Critical Core Group Therapy | Chloeandcotherapy

Critical Core Group Therapy
A Therapeutic Role-Playing Experience for Teens

What is Critical Core?

Critical Core is a therapeutic tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) inspired by games like Dungeons & Dragons. It uses storytelling, imagination, and collaborative play to support children in building social and emotional skills in a way that feels natural, engaging, and fun.

Developed as an alternative to traditional social skills programs, Critical Core invites children into a shared fantasy world where they can practice communication, problem-solving, and connection through play. Guided by principles from therapists, educators, and neurodivergent voices, the program emphasizes autonomy, creativity, and meeting each child where they are.

Through gameplay, participants have opportunities to build social confidence, strengthen collaboration and communication skills, increase frustration tolerance, and develop emotional resilience—all while rolling dice, creating characters, and going on adventures together.

Who is this group for?

This group may be a great fit for your child if they:

Have little or no experience with role-playing games
Are neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism, PDA profiles)
Feel overwhelmed in traditional social settings
Benefit from structure, flexibility, and choice
Enjoy imagination, storytelling, or creative play

Cost: $75 per session ($525 total)

Billed at the end of each session

📅 Duration: 7 sessions

Each session is 90 minutes each

Cost and Duration

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What is Included?

Pre-Group Individual Meeting (20 minutes)
Meet with Chloe before the group begins to:

Ask questions
Build comfort and familiarity
Set personalized goals
Ensure the group is a good fit

Session Zero (Introduction & Preparation)
The first session focuses on:

Learning how the game works
Creating characters
Establishing group expectations
Building confidence before gameplay begins

6 Therapeutic Gameplay Sessions
Each week includes:

Guided fantasy adventures
Skill-building through play
Ongoing character development
Supportive facilitation

What Does A Session Look LIke?

1. Check-In (10–15 minutes)

Emotional check-in
Review of the previous session
Introduction to the day’s adventure

2. Gameplay (45–60 minutes)

Facilitated storytelling
Players take turns making choices
Practice:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Flexible thinking

3. Reflection & Wrap-Up (10–15 minutes)

Reflect on the session
Highlight strengths and growth
Preview next week

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this therapy or just a game?
This is a therapeutically-informed group led by a Registered Clinical Counsellor. While it feels like a game, sessions are intentionally designed to support social and emotional development.

What if my child is anxious or unsure?

That’s completely okay. We offer:

A pre-group meeting
A gentle introduction in Session Zero
Flexible participation

Children are never pressured to participate beyond what feels comfortable.

Does my child need experience with role-playing games?
No experience is needed. This group is designed for beginners.

What if my child becomes overwhelmed?
Supports include:

Flexible pacing
Break options
Emotional regulation support
Gentle guidance back into the group

What skills will my child develop?
Children often build:

Confidence
Social communication skills
Emotional awareness
Problem-solving abilities

Critical Core Group Therapy A Therapeutic Role-Playing Experience for Teens

What is Critical Core?

​

Who is this group for?

Cost and Duration

What is Included?

​

Pre-Group Individual Meeting (20 minutes) Meet with Chloe before the group begins to:

Ask questions

Build comfort and familiarity

Set personalized goals

Ensure the group is a good fit

Session Zero (Introduction & Preparation) The first session focuses on:

Learning how the game works

Creating characters

Establishing group expectations

Building confidence before gameplay begins

6 Therapeutic Gameplay Sessions Each week includes:

Guided fantasy adventures

Skill-building through play

Ongoing character development

Supportive facilitation

What Does A Session Look LIke?

1. Check-In (10–15 minutes)

Emotional check-in

Review of the previous session

Introduction to the day’s adventure

2. Gameplay (45–60 minutes)

Facilitated storytelling

Players take turns making choices

Practice:

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Flexible thinking

3. Reflection & Wrap-Up (10–15 minutes)

Reflect on the session

Highlight strengths and growth

Preview next week

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this therapy or just a game? This is a therapeutically-informed group led by a Registered Clinical Counsellor. While it feels like a game, sessions are intentionally designed to support social and emotional development.

What if my child is anxious or unsure?

That’s completely okay. We offer:

A pre-group meeting

A gentle introduction in Session Zero

Flexible participation

Children are never pressured to participate beyond what feels comfortable.

Does my child need experience with role-playing games? No experience is needed. This group is designed for beginners.

What if my child becomes overwhelmed? Supports include:

Flexible pacing

Break options

Emotional regulation support

Gentle guidance back into the group

What skills will my child develop? Children often build:

Confidence

Social communication skills

Emotional awareness

Problem-solving abilities

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