The Bodhana Group

I took the 16 week course and found it to be very useful and informative. I would recommend them without hesitation.

Therapy Blended Tabletop Role Playing Games by The Bodhana Group is a fulfilling and worthwhile experience for new practitioners, seasoned practitioners, or anyone in between with a passive interest in a new-ish way to practice therapy with clients. The instructors are wonderful, the content is meaningful, and your money will be well spent. Do it!

I took the 16-week Bodhana training, and it was a great experience. I learned a lot about how to keep the focus on growth and skills as a GM. The background information was extensive, and the support from the instructors was top-notch.

The Bodhana group has been fantastic! I have taken several of their classes, and they have been very helpful. They provide first-class hands-on experience in the training, and are very enthusiastic about helping others grow. I use what I learned from them in my daily work. I am excited to see the new projects they are working on, and I know that they will be an ongoing source that I can go to for future continuing education!

Having had some experience with the concept of RPGs as therapeutic tools, I was uncertain where this training would flesh out my knowledge. However, The Bodhana group has fleshed out and developed a meaningful evidence-based template for using RPGs as a tool in therapeutic practice. The course was well-structured and well-researched. If you are on the fence about this model of engagement, The Bodhana group can help you better understand the rationale, benefits, and limitations of using RPGs in therapy.

They offer an excellent training program that has something for those with no experience through years of experience with TTRPGs.

I cannot say enough good things about The Bodhana Group! I am a school psychologist, and I took their 16 week training in doing therapy through the modality of role-playing games, after having previously taken their starter course. The 16 week setup is FANTASTIC in that it really allowed me to chew on the material bit by bit, and I feel like I retained so much more from the course that will prove vital to my practice of doing therapy in the schools through RPGs. It has made doing therapy with my kids enjoyable again, and the kids have responded extremely well to it, even asking me if we can meet more often! Haha I highly recommend The Bodhana Group without a single reservation! :)

From initially stumbling across them on YouTube, talking about the therapeutic benefits of gaming, to now completing The Bodhana Model of Therapeutic Roleplaying games, The Bodhana Group have always shown themselves to be fun-loving, knowledgeable, and caring.

They assist so many people of all ages, both directly with services they provide, and indirectly, with trainings, and the Save Against Fear charity convention they run.

I have made a new circle of great friends in the few weeks that I have worked with them, and look forward to all our future work together!

Such an in-depth and educational experience! Really enjoyable especially for both experience roleplay game people and beginners!

have volunteered with them for a while, taught some games, and taken their therapeutic role playing game training. Very helpful training, excellent professional and kind people.
10 out of 10 recommend. Jack is very helpful in explaining theory behind therapeutic role play.

I can't say enough good things about this non-profit! The Bodhana Group is professional, yet fun-loving in their approach to therapy. Their team members are so caring towards their clients and really help when it comes to finding a new approach to mental health. 10/10!

I've seen young lives changed completely by The Bohdana Group. Incredible people doing amazing things!

I've met and spoken Jack Berkenstock at a number of conventions and have always been impressed by his drive and desire to help others through the use of gaming.

Was a believer in their mission and services so much I asked to join the board.

I have volunteered with the Bodhana Group for about 7 years, and it is one of the most fun and rewarding parts of my life. Not only do we do good work, but that work is done in an equitable and transparent way. We prioritize making sure our services are affordable for as many people as possible because we believe that the benefits of intentional gaming are for everyone.

As a long time game creator, when I was incredibly impressed when I met the Bodhana Group as they were the first group of therapeutic professionals I had encountered who were prepared to use tabletop gaming in ways that reflected the many stories told to me by TTRPG players. Ie: players who were not therapists but who nevertheless achieved healing benefits from gaming.

The Bodhana Group is amazing! They supported my son at a critical time in his life and helped him to address some tough issues. Everyone we worked with was kind, generous with their time, and helpful. I am so glad we found them, and I highly recommend their program!

I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a training, provided by the Bodhana Group, that has not only expanded my professional horizons but has also rekindled my passion for innovative therapeutic approaches. The training on using tabletop roleplaying games in clinical therapy was an absolute game-changer – pun intended – and I am thrilled to share my thoughts on this transformative experience.

