Author
Selected peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and other written content.
Books
Kilmer, E.D., Davis, A.D., Kilmer, J.N., Johns, A.R. (2023). Routledge. ISBN: 1032251859​
Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Games provides a comprehensive approach to implementing therapeutically applied role-playing game (TA-RPG) groups for mental health practitioners.
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When facilitated by a trained professional, TA-RPGs are a powerful tool for insight, growth, and change for individuals and communities. The Game to Grow Method of Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Games is a transdiagnostic, transtheoretical, group intervention developed over a decade of practice using Dungeons & Dragons and other popular tabletop role-playing game systems, as well as leveraging therapeutic factors from acceptance and commitment therapy, marriage and family therapy, drama therapy, and interpersonal process groups. TA-RPGs are conceptualized as a gaming system layered on top of established intervention techniques. They can accommodate a multitude of game systems and align with theoretical mechanisms for change found across therapeutic orientations.
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This work serves as a comprehensive training manual for TA-RPGs, providing a valuable resource for mental health professionals interested in incorporating TA-RPGs into their practice.
Kilmer, E.D. (2025). Play Story Press.
ISBN: 9781257060689
Stardew Valley is a cozy farming simulation role-playing video game where players work to restore their grandfather’s farm to try out a new pace of life. Players farm, fish, and forage, while building friendships with residents of the valley. Stardew Valley has an approachable story, engaging gameplay, relaxing music and sound effects, and is open-ended enough for players to progress at their own pace. This volume explores psychological concepts related to the story, gameplay, and culture of Stardew Valley.
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"The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: Stardew Valley tackles the titular game that ignited the resurgence of the cozy farming simulation genre. An absolute must-read, this book explores how one of the most popular games of the century fosters real relationships, represents diverse communities, and plays with real-world stress. Despite my hundreds (if not a thousand+) hours in Pelican Town, this collective monograph provided me with new insights about my favorite villagers. Each chapter critically presents the lessons we might learn from the in- and out-of-game community engendered by Stardew Valley beyond the simple allure of an escapist pastoral fantasy."
-Adrianna Burton, Games Academic
Chapters
Fostering a growth mindset in Destiny
Kilmer, J. & Kilmer, E.D. (2025).
In J. Kilmer (Ed.), The psychgeist of pop culture: Destiny. Play Story Press.
F*ck the Patriarchy: Sexism and Taylor Swift
Kilmer, E. (2024)
In R. Kowert (Ed.), The psychgiest of pop culture: Taylor Swift. Play Story Press
Resilience and Trauma: Ciri Fiona Riannon
Kilmer, E., & Kilmer, J. (2023)
In R. Kowert (Ed.), The psychgiest of pop culture: The Witcher. ETC Press.
Therapeutically Applied Dungeons & Dragons
Kilmer, J., & Kilmer, E. (2025)
In J. Kilmer, N. Higson-Sweeney (Ed.), TThe Psychgeist of Pop Culture: Dungeons & Dragons. Play Story Press.
Research Papers
Kilmer, E.D., Spangler, J., Kilmer, J. (2023) [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]. F1000Research, 12:216 doi:10.12688/f1000research.129090.1
Kilmer, E.D.*, Rubin, J.*, Scanlon, M. , & Kilmer, J. (2023). Journal of Creativity in Mental Health. doi: 10.1080/15401383.2023.2239703