Re-shaping Our View and Approach to Trauma Through Table -Top Roleplaying

Presenters: Shelby Somers,LCSW

Learning objectives

1. Analyze the evolution of our understanding related to trauma and traumatic events.

2. Identify the practical applications for utilization of tabletop roleplaying games to address trauma.

3. Discuss the impact of identity and representation when addressing trauma.

In this workshop, we will examine the evolution of trauma and the adjustments needed related to our understanding of privilege and power within existing systems. We will discuss how trauma impacts social identities as well as the impact of marginalization through the absence of representation and accessibility. This workshop seeks to address topics of power, privilege, and dimensions of social identities/justice through its exploration of how table-top role-play games (TTRPGs) can be utilized with a trauma-informed lens to enhance self-advocacy, explore gender and identity, and examine privilege/power through role-play. During this workshop, we will discuss how TTRPGs can be used clinically to shift the power dynamics that typically exist within a therapeutic setting by putting the individual in a position to be the expert on their experiences. We will also explore the role of representation and accessibility in gameplay as it relates to gender and identity explorations for individuals. We will discuss using safety tools when utilizing TTRPGs therapeutically to enhance self-advocacy and provoke explorations related to in-vivo experiences and systems. We will explore table-top role-play games as an extension of the individual’s environment to practice and promote necessary skills to navigate systems in the world around them.