Group Therapy That Feels Like an Adventure
Beyond our regular SparkForge program, we partner with psychology clinics that deliver our adventure-based curriculum as part of group therapy. Clinicians use our adventures and materials to support social, emotional, and other therapeutic goals, including for children with autism, ADHD, or anxiety.
The result: all the fun of a shared adventure, with support tailored to each child's individual needs.
Group Therapy Providers
Inner Circle Therapy in VaughanSign up for JanuaryFAQs
Who is it for?
Children who can participate in a collaborative, imaginative group activity with some support. Each clinic assesses individual needs and determines whether the group is a good fit.
What kinds of needs can it support?
Clinics may use SparkForge to support children with autism, ADHD, social anxiety, and other social-emotional needs. Goals may include building friendships, improving communication, managing emotions, developing confidence, and practicing flexible thinking.
What happens in a therapy group?
Kids become fantasy heroes and work through an adventure together. As they negotiate plans, overcome challenges, and solve problems, clinicians use the game to help them practice their therapeutic goals.
How is it different from regular SparkForge?
Therapy groups are a separate offering delivered by partner psychology clinics. Clinicians incorporate the SparkForge adventure into a therapeutic program that includes psychological intake, personalized goals, clinical oversight, and progress updates for parents.
This allows children to work toward more individualized social, emotional, and behavioural goals with professional support.
What are the benefits compared to traditional group therapy?
When children play, it is their character who takes the risk, makes the mistake, or faces the difficult moment, not necessarily the child directly. Role-playing creates a psychological buffer (drama therapists call it aesthetic distance), and that buffer is what makes it safer to open up, explore emotions, and try new behaviours. But the buffer is not a wall. Emotions and skills move across it in both directions, so what a child practises as their character carries back into everyday life. And instead of primarily talking about problems, children actively practise skills while immersed in a fun, shared adventure.
Does my child need experience with D&D or role-playing games?
Not at all! The facilitator teaches children everything they need to know as the adventure unfolds.
How much does it cost?
Each partner clinic sets its own pricing. You can find program fees and registration information through the participating clinic.
Can I use insurance or OAP funding?
Partner clinics issue their own receipts. Some families may qualify for reimbursement through private extended health benefits or Ontario Autism Program (OAP) core clinical funding, depending on the service, clinician, and eligibility requirements.
Please confirm coverage with your clinic and benefits provider before registering.
What does the research say?
Therapeutic role-playing is a growing approach in mental health care, combining established therapeutic techniques with imaginative, collaborative play.
Evaluations of role-playing activities with children, including studies involving autistic youth, have documented children practicing emotional regulation, collaboration, and perspective-taking, alongside reported improvements in social communication, social skills, and quality of life.
This approach makes therapeutic work engaging, interactive, and grounded in real social experiences.