The Therapeutic Power of Role-Playing Games
Welcome to The Narrative Checkpoint: Beyond the Table, a show about the intersection of games, therapy, and human stories. I interview therapists, educators, designers, storytellers, and innovators who use games - from tabletop to video games to AI - as tools for connection, learning, and growth. It is a creative space where guests share their expertise and passions, while listeners get inspired by how play can shape real-world change. This show is for clinicians, teachers, game designers, and curious players who believe that games can be more than just fun - they can be transformative.
Host: Leticia Vasquez
Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Game Therapy LA | Los Angeles
Website: https://spaces.napsterai.com/gametherapyla [https://spaces.napsterai.com/gametherapyla]
Substack: https://substack.com/@gametherapyla [https://substack.com/@gametherapyla]
Instagram: /gametherapyla
Guest: Jon Horry
Master of Science in Applied Social Psychology + expected to complete LPC-A by summer 2026
CEO of Paradice Therapeutics
* Developer of Pathways to Adventure, a TTRPG designed to be usable in group therapeutic contexts
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathwaystoadventure [https://www.youtube.com/@pathwaystoadventure]
Summary:
This conversation explores the transformative impact of role-playing games on individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Jon Horry discusses how these games empower players, enhance social skills, and foster collaboration. The dialogue also delves into the intricacies of character creation and the unique dynamics of gameplay that encourage assertiveness and teamwork.
Keywords:
#autism #roleplayinggames #empowerment #charactercreation #collaborativegameplay
Takeaways:
* Role-playing games can significantly improve social skills.
* Players often become more assertive in expressing their needs.
* Character creation allows for unique personal expression.
* Collaborative gameplay fosters teamwork and communication.
* Games can serve as therapeutic tools for mental wellness.
* Simultaneous player rounds enhance engagement and participation.
* Players can explore different aspects of their personality through characters.
* The process of character creation is exciting and empowering.
* Role-playing games can help individuals overcome shyness.
* Therapeutic advice can be integrated into gameplay.
Chapters:
Introduction to John Horry and Paradice Therapeutics
Unique Features of Pathways to Adventure
Exploring Character Backgrounds and Classes
Disclaimer:
The Narrative Checkpoint (a production of Game Therapy LA) is an online resource and community platform - it does not provide medical services or professional counseling; please do not substitute the video and its contents for professional medical care. If you or a loved one are experiencing an emergency, please call your nation's emergency telephone number.
All guests of The Narrative Checkpoint are informed of the public, non-medical nature of the content and have expressly agreed to share their story. For clinical or crisis support resources in your area, check out: https://www.gametherapyla.com/resources [https://www.gametherapyla.com/resources]
