Unravelling
Can a game of Dungeons & Dragons become a powerful tool for therapy?
In this episode of Unravelling, Mary and Kurt explore how tabletop role-playing games are being used in group psychotherapy to help people experiment with new ways of relating, build emotional awareness, and imagine different futures for themselves.
They’re joined by Dr. Vinny Dehili, a licensed psychologist and group therapy specialist, and E. Merten, a clinical social worker and educator. Together, they introduce Collaborative Role-Playing Integrative Therapy (CRIT), an approach that blends the structure of D&D with the goals of process-oriented group therapy.
Through character creation, shared storytelling, and even in-game “failure,” this conversation reveals how fantasy worlds can open up very real possibilities for growth, flexibility, and self-compassion.
This is Part 1 of a three-part series. In upcoming episodes, Kurt and Mary, joined by Unravelling producers Andrew and Hans, will step into the game themselves, guided by Vinny and E.
Links:
Change the Narrative Therapy - Vinny Dehili
Advance Psychotherapy Practice - E. Merten
Vinny and E's Substack