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14: Dungeons & Dragons as Therapy? How Tabletop Roleplay Games are Making a Difference | Charlene MacPherson of Nerd Adventure Therapy 20 (NAT20)
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Charlene MacPherson, founder of Nerd Adventure Therapy 20, shares her journey of discovering the therapeutic potential of Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) and how she turned her passion for gaming into a unique therapy practice. She explains how Nerd Adventure Therapy 20 combines individual and group therapy with the world of gaming, allowing clients to explore their goals and work through challenges in a safe and supportive environment. Charlene also discusses the importance of creating a space where neurodivergent individuals can feel accepted and empowered. Through her work, Charlene aims to break down barriers and provide accessible and engaging therapy options for all.
About Charlene MacPherson:
Self-proclaimed nerd and licensed psychotherapist, Charlene MacPherson uses nerd culture to create a safe and fun environment to explore the therapy process. She's also a mother, wife, podcaster, and owner of Nerd Adventure Therapy 20 (NAT20).
Charlene's been playing Role Playing games for 20 years and Game Mastering for 8 years. She's been in the mental health field as a Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical for 15 years. Charlene offers Therapeutically Applied Role Playing Game social skills therapy groups for teens aged 13-16 and adults aged 25 and up as a part of her therapy services in Linthicum, Maryland. She's a certified Therapeutic Game Master in the Game to Grow method of TTRPG therapy and by Geek Therapeutics. And she has a podcast called Mental Health Quest which is about demystifying and destigmatizing therapy. Charlene is also working on a new podcast called Roll Models: Vicious Mockery to Healing Words.
Roll Models: Vicious Mockery to Healing Words (Podcast Coming Soon!)
Episode Timestamps:
- (01:40) The inspiration behind Nerd Adventure Therapy 20
- (06:55) How DnD can be therapeutic
- (11:45) Focusing on social skills and coping strategies
- (14:00) Importance of play and learning through games
- (18:10) The lack of representation of the BIPOC community in gaming
- (21:40) The need for neurodivergent adult support groups
Connect with Rachel:
Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796
Listen to the Back Porch Bestie podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-porch-bestie/id1687988106
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