Taking the Escalator Articles

Sometimes the best group discussions do not start with the words addiction, mental health, or treatment. Sometimes they start with something much more relatable: Staying up too late Buying something you never use Saying “starting Monday” for the tenth time Feeling emotionally exhausted That is the idea behind “Been There, Done That” which is an interactive early intervention group activity designed to gently increase self-awareness while reducing defensiveness and shame Why

Most people only see part of who we are. They see the version we show publicly, how we act around others, what we post online, our routines, personality, humor, appearance, or the role we play in everyday life. But behind the scenes, many people carry stress, insecurities, fears, painful memories, pressure, loneliness, or emotions that others may never fully understand. VIDEO INTRO LINK - https://youtube.com/shorts/vDQY8X-B1mE?si=Rg5HnUXLoy1fxpl4 This worksheet uses the relat

While it is important not to push clients too hard or too fast, meaningful change and deeper conversations also do not usually happen through complete passivity. Sometimes progress requires gently moving the conversation forward and carefully exploring areas clients may naturally avoid. In this video, Ken uses a boxing analogy to explain this balance. Instead of going for the “knockout punch” too early, effective engagement often involves gentle “jabs”, small, thoughtful step

Most people don’t struggle with making decisions because they don’t know what to do. They struggle because they’re hearing multiple “voices” at the same time, each pulling them in a different direction. VIDEO INTRO - https://youtube.com/shorts/C93Lu37q2XQ?si=SPqwAwo16xFFELBO One voice pushes for immediate relief. Another warns about consequences. Another brings up fear, doubt, or past experiences. This new worksheet, Voices and Choices, helps break that process down in a way

Premium Members: Don’t overlook one of the most valuable tools available to you on the Premium Resource Hub. Along with your worksheets, you also have access to Facilitator Guides designed to help you run them more effectively in real clinical settings. These aren’t just instructions—they include: Practical ways to structure sessions Strategies to improve engagement Clinical insights grounded in evidence-based approaches (MI, CBT, harm reduction, and more) The goal is simple:

Not every group is ready for deep insight right away. Some groups are quieter, less engaged, or just not connecting with traditional ways of talking about addiction. This worksheet was created with that in mind. It breaks addiction down into something simple and non-threatening: how the brain can get “tricked.” Why This Worksheet Works This isn’t heavy or clinical. It’s designed to: Feel approachable and easy to understand Use real-life examples people relate to Open up discu

What Research Teaches Us About Behavior Change ▶️ Watch the short video intro here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/o-r6PhWNb4U What do dogs, marshmallows, monkeys, and classroom studies have to do with real-life change?...More than you might think. Some of the most well-known experiments in psychology and behavioral science actually map closely onto the same struggles people deal with every day—feeling stuck, giving in to urges, comparing ourselves to others, or getting thro

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working on building tools that make your job easier in real, practical ways—not just more content, but better ways to use what’s already there. Two new features are now live, and both are designed to help you think more clearly, move faster, and feel more confident in your clinical decisions. For Members: The Worksheet Recommendation Tool If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through worksheets thinking “I know there’s something perfect f

Ever have the thought: “If people really knew me… they wouldn’t think I’m doing this well.” That’s imposter syndrome—and it shows up more often than we think. In work. In relationships. Even in recovery. What This Covers This worksheet helps break it down in a real, usable way: Where it shows up What’s underneath it (comparison, perfectionism, self-doubt) Where it comes from How to challenge those thoughts and build something more accurate Including a simple but powerful refr

A Three-Level Approach to Building Insight This release is designed to meet people at different levels, depending on where they are and how deep they want to go. 🔹 Free for All: Defining Moments Worksheet We start with something simple—but powerful. The Defining Moments: Looking Back to Move Forward worksheet invites you to reflect on meaningful experiences from your life: Highs and lows Lessons learned Turning points Moments that shaped your perspective These moments often

Plus Bonus Material for Premium Members (See Below) Looking for an easy, engaging group therapy activity that actually gets people talking? The Best / Worst Worksheet is a simple but powerful tool that helps clients open up, connect, and reflect on their experiences—without pressure. Why This Group Therapy Exercise Works This activity starts light: Favorite food Best movie Worst vacation Then gradually moves deeper into: Decisions Habits Coping skills Mental health and recove

Have you ever noticed how people can seem like completely different individuals depending on the situation? Someone might be confident and outspoken with friends but quiet and cautious at work. A person who appears calm and in control in public might feel overwhelmed and unsure inside. Someone who seems funny and easygoing may actually be using humor to avoid difficult conversations or emotions. These shifts are not unusual. In fact, they are part of being human. CLICK TO VIE

PLUS: Premium Members can now apply to participate in the limited pilot of the Escalator Clinical Consultant ChatGPT. (Application below) Isolation is one of the most common experiences discussed in counseling. Yet it often hides in plain sight... VIDEO INTRODUCTION - Alone in a Crowded World A person can be surrounded by people—family, coworkers, group members, or online connections—and still feel deeply alone. Others may appear socially active or even outgoing while private

For years, Taking the Escalator has centered on structured clinical thinking — especially when working with challenging clients. The method offers a unique approach to helping clients build and sustain insight, strengthen motivation, increase engagement, resolve ambivalence, and understand the deeper patterns that keep them stuck. Now I’m taking that framework one step further... I’ve been developing a structured AI-powered consultation tool built specifically around the Esca

🚀 Something Big Is Coming as a New Escalator Premium Feature We’re about to launch a powerful new AI-driven Clinical Support Tool built directly around the Taking the Escalator method. This isn’t generic AI. It’s designed specifically to help clinicians: Apply the Escalator framework in real clinical scenarios Generate focused group or individual session ideas Quickly locate the most effective worksheet topics across the site Match interventions to insight level, motivation,