Roll for Insight: Why Dungeons & Dragons Supports Mental Health

If you’ve ever rolled a 20-sided die and cheered like you just won the lottery, you already know: there’s something special about Dungeons & Dragons.

What started decades ago as a niche fantasy role-playing game has exploded into mainstream culture—and, maybe surprisingly, into therapy offices, group work, and mental health conversations.

So why is D&D having such a moment in mental health spaces? And what makes it so helpful for people navigating anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, or social struggles?

Let’s break it down.

At its core, Dungeons & Dragons is a storytelling game. You create a character—a version of you, or a complete departure from yourself—and step into a world where you face challenges, make choices, and build relationships. It’s collaborative, imaginative, and often hilariously unpredictable.

But underneath all the dragons and dice, something deeper happens:
You get to explore who you are—safely, creatively, and with others.

For folks who are neurodivergent, queer, socially anxious, or recovering from trauma, D&D can offer what real life sometimes doesn’t:

• A chance to experiment with identity in a low-stakes space

• Opportunities to practice problem-solving, communication, and boundaries

• A community that values cooperation, not competition

• A sense of mastery and agency when real life feels chaotic

• Emotional rehearsal for courage, compassion, and conflict resolution

As a therapist, I’ve seen how powerful it can be. A shy client plays a bold paladin and finds their voice. A perfectionist tries being a chaotic bard and learns to let go. Someone who feels stuck in life starts to imagine possibilities again—because their character showed them it’s okay to try.

It’s not about escaping reality. It’s about engaging it differently.

Therapeutic D&D groups are becoming more common, but even casual play can support mental wellness. The collaborative nature of the game builds connection. The fantasy elements allow emotional safety. And the act of playing—of pretending on purpose—gives us a surprising window into our real struggles and strengths.

At Dryad Counseling, I work with many clients who love tabletop RPGs. Whether you’re actively playing or just curious about how narrative-based tools can support your growth, therapy can help you deepen the connection between your real self and the stories you carry.

If you're in Ohio or Massachusetts and looking for a therapist who gets why D&D (and other games) matter to you, you're in the right place. I offer trauma-informed, identity-affirming therapy that honors your whole self—including your character sheet.

Learn more or request a consultation at www.dryadcounseling.com. You don’t have to roll a Nat 20 to start the work—you just have to show up.

And yes, I’ll absolutely understand if you say, “It’s what my cleric would do.”