Image 1 of 1
Hi, I'm Scott Culbert—a Dungeon Master who's spent over a decade helping young people discover their confidence through the power of roleplaying games.
I know that might sound unconventional, but here's the thing: Dungeons & Dragons creates a unique space where teens can practice social skills without it feeling like "therapy." They're adventuring with dragons, solving puzzles, and building characters—while naturally developing:
Communication and conversation skills
Turn-taking and active listening
Problem-solving and collaboration
Emotional regulation in challenging situations
Confidence in self-expression
Genuine friendships with peers who "get them"
My Background:
Over 10 years of experience supporting youth and young adults
Specialized training in working with neurodivergent teens
Passionate believer in meeting young people where their interests are
Expert at creating safe, inclusive gaming spaces where everyone belongs
Why D&D Works:
Unlike traditional social skills groups, D&D naturally creates opportunities for:
Low-pressure social practice – It's easier to talk when you're "in character"
Clear structure – Game rules provide a framework that reduces social anxiety
Shared interest – Instant common ground with peers
Acceptance – Nerdy, quirky, different is celebrated, not just tolerated
Real friendships – Bonds form through shared adventures and inside jokes
D&D Groups That Build Real Skills
Here's what happens when your teen joins one of our groups:
Safe Space Creation – I foster an inclusive, judgment-free environment where every player matters
Guided Adventure – Through collaborative storytelling, teens naturally practice social skills
Skill Development – Players build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities while having fun
Community Building – Lasting friendships form through shared experiences
What Your Teen Will Gain:
Stronger communication and conversation skills
Better understanding of social cues and turn-taking
Increased confidence in group settings
Real friendships with accepting peers
Problem-solving and creative thinking abilities
A sense of belonging
Groups Available:
Weekly sessions for different age groups
Small group sizes for personalized attention
Beginner-friendly (no experience needed!)
Neurodivergent-affirming space
Without the right social environment, your teen might:
Continue feeling isolated and misunderstood
Miss out on friendships during crucial developmental years
Develop deeper social anxiety from negative experiences
Lose confidence in their ability to connect with others
Feel like they don't belong anywhere
But it doesn't have to be this way.
Imagine your teen:
Excitedly looking forward to group each week
Coming home with stories about their adventures (and new friends)
Showing more confidence in social situations
Having people to text and hang out with outside of group
Feeling seen, accepted, and valued for who they are
Developing skills that carry over to school and other social settings
The magic happens when teens realize they're not alone—and that being different is actually pretty awesome.
-
Not at all! I teach everything they need to know. Many players have never touched a 20-sided die before their first session. The game is designed to be learned as we play.
-
Absolutely. Modern D&D is a collaborative, creative storytelling game focused on teamwork and problem-solving. I create a carefully moderated environment that's age-appropriate, inclusive, and emotionally safe. There's no violence against other players, and content is always appropriate for the age group.
-
D&D is actually ideal for social anxiety because it provides structure and allows teens to participate "in character," which feels less vulnerable than direct social interaction. The game naturally builds confidence in a low-pressure way. Plus, small group sizes mean no one gets lost in the crowd.
-
Perfect! Many of my players are neurodivergent, and D&D is incredibly well-suited for different learning and communication styles. The game celebrates creativity, special interests, and unique thinking. It's a space where being different is genuinely valued.
-
Yes. The skills practiced in D&D—taking turns, active listening, collaborating, reading social cues, managing emotions—all transfer directly to real-life situations. And because teens are engaged and having fun, they're more open to learning and practicing these skills.
-
Sessions typically run 1.5-2 hours, which gives enough time for meaningful gameplay without overwhelming players. This can vary based on the specific group.
-
D&D disguises social skills practice as adventure and fun. Instead of explicitly working on "making eye contact" or "taking turns," teens naturally practice these skills while focused on the game. It's social skills training that doesn't feel like work.
-
I'm trained to support emotional regulation and create a safe space for all feelings. If a player needs a break, that's completely okay. We work together to develop strategies that help each player succeed and enjoy the game.
-
All genders are welcome! While gaming has historically been male-dominated, D&D is for everyone. I actively work to create inclusive spaces where all players feel represented and valued.
-
Some teens do get interested in playing at home, but it's not required. All materials needed for our sessions are provided. If your teen does want to explore more at home, I'm happy to provide recommendations for family-friendly resources.
-
Conflict resolution is actually a valuable learning opportunity. I facilitate conversations that help players understand different perspectives, practice compromise, and work through disagreements respectfully—all crucial real-world skills. The game structure naturally encourages collaboration over competition.