How to Talk to Parents About Therapeutic D&D

Parents want the best for their kids, so it’s natural for them to ask questions about anything that sounds unfamiliar or unconventional. When they hear “Dungeons & Dragons” in the same sentence as “therapy,” some may picture late-night dice rolling and fantasy escapism, not a structured tool for growth. The good news is that therapeutic D&D is designed to be safe, intentional, and deeply supportive. With the right language, you can help parents understand why it works and how it can benefit their child.

There are several evidence-based skills, tools, and modalities that can be implemented by a clinician to make playing D&D therapeutic. You can brush up on those in this article.

Answers to Common Questions from Parents

• “Is this safe for my child?” Explain that the group is led by a licensed clinician (which is probably you), it has clear boundaries, and therapeutic intent. Safety tools are discussed up-front to ensure that content stays age-appropriate and respectful.
  

• “What will my child actually get out of this?” Frame the benefits in practical terms. Parents appreciate hearing how skills transfer to daily life: better teamwork at school, improved frustration tolerance, more confidence in social settings, and healthier ways of expressing emotions.
  

• “How is this different from kids just playing D&D at home?” Make the distinction between recreational play and guided play. Explain that therapeutic groups are intentional and goal-oriented in order to promote growth. At the same time, emphasizing the role of collaborative play and fun is itself healthy for kids (and people of all ages for that matter). So yes, there's targeted skill-building and fun in a supportive, safe environment.
  

• “Will my child like this if they’ve never played before?” Reassure them that no experience is required. Groups are taught at a beginner-friendly level, and the focus is on storytelling and collaboration, not rules mastery. Many kids find it exciting to learn alongside others.

When and How to Talk to Parents about Therapeutic D&D

Therapeutic roleplaying can be a good fit for kids who are having social challenges, trouble expressing emotions, or feeling anxious in group settings. But it’s not only for kids with challenges. Many children and teens can benefit from the opportunity to build confidence, make friends, and grow in a structured, supportive environment. The best time to suggest it is when a child would benefit from practicing real-life skills in a safe, imaginative space.

Ask what their goals are for their child and consider how therapeutic D&D can help meet those needs. Be transparent about how groups are structured, how safety is prioritized, and what outcomes they can expect. A well-written consent form is can help with setting expectations. Encourage them to ask questions and maybe demonstrate what roleplaying looks like for them. As for any therapeutic intervention with kids, it needs to be a collaborative process with their parents or guardians.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, parents want to know that their child will be safe, supported, and growing in meaningful ways. Therapeutic D&D checks all those boxes, it just happens to use dice, character sheets, and imagination along the way. By answering questions openly and connecting the dots between gameplay and real-world skills, you can help parents feel confident that this is more than just a game. It’s therapy that works, and it’s therapy their kids can actually look forward to.

For Clients: Looking for a safe, supportive space to connect, grow, and have fun through Dungeons & Dragons therapy? Therapeutic roleplaying groups are designed to help you build social skills, boost confidence, and explore new ways of expressing yourself all while enjoying the adventure of a tabletop roleplaying game. Learn more about how therapeutic D&D groups work, and stay tuned for our upcoming Group Finder to connect with a therapist near you.

For Clinicians: Ready to bring the power of roleplaying into your practice? Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up to date, get your free checklist, and help build our growing community.