
Taking the Escalator
Taking the Escalator

Substance Use Therapy Tools
Harm Reduction
12 Step Alternatives
takingtheescalator.com Addiction and Substance Use Resources
Non 12 Step Motivational Harm Reduction Tools for Substance Use & Mental Health
About the Method
Taking the Esclator Methodology is Explained in Detail
in the Following Two Publications:
The Tools of Engagement:
The Taking the Escalator Counselor Handbook
MASTER THE METHOD: Starting Here:
The Tools of Engagement Intro - The Puzzle: Then and Now
Understanding the Escalator Method from a Theoretical Perspective
(The Escalator Method is a Combination of the following Evidence-Based Treatment Practices & Perspectives)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The Stages of Change (aka the Transtheoretical Model)
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-Occurring Disorders (Version 2 Older) *
*The Escalator Method expands on the concept of COD's utilizing the more inclusive & enhanced idea of Coexisting Issues -
Intro to Coexisting Issues (COI)
ENGAGEMENT IS EVERYTHING
The Ideal Vs. The Real in Substance use Treatment
Engagement at the Intake/Assessment: Mission Impossible
Understanding the Key Roles of Insight & Motivation for Engagement in Counseling
THE TOOLS OF ENGAGMENT
NEW VIDEO - Effectively Engaging Youth in Need of Mental Health or Substance Use Services
Judging What it Really Means to be Nonjudgmental
Sometimes the Counselor Must be an Entertainer
Empathy is Your Lifeline: Never Let it Go
Candor and Honesty are Your Shield
Engagement: Illustrations and Analogies
Additional Key Thoughts to Always Keep in Mind
SPECIAL POPULATIONS, ISSUES and OTHER CONCERNS
Taking the Escalator: Evidence-Based Theoretical Basis
Working with Adolescents and Young People
Culture. Meaning, Purpose and Belief: Broadening the View - Understanding over Assumption
Integrating Coexisting Issues by Treating Substance Abuse and Mental Health Together
The Challenges of Working with Deceptive and Disingenuous Clients
Setbacks and Engagement: For Counselors
Engagement, Safety and Risk: An Assessment Framework
Additional Articles and Excerpts for Counselors
Half Measures for Good Measure
For Families - You Can't Nag Someone Sober!
The Marijuana Legalization Issue
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders in a Mental Health Setting - (A compilation of info for training MH providers)
What's Wrong with Mandating 12 Step Meetings?
How to Handle the "Are you in Recovery?" Question if you are not in Recovery