Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Group Therapy for Teens & Young Adults in Fairfax, VA
What Is Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Group Therapy? How Does It Help Teens and Young Adults in Northern VA?
Magic: The Gathering therapy is a therapist-facilitated group that uses strategic gameplay to build emotional regulation, leadership skills, and healthy peer interaction. Held in person in Fairfax City, sessions combine structured card play with intentional therapeutic support in a welcoming environment.
Designed for teens and young adults who connect through strategy and competition, MTG offers a powerful platform for growth, especially for those who may struggle in traditional talk therapy.
Here’s how it helps:
Builds frustration tolerance: Practice managing setbacks and unexpected outcomes.
Strengthens leadership & teamwork: Develop communication, collaboration, and group awareness.
Improves emotional regulation: Learn patience and self-control during competitive moments.
Encourages healthy conflict resolution: Balance competition with sportsmanship.
Fosters social connection: Build friendships through shared interests.
Develops executive functioning: Strengthen planning, focus, and flexible thinking.
How We Use Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Therapy for Teens & Young Adults
At Cabush, Paul & Associates, our therapists use MTG to connect to clients in a less traditional setting.
For many teens and young adults, Magic: The Gathering therapy feels less like therapy and more like structured, strategic competition. It combines critical thinking, decision-making, and social interaction in a supportive setting where participants build confidence, practice real-world skills, and navigate challenges safely through gameplay.
Magic: The Gathering therapy can help with managing:
Anxiety: The predictable structure of turns and rules creates a sense of safety, while adapting to unexpected plays builds flexibility and coping skills.
Loneliness/Isolation: Shared gameplay fosters connection, belonging, and authentic peer interaction in a structured environment.
ADHD: The interactive, fast-paced nature of MTG supports focus, channels energy productively, and strengthens sustained attention.
Academic & Performance Stress: Strategic setbacks help reframe “losses” as learning opportunities—building resilience and adaptability.
Depression: Engaging competition and group participation increases motivation and reinforces a sense of competence and mastery.
Social/Emotional Skills: Encourages communication, sportsmanship, frustration tolerance, perspective-taking, and emotional regulation.
Magic: The Gathering provides a structured, strategic environment where teens practice managing frustration, thinking ahead, navigating competition, and engaging peers—guided by licensed clinicians who intentionally support emotional and social growth.
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Group Therapy Details
Who are the Therapists at Cabush, Paul, and Associates?: Aaron Sterling and Jacob Stein
How are the groups formed?: Groups are organized by age (Middle School, High School, and Young Adult) and are limited to four participants per group.
How many sessions?: Sessions are 2 hours long and run as a three (3)-session series.
When?: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday/Thursday/Friday
Where?: Fairfax, VA
What is the cost? $150 for each 2-hour session.
How do people register?
Please contact us to learn more and register.
Contact Us for a Free Phone Consultation About our Dungeons and Dragons Group.
Call us at (703) 691-0036 or fill in our easy contact form.