Saving Throws &
Safe Spaces

A therapist-led D&D group focused on connection, confidence, and emotional growth

What if therapy felt a little less like sitting and talking, and a little more like stepping into a story together?

At Stone Silo, we know that not everyone opens up the same way. Some people find connections and growth happen more naturally when they are creating, playing, and sharing an experience with others.

What is Saving Throws & Safe Spaces?

Saving Throws & Safe Spaces is an eight-week, in-person group where we use a Dungeons & Dragons-style tabletop game to help you explore connection, communication, and emotional awareness in a way that feels natural, creative, and welcoming.

We play a real game together, complete with characters, teamwork, and unfolding stories. Along the way, we create space for you to practice social skills, emotional regulation, and self-expression without pressure or performance.

We use Critical Core, a tabletop role-playing system designed to be accessible, collaborative, and beginner-friendly. You do not need any D&D experience to join us. We guide the game step by step so new players can settle in comfortably, while still offering depth and engagement for those who have played before.

Sessions are moderated by Alyssa, one of our registered psychotherapists. She helps guide each session and ensures the space feels safe, respectful, and inclusive, while allowing creativity, play, and group connection to unfold naturally. 

Because this is a therapeutic group facilitated by a psychotherapist, many insurance plans may cover participation, which can help make joining more accessible.

Sign Up for Saving Throws & Safe Spaces

Name

Ready to join the adventure?
View Our Group details

Saving Throws & Safe Spaces

  • Format: In-person group
  • Location: Stone Silo Counselling & Wellness, Waterloo
  • Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays, weekly for 8 consecutive weeks
    • Ages: 13-16 – Saturdays from 10am – 1pm
    • Ages: 17-21 – Saturdays from 1pm – 3pm
    • Ages: Adults 22+ – Friday’s from 6:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Start date: May 1st (Friday) & 2nd (Saturday)
    • There will be a break for the long weekend on May 15th and 16th
    • Groups conclude June 26 and 27
  • Group size: We keep groups small to support comfort and connection
  • Materials: All materials included
    • Dice
    • Notebook
    • Character sheet
  • Cost: $450 total for all 8 sessions
    • Paid upfront
    • Receipts provided for insurance submission, where applicable

Who we designed this group for:

Saving Throws & Safe Spaces may be a good fit for you if you:

  • Enjoy games, storytelling, or imaginative play.
  • Find it easier to connect through shared activities than direct conversation.
  • Want to build confidence, communication skills, or emotional awareness.
  • Are curious about therapy and open to a creative approach.

     

We offer the same group experience in three age-based sessions:

  • Ages 13–16
  • Ages 17–21
  • Ages Adults 22+

Skills you can build and strengthen

As we move through the story together, many people find they:

  • Feel more confident speaking up and working with others
  • Become more comfortable sharing ideas in a group
  • Build awareness around emotions and reactions
  • Experience a sense of belonging within a small, supportive space

We never ask you to share personal stories unless you want to. You can express yourself through your character, your choices, your creativity, or simply by being part of the group.

Saving Throws & Safe Spaces
Sessions Moderator

Alyssa Strachan

Alyssa Strachan

Registered Psychotherapist, Play Therapist Intern - She/Her

My specialties: Client-centred therapy, Tabletop RPG therapy (Game to Grow Method), Attachment, Autism, Emotional regulation, Life transitions, Sexuality & gender identity, Grief

Age Group: 3 – 35 year olds

Serving: Waterloo

Price: $180 for individual therapy, $190 for Play-based Therapy

Play-Based therapy
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
CBT
DBT

Still have questions?