection. Through its Facebook page, facebook.com/gametherapynetwork, the network shares updates on therapeutic gaming … Read more
The clear rules, predictable structure, and shared goals of Dungeons & Dragons provide a safe framework for social interaction. Australian therapists and NDIS providers increasingly use tabletop RPGs in social skills programs. Participants practice communication, … Read more
The game’s mix of storytelling, decision-making, and problem-solving keeps attention engaged while promoting executive functioning skills. Therapists and educators across Australia have noted improvements in attention, impulse control, and cooperative behaviour among participants who regularly … Read more
For individuals living with early-onset dementia, tabletop roleplaying games offer mental stimulation and meaningful social connection. In Australia, some aged care and community programs are exploring RPGs as cognitive therapy tools. Storytelling requires participants to … Read more
They promote cognitive exercise, communication, and social engagement in a fun, low-pressure environment. Australian occupational therapists and support workers have found tabletop RPGs useful for rebuilding language and executive function. Players must remember rules, describe … Read more
Roleplaying games offer a unique form of social and emotional support for veterans. In Australia, veteran-focused programs and RSL groups have started to use tabletop RPGs to help former service members reconnect, manage stress, and … Read more
DND offers a creative outlet where players can rebuild confidence, trust, and communication skills in a supportive group setting. Australian recovery centres and support programs are beginning to include tabletop RPGs as part of holistic … Read more
In D&D, chance (rolling dice) exists, but it’s framed within teamwork and narrative, not financial stakes. Therapeutic game programs in Australia and abroad use RPGs to help participants reconnect socially while managing urges related to … Read more
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) & Purposeful Game Play Tabletop games and online gaming have shown real promise in this domain. Research indicates older adults trained with video games improved cognitive functions and mood. Pick games … Read more
Abstract (link to paper at end of article) Purpose The present study aimed to investigate how prior research of TTRPG revealed the benefits of TTRPG as a psychological intervention and how further studies can overcome … Read more
Abstract (link to paper at end of article)Tabletop gaming has seen a rise in popularity over the past ten years, with an influx ofinterest following the Coronavirus pandemic. Limited research has explored the impact of … Read more
In “A critical hit: Dungeons & Dragons as a buff for autistic people”, Atherton and colleagues explore how tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can be a positive space for autistic adults. … Read more
Abstract (link to paper at end of article) Background: The area of social skills is broad, in theory and in practice. For social skills training, various clinical practices have been applied in group sessions, as have … Read more
Bipolar disorder involves shifts between depressive and manic (or hypomanic) moods. These mood cycles can affect energy, concentration, and relationships — but creativity and empathy often shine through. Sometimes you’re “on,” sometimes you’re out. When … Read more
In “Defeating Dragons and Demons: Consumers’ Perspectives on Mental Health Recovery in Role-Playing Games” by Causo & Quinlan, the authors explore how tabletop RPGs—specifically Dungeons & Dragons—can play a meaningful role in mental-health recovery. Through … Read more
For teens seeking belonging, this continuity matters more than a single session. From a therapeutic perspective, campaign play supports social role development, responsibility (story-keeping, calendar management), and intersession socialising. BoardGameGeek community lists often track campaign … Read more
In the review titled “A Scoping Review of Tabletop Role‑Playing Game (TTRPG) as Psychological Intervention: Potential Benefits and Future Directions”, Yuliawati, Wardhani & Ng dig into how games like tabletop role‑playing games (TTRPGs) — think systems … Read more