Taking the Escalator Articles

Introduction : Distress tolerance is about getting through difficult emotional moments without making things worse. In life, we all face situations where the urge to react — impulsively, destructively, or avoidantly — can be overwhelming. Learning how to manage distress doesn’t mean pretending to be calm or ignoring emotions. Instead, it’s about recognizing emotional pain, accepting it as part of the human experience, and finding healthier ways to respond. In this group sessi

Intro:  Grief is a natural emotional response to loss. Quite often people think of grief as the pain and sadness that follow the death of a loved one — and that is certainly one of the most profound and difficult forms of grief. However, grief can also arise from many other kinds of losses, both big and small, visible and invisible. Loss can take many forms: the end of a relationship, the loss of physical health, the loss of a role or identity, loss of opportunities, or major

Note for Counselor/Group Leader:  There is a lot of material here. Depending upon the level of participation, this could be broken down into two sessions Icebreaker: “Name That Mood!” – Meet Your Mood Characters Directions:  As a group review the list of mood characters below. Discuss which characters on the list sound familiar in your own life. Make sure to review the mood description written in italics  after each one Speedy Steve  – Talks a mile a minute, feels like he can

This activity invites you to reflect on everyday choices and preferences—then consider what these details might reveal about your personality, lifestyle, and values. Instructions:  For each topic, briefly share your answer (e.g., their bedtime, favorite movie, or weekend activity), then respond to the follow-up question: "What does this say about me?" “Facing the truth is uncomfortable, but avoiding it only prolongs the pain.”

Although there can be a lot of similarities when it comes to each individual’s experience with substance use issues, every person’s journey is unique. Developing a problem with substances often involves a complex array of factors over the course of time.   For this group exercise, group members will identify some contributing factors  related to their own substance use (and mental health conditions as well, if applicable).

Exposure therapy is a highly effective, research-backed approach that helps people gradually overcome fear and anxiety tied to specific...

Depression is increasingly prevalent today, so here's an additional resource for learning about, assessing, and discussing depression. While the Taking the Escalator website already offers a worksheet on Depression, that one provides a broader overview. In contrast, this worksheet delves deeper into Major Depressive Disorder and related topics like self-medication.

This worksheet contains 61 trivia questions based on topics commonly discussed in group therapy related to substance use, mental health recovery, and skill-building. You are free to use these questions in any way that best suits your group. You can choose to go through the questions in order or skip around to keep the group engaged. Each trivia question is followed by an optional reflection question for further discussion. Feel free to use the reflection questions, or skip th

Did you know that Taking the Escalator is open to requests? This latest activity was developed in response to a request for more Relapse Prevention (aka Setback Prevention) therapy material - See PDF Download below picture for group therapy material - Enjoy!

This exercise explores qualities animals possess and how these traits can inspire personal growth, recovery, and resilience. Review each one as a group and focus on the discussion points by making personal application

By reflecting on the big picture, we can gain a fresh understanding of our place and how our seemingly significant problems can shrink in comparison to the grandeur of nature and the universe. The overall goal of looking at the “Big Picture” is to foster humility and promote personal growth by seeing things through a wider “lens” and then taking a more flexible and adaptable approach to life's many challenges, both expected and unexpected. “Dream big. Start small. Act now” -

During this time of year, many individuals focus on giving. This act is beneficial and uplifting for all involved. It encourages generosity and contributes to group unity which is the theme of this unique group exercise. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

Imagine yourself at the bottom of a deep, dark trench. The air feels heavy, and the walls around you rise steep and jagged, as if designed to keep you trapped. Above, the sunlight glows with warmth and promise—a life of peace, freedom, and fulfillment. But from where you stand, the climb looks daunting. The walls are slippery, and every attempt upward feels like it could lead to a fall. And yet, others have made it out. You’ve seen them start from where you are, finding footh

We can never have too much gratitude, so here is additional therapeutic material on this crucial subject. Enjoy...and thank you for your support!

Discuss each of the following researched points about gratitude. Focus on being self-searching with open and honest reflection and encouraging group discussion. "Gratitude turns what we have into enough." - Aesop