Taking the Escalator Articles

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) describe a set of temporary but disruptive symptoms  that can emerge weeks or months after substance use stops. These symptoms tend to arrive in waves, which makes them especially discouraging. Clients may feel stable for a stretch and then suddenly feel emotionally raw, anxious, foggy, or disengaged again PAWS Triggers and Tools. Without a clear framework, PAWS can easily be misinterpreted as: Loss of motivation Personal weakness Treatme

An Insight-Based Worksheet and Video for Group and Individual Therapy Not all self-sabotage is loud or obvious. More often, it shows up quietly — pulling back when things are going well, disengaging as expectations rise, or undoing progress without fully understanding why. In most cases, these patterns are protective responses shaped by fear, shame, trauma, emotional fatigue, or past experiences with loss and disappointment. The Scenes of Subtle Self-Destruction  worksheet an

We’ve added a new Interactive Group Widgets page to the site. This is a Premium feature, designed for real-time use in groups, and includes interactive tools like spinners and live activity generators. These tools function more like software than traditional worksheets and take additional time to build and maintain. As the site continues to grow, newer high-effort, interactive features—such as the Progress Note Generator , and now the Interactive Group Widgets —are being dev

This time of year, goals are on a lot of people’s minds. Whether it’s tied to the calendar, a sense of wanting a “fresh start,” or simply feeling the weight of time passing, many people begin reflecting on where they’ve been and where they hope to go. For clinicians, this creates an opportunity: goal setting is not just a motivational exercise, but a powerful lens for self-awareness, values clarification, and behavior change. Motivational Video Intro - Traveling Through Time

LINK TO VIDEO INTRODUCTION - https://youtube.com/shorts/-AoozzOnyz0?feature=share When people hear the phrase self-care , they often picture bubble baths, vacations, or time they don’t have. For many, that idea can feel unrealistic, or even frustrating, especially during stressful or emotionally charged times of year. But self-care does not have to mean doing more. Sometimes, it means relating differently to yourself . Instead of thinking of self-care as activities, it can b

With Bonus Resource for Taking the Escalator Members... At Taking the Escalator, we don’t create content just to fill space, we create it in response to real questions, real needs, and real requests . Over the past several weeks, we’ve received multiple requests from clinicians and group facilitators asking for practical, engaging materials on gambling , While gambling-specific resources weren’t originally on the content calendar, the volume and quality of these requests mad

VIDEO INTRODUCTION - https://youtu.be/fGKSB99wYaI?si=wR1IWdalfmfuU5L7 Every day, we face decisions that can move us forward, pull us backward, or send us down the same old roads we’re trying to avoid. “Traffic Signs for Change” is a therapy activity designed to make those decisions easier to see and understand. By using familiar road signs as metaphors, this exercise helps us recognize patterns, set boundaries, practice patience, and commit to healthier directions. The acti

VIDEO INTRO - https://youtube.com/shorts/yisms_k6qaQ?si=LqYZBXHCc0yZoWrg There are moments when we know something is stirring inside—stress, hope, insecurity, motivation—but we can’t quite put the feeling into words. The If It Could Speak  exercise was created to make that process easier. It offers a creative way to imagine what our emotions, experiences, and even everyday objects might say if they had a voice of their own If It Could Speak. Prompts like: If my anxiety could

(Worksheet + Short Video) Before diving into today’s topic, check out the quick introductory video  created to accompany this worksheet. It sets the tone, explains the core ideas, and helps viewers get the most out of the activity: 👉  Watch the Gratitude Timeline Intro Video Why Gratitude Needs More Than the Present Moment We often think of gratitude as something we feel only right now . While present-moment appreciation is important, it’s only one part of a much larger pict

EVENTS Worksheet Video Introduction - https://youtube.com/shorts/AJK1JcRwKiE?feature=share   This time of year brings holidays, gatherings, anniversaries, and emotional reminders that can make things especially challenging for people in recovery or managing mental health concerns. To support you and your clients during this season, Taking the Escalator is sharing a free worksheet  focused on preparing for upcoming events and preventing setbacks. Free Worksheet: “Events – A W

🎬 Taking the Escalator Video Introductions are Back! It’s been a while, but I’m excited to bring back these short video intros that help set the tone for each new worksheet. This one — Emotional Landmarks  — looks at the key experiences that define us and how reflection on these moments can lead to insight and motivation for change. LINK - https://youtube.com/shorts/_8gsWVsLQuA?si=WMY1KA3z2Y_TClWQ Life leaves us with landmarks, not the kind made of stone or steel, but emo

“The real test of freedom isn’t breaking out — it’s learning how to live once you’re free.”— Adapted from Viktor Frankl’s principles on resilience Recently, several people reached out who work in the jail system, sharing stories about the unique challenges individuals face when transitioning back into the community. Their experiences inspired me to create this new activity, “Reentry: Staying Safe on the Outside – Coping, Thriving, and Surviving.” While the idea started with

This time of year, people tend to have masks  on their minds but the most important ones aren’t made of plastic or paint. They’re the emotional masks people wear to hide what’s really going on inside. These masks can take many forms: sarcasm, deflection, anger, or pretending not to care. They can sound like “I’m fine” when that’s far from the truth. Most of the time, they form as protection from judgment, shame, or rejection. but over time, they also block growth, connection,

Addiction doesn’t just affect behavior - it rewires how we think . One small decision can trigger a chain reaction of thoughts and choices that spiral out of control before we even notice. The Addicted Mind: Unplugged  i s designed to help break those thought loops by making them visible. Through short, creative exercises, participants explore how addictive thinking works, recognize personal patterns, and practice new ways of responding. This isn’t a lecture or a definition s

We’re excited to share a new, interactive exercise exclusively for our members: “Wrong Answers Only – Holistic Healing.”  This activity is designed to get participants thinking differently about challenges in everyday life, from managing stress and improving relationships to making healthy lifestyle choices. The concept is simple but powerful: you first consider “wrong answers” to prompts about your life. This opens the door to creative thinking and reflection, helping parti