SIX- WEEK IN-PERSON GROUP FOR AGES 12-15 YEARS OLD

FIGHTING FOR ME

A DUNGEONS & DRAGONS-BASED EXPLORATION OF GENDER & SEXUALITY

*Registration is OPEN! 

FIGHTING FOR ME:A DUNGEONS & DRAGONS-BASED EXPLORATION OF GENDER & SEXUALITY

Starting on June 4th 2025.

In this 6-week group, participants will be offered an opportunity to utilize the fantasy framework of Dungeons and Dragons, under the guidance of an experienced LSW and Game Master, to explore aspects of their gender identities and sexualities. This research-based group will utilize dramatherapy and role play to explore aspects of their gender identities and sexualities in a safe, secure, and welcoming environment that provides psychoeducation regarding gender identities and sexualities to better understand their sense of self. During the 6 weeks of clinically led groups, each individual will be able to learn and practice skills from Dialectal Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to improve managing emotional responses, build self-confidence, challenge negative perceptions, and grow their sense of community.
CONTACT CLIENT CARE TO REGISTER

How do I know if this group is right for me?

“Fighting for Me” is a Dungeons and Dragons-based group for youth ages 12 to 15, offering a fun and supportive way to explore gender and sexuality through storytelling and roleplay. No D&D experience is necessary—just a willingness to be curious and creative! This group welcomes all teens who are questioning, exploring, or seeking connection around identity in an affirming and inclusive space.

When and where will this group be held?

This group will meet in person at Elliott Counseling’s Urbana, IL office.
Sessions will run for 6 weeks, held every Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.
Under the guidance of an experienced LSW and Game Master, participants will explore identity and connection in a creative, supportive environment.

    TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE GROUP’S WEEKLY TOPICS…

    WEEK 1

    Psychoeducation, normalization of self, community building exercises, and rule setting. 

    WEEK 2

    Mindfulness based coping skills and grounding techniques, understanding the safety needed for sharing and accepting oneself. 

    WEEK 3

    Role-playing sharing scenarios for positive, negative and neutral responses from external individuals.

    WEEK 4

    Identifying and challenging negative views of self/community and restructuring negative thought patterns to accept sense of self.

    WEEK 5

    Community Problem solving, including how to ask for help and role playing to create visualizations of how to battle internal negative thought patterns. 

    WEEK 6

    Completing the Community problem solving, boundary setting, and reflections on feeling accepted.

    How do I get enrolled in this group?

    Get In Touch With Client Care

    Please call or email our Client Care department to get signed up. 

    CLICK TO CALL | CLICK TO EMAIL

    Get Registered & Set-Up

    Our client care representative can speak with you about the appropriateness of the group for you, expectations for the group, etc. 

     

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    Get Started

    Although not required, we do also recommend that you seek individual therapy to supplement this group. We will work with you to set this up as well during registration, if interested.

    MEET THE GROUP FACILITATOR & GAME MASTER

    TYLER KOONTZ, LSW

    Tyler Koontz has been a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the mental health field since 2014. He graduating from the University of Illinois. He spent the majority of his early career in Addictions and Crisis counseling with a local Non-Profit. Additionally, he works with adolescents, adults, men, and women, from the ages 11 and up. Furthermore, he specializes in all forms of chemical addiction and mental health disorders. For instance, mood disorders, to anxiety, to personality disorders, and beyond. 

    Tyler’s treatment modalities is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, he relies on humor when appropriate to build rapport with clients. He believes in meeting clients where they are. Furthermore, he focuses on how he can best support them in their mental health journey. 

    Tyler is passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community and dedicates himself to being an Ally and advocate.