From the moment the training began, it was clear that the facilitators were not just experts in their field, but also deeply enthusiastic about the subject matter. Their energy was infectious, and it set the tone for an engaging and enriching learning environment. The comprehensive nature of the training ensured that both newcomers and seasoned therapists could benefit, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals.

The content itself was a perfect blend of theory and practical application. The trainers masterfully navigated through the psychological underpinnings of roleplaying games and their potential therapeutic benefits. It was enlightening to understand how elements like character development, storytelling, and collaborative problem-solving in tabletop roleplaying games can directly translate to clinical settings, fostering personal growth and emotional exploration in clients.

One of the standout features of this training was its hands-on approach. We weren't just passive learners; we became active participants in carefully crafted roleplaying scenarios. This experiential learning allowed us to not only witness the power of the technique firsthand but also to immediately appreciate the potential challenges and nuances that might arise during therapy sessions. The trainers skillfully guided us through various scenarios, providing real-time feedback and insights that were invaluable.

What truly impressed me was the emphasis on ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity. The training underscored the importance of tailoring roleplaying interventions to suit the unique needs and backgrounds of clients, promoting a truly client-centered approach. This awareness of diversity and inclusivity is a testament to the trainers' commitment to responsible and effective therapeutic practices.

As I reflect on the training, I'm excited about the creative possibilities that integrating tabletop roleplaying games into my therapeutic toolkit can bring. The training has left me not only equipped with practical strategies but also inspired to push boundaries and explore new ways to connect with and assist my clients.

In conclusion, the training on using tabletop roleplaying games in clinical therapy exceeded all expectations. It was an immersive and transformative experience that has reignited my passion for therapy and infused it with a renewed sense of innovation. I wholeheartedly recommend this training to any therapist who is eager to expand their skill set, enhance their therapeutic approaches, and ultimately make a profound impact on the lives of their clients. This training is a resounding affirmation that sometimes, the most unconventional methods yield the most remarkable results.

I trained with the Bodhana Group twice as a professional counselor wanting to learn how to use gaming with my clients. Very fun and informative workshops and the convention they put on each year is a blast!

I learned about The Bodhana Group from my local game store when I was trying to figure out how to incorporate role playing games into my classroom. Pretty hard if you’ve never played any role playing games before, to be quite honest. I’ve taken four classes with Bodhana since then and all of them have been useful, professionally done, and a lot of fun. There is no requirement to be an avid gamer to sign up for these classes. Bodhana will teach you all you need to know to get started. If there’s something you forget at the time you can just email them even after the classes are complete. They’re great at responding to questions and inquiries. The passion from the people who run Bodhana is evident in everything they do. The trainers are incredibly knowledgeable and are very willing to help you work out ideas in the classes. I recommend them constantly to people for their classes or to see if they are running any therapeutic groups. Not only did their classes help me figure out what I wanted to do in the classroom, they also helped me discover more about myself as I was participating.

As a school psychologist who enjoys RPG gaming in my spare time, I stumbled upon the idea of integrating therapy into the RPG setting with students to help teach them social skills and the like through gaming. As part of that, I attended the 201 Therapy with RPG training with the Bodhana Group. The online format made it easy for me to attend while still being able to interact with real people, and the content was excellent! I immediately started utilizing the techniques and strategies discussed in the training, and I know have 4 different weekly Therapeutic RPG groups going at my elementary school working on everything from anxiety and impulsivity to emotional regulation and dealing with loss. Best of all, the students beg me to "play" more! I could not be more satisfied with my experience with the Bodhana Group!

I have had the pleasure of attending multiple trainings from the Bodhana Group and have become a more well-rounded clinician because of them! The knowledge and expertise that they have given me has been monumental in being able to better directly serve clientele on my clinical caseload. Beyond that, it has also greatly assisted me in being able to work hand-in-hand with parents, helping them to facilitate positive communication and familial growth within their family units through roleplaying and tabletop narrations.

I highly look forward to attending further trainings from Bodhana!

I started volunteering with the Bodhana Group after I stumbled across a flyer in my local comic book shop. I was excited to find something that so perfectly matched my personal and professional interests. Five years later, this group and mission is something I'm still very excited about. I've been given so many opportunities to meet amazing people and fellow non-profits, but I especially love the clients that I have worked with. Regardless of my involvement with the Bodhana Group, I will always advocate for this amazing organization.

