“Transforming Therapy: Wright State Counseling Alum Infuses Fun into Sessions for Young Clients”

Zach Webber, a graduate of Wright State University in 2024, recognizes that therapy may be tedious for younger clients, leading them to disengage. As a licensed professional counselor, Webber identified a method to connect with young individuals during consultations.

Hence, Webber made the decision to infuse fun into therapy, focusing especially on neurodivergent children.

He established Dragons Den Counseling, his private practice located in Kettering, last May, where he applies Geek Therapy—utilizing themes, characters, and narratives from video games, board games, films, TV shows, anime, and comic books within his counseling sessions. He also incorporates insights gained from his personal experiences.

“I have significant ADHD, as do my two children. We believe my son is on the autism spectrum, thus I draw upon what has worked for my family,” he mentioned. “I enjoy thinking creatively and employing narrative techniques to help individuals feel safe, open up, and communicate.”

Webber became acquainted with Geek Therapy and attended training sessions. A self-identified “lifelong nerd and geek” with a deep commitment to assisting others, his goal is to ensure his clients feel comfortable right away. The design of his office creates a gaming atmosphere that helps clients feel at ease.

The Dragons Den features a Dungeons and Dragons theme and showcases various game setups and figures, further enhancing a lively ambiance.

When children glimpse the entertaining items displayed in his office, Webber remarked that they almost instantly relate to him and feel less intimidated. They begin discussing their favorite shows and characters.

“Kids are significantly more inclined to open up and forge a connection when they are engaged in enjoyable activities that interest them,” Webber stated. “They enter the space and notice these eclectic items in my office, their response is, ‘Alright, this guy understands me. This place is awesome.’ They look forward to visiting here because they want to share.”

Webber integrates imaginative scenarios into therapy sessions. For example, if a client is dealing with anger issues or experiences fear of failure, he might inquire how their favorite character would react in such circumstances.

“This empowers young individuals to project their challenges onto the character and contemplate the outcomes of their decisions,” Webber explained. “I strive to use imaginative language to encourage them to start thinking. They often realize that their character would handle situations appropriately, thus I attempt to motivate the kids to believe they can do the same.

“Then we might view clips where a character triumphs over a challenge that resonates with them. It’s effective and enjoyable,” he shared.

The native of Wilmington also appreciated pursuing his master’s degree through the graduate program in mental health counseling at Wright State.

“During my teenage years, I viewed it as a large, prestigious institution. Therefore, after fulfilling my military commitment, I opted to attend Wright State; it was logical since my family resides here,” he said. “It always had a welcoming vibe because everyone was incredibly kind and supportive.”

Webber treasured this atmosphere at Wright State as he consistently aimed to support peers who were perceived as outsiders during his youth. He stated that simply being kind can have a profound impact.

“Certain individuals reached out to help me feel better, and I aspired to reciprocate that kindness,” he remarked. “That’s why I became a therapist. I want to assist others — and I’ve found an enjoyable way to accomplish that.”