TL;DR: How can I use DW as a therapy tool? A way to benefit people?
TL;DR: How can I use DW as a therapy tool? A way to benefit people?
I believe in Dungeon World. When I first started playing Tabletop RGPs, I started with Legend ([http://www.ruleofcool.com/about-legend/). It’s a great system, with lots of cool powers and abilities. But it is very much a rules-heavy game, with a grid, turn order, and precise XP, levelling, etc.
Since our group switched to DW, a change has occurred. We’re starting to become better friends. The accessibility of DW has allowed me to include people who NEVER would have tried “DnD” otherwise. We’ve grown into a community, with players gaining confidence and GMing for other players, etc.
This growth has got me excited, and gotten me thinking. What does this say about the power of DW and other narrative driven games to benefit people? Dungeon World Therapy? Has anyone ever attempted this? Within the next 2-3 weeks, my girlfriend and I will start running regular games for some kids at the YMCA. I hope that ends up being fun. Here are some of the benefits and challenges that I can see:
Benefits:
• Provides a sense of agency. Especially today, many teens and kids struggle with feelings of depression and self-worth. Taking care of and role-playing as a character can better help them take care and “role-play” in real life.
• Creativity and improvisation. Players are encouraged to come up with creative solutions for problems, just like in real life; not to mention creativity in backstories, plot, expositions, etc.
• Public speaking and good communication skills.
• Positive social interactions, teamwork, and lasting friendships that otherwise wouldn’t happen
Challenges:
• Limited group size: I can only run a game for 4-5 people.
• Huge time investment: It’s hard to schedule regular 2-5 hour time slots
So, anyone got any thoughts? What about tailoring a game for a specific person/problem? How could I run a game for someone struggling with addiction/depression/etc? I would LOVE to figure this out, because I believe in Dungeon World.