Welcome to Groups

I came across this well-done introductory PDF on Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy and wanted to share it with the group. This PDF is adapted from an IFS Level 1 training manual and provides a solid, clinician-friendly overview of the model, including:

• Core assumptions of IFS

• The roles of parts (Managers, Firefighters, Exiles)

• The concept of Self and Self-leadership

• Practical language for identifying and working with parts

• The 6 F’s of unblending (Find, Focus, Feel, Befriend, Find out, Fears)

I’m sharing a free recovery workbook I came across online that does a solid job walking through motivation, ambivalence, and readiness for change in a structured but approachable way

This workbook helps people:

• Explore what they like and don’t like about substance use

• Look honestly at short- and long-term impacts

• Reflect on how others may be affected

• Understand the Cycle of Change (pre-contemplation through maintenance and relapse)

🎯 SMART Goal Worksheet Added

Below is a useful two-page SMART Goal-Setting worksheet from Johns Hopkins University. It helps turn vague goals into clear, realistic next steps by focusing on specificity, measurability, and achievability.

Useful for individual and group therapy or anyone who wants structure without overcomplicating things.

Self Care is the topic of the week. Below is a free basic Personal Self Care Plan that can be useful for therapy in a variety of settings. Enjoy!

I wanted to share this free Aftercare Workbook developed by De Novo Treatment Centre for anyone looking for structured, ready-to-use material to support substance use recovery and aftercare programming.

The workbook is organized as a 12-week sequence and includes worksheets and discussion material covering recovery goals, relapse prevention, high-risk situations, mental health, self-worth, relationships, and the mind–body connection. It is well suited for group settings or individual use in outpatient, IOP, or aftercare contexts.

Sharing here in case it is helpful to others.

"Changing Your Relationship with Gambling" from Gamcare UK

Free download below

I’m sharing a free resource that I came across and thought could be helpful.

I found a clear, easy-to-read Personality Disorders Chart that breaks down each disorder by cluster (A, B, C) with concise definitions and common behavioral traits. It’s a handy reference for clinical work, supervision, or preparing psychoeducation materials.

Feel free to save it, print it, or use it in sessions or team meetings.

Here’s the chart:

If you’re looking for something meaningful, easy to use, and grounded in solid research, here’s a great free tool you can introduce in group. This packet includes three printable, evidence-based exercises drawn from The Happiness Toolbox by Jonah Paquette, PsyD:

✨ Three Good Things (Gratitude Practice)A daily 10-minute reflection designed to shift attention away from negativity bias and increase positive emotion. Great for mood regulation and reframing.

🧘 Everyday Mindfulness A flexible, sensory-based activity that helps participants practice being present during simple daily routines—perfect for clients who need beginner-friendly mindfulness.

🐢 Slow and Steady Wins the Race (Optimism Practice)A goal-setting exercise that teaches how breaking big goals into smaller steps builds confidence and decreases pessimism.

These tools work well in psychoeducational groups, skills-based sessions, or as take-home practice to reinforce coping and wellness.

Feel free to use, print, or share in your groups!

Substance Use Disorder Criteria (DSM-5 Based)**

Understanding the underlying patterns of substance use is essential for building insight and motivation. This free worksheet provides a clear, evidence-based overview of the 11 DSM-5 criteria for Substance Use Disorders, complete with everyday examples to help group members connect the material to real life.

What This Worksheet Covers

Participants review each DSM-5 symptom area, including:

• Loss of control

• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down