Therapeutic Use of Shadowdark

Hello, Kelsey and the amazing Shadowdark team,

I’m a retired therapist, and a huge fan of Shadowdark. Our autism-advocacy nonprofit runs therapeutically-applied tabletop RPGs in outpatient clinics. Primarily, our participants include neurodivergent teens and young adults. Thanks to a recent grant, we begin expanding therapeutic services for children recovering from cancer treatments. We also venture forth into our LGSs, carrying battlemaps and adventure ideas.

Shadowdark has become a cornerstone for our community groups. The rules-light system makes character creation and advancement quick and engaging, empowering players to participate independently. We have varied reading levels among participants, and literacy has never been a barrier for us. Active storytelling with fewer rules references helps players manage sensory challenges or pain by drawing them into the game world. Sessions often become intentional opportunities for players to practice real-life skills, like roleplaying ordering food in an imaginary tavern.

Shadowdark fosters a supportive environment where players feel safe expressing themselves. Some have even used the game to explore and share their identities, building confidence in a welcoming community. Thank you for creating such a beautifully designed game that inspires connection, creativity, and growth. On behalf of the many groups we support, I’m grateful for all you do to keep Shadowdark shining brightly…err…darkly?