I have attended multiple trainings and conventions with these wonderful people. They made it possible for me to start a D&D club with my students at school and that has made a world of difference for a group of kids who have found their tribe. I wish I lived in PA so I could be more involved with this wonderful organization.

My son has been involved with Bodhana for years. I truly believe he has become more confident and self assured due to his interactions with the staff and other members. He always looks forward to his Saturday D&D club!

Volunteering with The Bodhana Group was a great experience. Working with them really showed how much they care about their cause.

Great group with an awesome mission statement. Worked with them a few years ago. Knowledgeable friendly staff that always makes it enjoyable.

Jack and the staff of the Bodhana Group are wonderful. They are knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, and truly care about children and their well being. They have been extremely helpful to me professionally.

I have done several trainings with The Bodhana Group. They were all such valuable experiences that I plan to attend more in the future!

I have been working with The Bodhana for over three years. They have been outstanding partners for a grant funded project providing excellent training and technical assistance. I look forward to continuing this partnership and hopefully expanding it!!

I have attended three workshops run by the Bodhana group. The Bodhana group has had a positive influence on the way I run groups and present content for members of the day support program I work at. I appreciate their emphasis on client needs and safety while encouraging creativity and social engagement with their peers. I also appreciate their encouragement of a community for therapists/mental health professionals/peer specialists/teachers to learn and support each other.

I love that the mission of this group is to make change in the world and in people through games. So positive!

The Bodhana group has taught me a great deal and improved my entire outlook on how to run therapy and help my clients.

I've been to their annual convention, Save Against Fear, multiple times, and every time, it's my favorite convention of the year! They create such a warm, welcoming environment that it's just a joy to be there.

A few years ago, a friend with a psychology background and I started making YouTube videos to showcase the therapeutic aspects of tabletop gaming. Not long into our journey, we were introduced to Jack Berkenstock, co-founder of The Bodhana Group. Jack and Bodhana were instrumental to us to help mold our content to be more informative. Our partnership with Bodhana is purely informal, but after talking to and working with Jack -- one thing is abundantly clear. Everyone at Bodhana has a passion for what they do.

I have attended two excellent trainings with Jack and the Bodhana Group. I genuinely appreciate the leadership role this organization has taken in the realm of therapeutic, intentional gaming. Their work with me has enabled me to engage in better work with my clients resulting in better outcomes and an improved therapeutic focus. I have recommended them to other colleagues who have also really enjoyed and appreciated their trainings. I hope to have the opportunity to attend future seminars and events as well. Thanks again to Jack and everyone there at Bodhana.

As someone who grew up with their own struggles that didn't have adequate support, seeing the work that The Bodhana Group does is so awesome. Their work to create therapeutic spaces and use games to encourage growth and development is very important, and I have been happy to work with them at every opportunity!

I have been receiving services for longer than I can remember and I ultimately love the services they provide. It's such a welcoming and accepting community of people, and you will not regret interacting with them. 100/10

The Bodhana Group is a wonderful addition to York County! I have always loved working with them from their events to the groups they run.

I have volunteered with the Bodhana Group group for many years now. They are a very passionate group who fully support mental health and social skills through tabletop gaming. I look forward to many more years of working with this organization and the people involved.

I’ve been a supporter of the Bodhana Group for years, having volunteered to help out with their annual Save Against Fear convention a number of times. You can tell that Jack Berkenstock and other members of the Bodhana Group are passionate about using various games to educate, explore mental health and other personal issues. I even had my own son involved with one of there therapeutic RPG groups for a time. Talk to any member of the Bodhana Grouo and you will quickly find yourself being touched by their sense of purpose, happily wanting to become an ally and help them help others.

I am a therapist that uses a lot of games and play working with children and teens. The work that the Bodhana Group does is invaluable and unique in providing research backed education on this approach and how and why it works. Their efforts have validated and shaped my career.

Originally joined up as an attendee for their convention Save Against Fear but have been helping out as best I can over the last 6 years due to their mission and the fact that the staff and those who help out are amazing people. This is a great organization who can always use more exposure and help.

I've been volunteering with The Bodhana Group since 2017, and loving every moment of it. I love tabletop games and I love helping people, with The Bodhana Group, I can do both!