Image 1 of 1
Meet Your Dungeon Master
Tony Johnston brings something unique to InnerWorks: he's a Therapeutic Coach and experienced Dungeon Master who knows that sometimes the best growth doesn't look like traditional coaching at all.
Through D&D groups at InnerWorks, Tony creates a space where teens and young adults can:
Practice social skills in a low-pressure environment
Build friendships with people who "get it"
Develop confidence through storytelling and role-play
Work through real-life challenges while fighting fictional dragons
Tony brings over 20 years of experience working in mental health and community support to every session—whether that's one-on-one coaching or guiding a party through a dungeon crawl. As a person in long-term recovery himself, he understands what it's like to struggle, to feel isolated, and to find healing through unexpected places.
In Tony's D&D groups, you're not just rolling dice—you're building skills, finding your people, and discovering that you're capable of more than you thought.
Why D&D? Because It Works.
For teens and young adults dealing with social anxiety, autism, ADHD, or just feeling like an outsider, traditional social situations can feel overwhelming. But D&D creates a structured environment where:
There are rules (which makes social interaction more predictable)
You can be someone else (which takes the pressure off being "perfect")
Everyone's working together (so it's not about performing or competing)
Mistakes are part of the story (so there's no judgment when things don't go perfectly)
Tony uses his 20+ years of experience to weave coaching principles into gameplay—helping players practice communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and teamwork while they're busy saving the world from mind flayers.
It's coaching. It's also D&D. And it's some of the most powerful work Tony does.
-
Absolutely! Most people in Tony's groups are new to D&D. Tony will teach you everything you need to know—from how to create a character to how to roll the dice. No experience required. Just bring your imagination and willingness to try something new.
-
Tony's D&D groups are therapeutic, meaning they're designed with skill-building and personal growth in mind. While you're having fun playing the game, Tony is also helping you practice social skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and teamwork. He notices when you're struggling socially and creates opportunities for you to practice in a safe, supportive environment. It's D&D—but with a coach as your Dungeon Master.
-
Nope! This isn't traditional coaching or therapy. The skill-building happens naturally through gameplay. You'll practice communication by working with your party. You'll build problem-solving skills by figuring out puzzles and challenges. You'll develop emotional regulation when things don't go your way in the game. The growth is embedded in the experience—you're not sitting in a circle processing emotions (unless that naturally comes up and the group wants to talk about it).
-
Perfect—you're exactly who this group is for. D&D is actually ideal for people with social anxiety because it gives you structure, rules, and a role to play (literally). You're not trying to make small talk or be perfectly social—you're playing a character in a story. Tony creates a judgment-free space where awkwardness is normal and everyone is learning together.
-
Yes! Many people do. Some find that the D&D group helps them practice skills they're working on in coaching sessions. Others start with the D&D group and later decide they want individual support too. You can do one, the other, or both—whatever works best for you.
Tony's Specialties
D&D Groups for Teens & Young Adults Structured, therapeutic gaming sessions where social skills, emotional regulation, and friendship happen naturally through play.
One-on-One Therapeutic Coaching Support for life transitions, building confidence, and navigating challenges that feel overwhelming—especially for young men who need a space to be real.
Men's Support A judgment-free space where men can talk about what's really going on without pretending to have it all together.
What You'll Gain
Whether you join one of Tony's D&D groups or work with him in one-on-one coaching (or both), you'll find:
A safe space to be yourself No judgment. No pressure to be someone you're not. Just acceptance and support.
Skills that translate to real life The confidence you build at the gaming table carries over to school, work, and relationships.
A community of people who get it You'll connect with others who've felt like outsiders too—and you'll realize you're not alone.
A guide who's been there Tony's personal recovery journey means he understands struggle from the inside, not just from textbooks.