Building a Trauma-Informed TTRPG Group from Scratch – Step-by-Step Guide

Crystal
Nov 28
3 min read

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, or indie systems can be powerful tools for connection, creativity, and even healing. Organizations like Roll2Heal demonstrate this beautifully: they create safe, supportive communities where veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals use TTRPGs to build relationships, reduce isolation, and manage stress related to PTSD. Through collaborative storytelling, players find empowerment, process experiences metaphorically, and form bonds that extend beyond the table.

But for TTRPGs to truly heal rather than harm—especially when players may carry real-world trauma—groups must be intentionally trauma-informed. This means prioritizing emotional safety, consent, and agency from day one. Building such a group from scratch takes care, but the result is a table where everyone can roll dice without fear.

Here's a practical, step-by-step guide to get started.

Step 1: Clarify Your Vision and Intentions

Before recruiting anyone, define why you're building this group. Is it purely recreational with a trauma-informed lens? Therapeutic (as a complement to professional care)? Targeted at specific communities, like Roll2Heal's focus on veterans and first responders?

Be honest in your outreach: "A trauma-informed D&D group emphasizing safety tools and emotional well-being."
Decide on format: In-person, online (Discord/Roll20), or hybrid.
Set your role: Will you GM permanently, rotate, or use a GM-less system?

Pro tip: If your group includes people with known trauma histories, remind everyone (including yourself) that TTRPGs are not a substitute for therapy.

Step 2: Find the Right Players

Starting small—4–6 people total (including GM) is ideal for deep trust-building.

Where to look:

Friends or existing networks who express interest in mindful play.
Online communities: r/lfg (with "trauma-informed" or "safety tools" in the post), Discord servers for TTRPG therapy/healing, or Roll2Heal's community if it fits.
Local game stores, therapy groups, or veteran/first-responder meetups (with sensitivity).
Platforms like StartPlaying.games, which support safety tags.

Screen gently: Have a short voice chat or form asking about experience, what they hope to get from the game, and comfort with safety discussions. No one owes you their trauma history—focus on shared values.

Step 3: Hold a Thorough Session Zero (or Session Negative One)

This is the foundation. Dedicate 2–3 hours before any character creation or play.

Key Session Zero elements for trauma-informed play:

Introductions and Icebreakers – Share pronouns, fun facts, and one thing you're excited about in TTRPGs.
Discuss the Social Contract – How will we treat each other? Confidentiality? Attendance? Handling conflicts?
Choose and Explain Safety Tools – Don't assume familiarity. Common, proven tools include:
- Lines and Veils (from the TTRPG Safety Toolkit): Lines are topics off-limits entirely (e.g., sexual violence). Veils are topics allowed but "faded to black" (e.g., romance happens off-screen).
- X-Card (by John Stavropoulos): Anyone can tap/lift an "X" (physical or digital) to edit, pause, or remove uncomfortable content—no explanation needed.
- Script Change (by Beau Jágr Sheldon): Traffic-light style—green (good), yellow (check-in), red (stop/rewind).
- Stars and Wishes: At session end, share a "star" (what you loved) and "wish" (what you'd like next).
- Consent Checklists (e.g., from Monte Cook Games or the RPG Consent Checklist): Go through common themes (gore, phobia triggers, mental health depiction) and mark okay/caution/no.
Content Notes for the Campaign – Share planned themes upfront so players can opt out early.
Aftercare Plan – How will we debrief heavy sessions? Share resources if needed?

Document everything in a shared Google Doc or Discord channel.

Step 4: Build Characters Together (Session Zero, Part 2)

Trauma-informed character creation:

Encourage (but never require) aspects that feel empowering or cathartic.
Allow "safety valves" like background elements that can be retconned if they become uncomfortable.
Translate real skills metaphorically when helpful (e.g., a first responder as a protective paladin).

Step 5: Start Playing—and Keep Checking In

Use your tools freely from session one. Normalize them: "We'll practice the X-Card tonight on something silly."
Debrief every session: What felt good? Anything to adjust?
Schedule periodic "Session Zero Refreshers" every 5–10 sessions or after big arcs.
Have resources ready: Mental health hotlines, Roll2Heal's site for inspiration, or professional support referrals.

Step 6: Nurture the Community Long-Term

Celebrate milestones outside the game (virtual coffee chats, shared memes).
Be prepared to help players leave gracefully if the group no longer serves them.
If the group grows, consider "graduating" into multiple tables or mentoring new trauma-informed GMs.

Final Thoughts

Creating a trauma-informed TTRPG group isn't about being perfect—it's about being intentional, compassionate, and responsive. When done right, the table becomes a place where dragons are slain, stories are told, and healing happens one roll at a time.

If you're inspired by groups using TTRPGs specifically for PTSD recovery and community support, check out Roll2Heal (www.roll2heal.org)—their stories of veterans finding hope through dice are proof of the magic possible at a mindful table.

Ready to forge your own legends (and mend some souls)? Grab your dice, open that Session Zero doc, and start building.