Doug Ronning

Doug Ronning is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology and Drama Therapy at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), located within the School of Professional Psychology and Health. He holds an MA from CIIS and a BFA from the University of Wisconsin. Ronning specializes in drama therapy, expressive arts, and integrative therapeutic modalities for neurodivergent populations. His research focuses on archetypal storytelling, therapeutic role-play games, and the intersection of pop culture with personal/cultural shadow work.

He created and leads Gamescape Center for Creativity and Growth, which hosts role-play events emphasizing pro-social values and identity expansion, and Monster Movie Salon, an interdisciplinary exploration of high strangeness phenomena through film. Ronning previously worked in event management and entertainment, including screenwriting for HBO's Tales from the Crypt.

His clinical practice integrates biofeedback, augmented reality, and VR technologies with traditional therapy frameworks. Courses taught include Drama Therapy Theory, Therapeutic Communication, and Introduction to Tabletop Roleplay Games in Therapy.