Taking the Escalator Articles

This exercise provides an alternative focus, encouraging the group to concentrate on what we can control in our own lives, even amid the emotional events unfolding in the world. "We can not direct the wind but we can adjust the sails."

Directions  – This activity can be used as an icebreaker or at any time with the purpose of getting group members to open up, talk, and share. The counselor/group leader should select phrases from the list and open it up to members in the group to share in one or two ways (listed below), related to the phrase selection.   What is a situation in your past or recent life where you found yourself thinking or saying this phrase? (Or) What would be a situation that could come up (

A plateau in progress brings a choice - stay in your comfort zone or push forward for a breakthrough. Growth happens when you embrace new challenges. In the context of recovery, a plateau refers to a period during which our progress toward healing, whether from substance use, mental health issues, or both, slows down, stalls, or just feels like it is standing still. While we may not be regressing, we can feel stuck at a certain stage and find it difficult to make further impr

Ken from CPC and Brian from NJ Reentry Corporation may both work in New Jersey, but the lessons shared in this video resonate far beyond. Brian’s incredible story of resilience—facing life-altering challenges and his passion for helping people reintegrate after incarceration—offers valuable insights for anyone striving to overcome obstacles in their own lives. His dedication to breaking the cycles of stigma and providing hope through empathy and nonjudgmental support will ins

This exercise is designed to spark meaningful conversations about the influence of family, friends, and social supports on personal growth and positive change. Participants will reflect on these important relationships while answering questions from the perspective of others in their lives. - FULL ACTIVITY DOWNLOAD BELOW:

Note for Counselor/Group Leader – A general rule when running group is “know your audience.” With that in mind, before using this exercise, make sure that your group is in a place where they are ready to discuss recovery related issues and setback/relapse prevention strategies. Also, there are four lengthy stories provided here with multiple points for discussion questions. With that in mind, it may not make sense to try to review all four stories but rather pick and choose w

This worksheet is designed to facilitate discussions about the origins and evolution of each individual's recovery journey. It can be used for a brief overview of group members' past experiences or explored in greater depth over multiple sessions. Depending on the level of detail desired, you may use more than one worksheet to cover different aspects of participants' histories.

With this comprehensive group worksheet there is enough therapy material for multiple group sessions .

Therapeutic game format for getting group talking about strengths and qualities that are needed for successful change and recovery.

Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences was proposed by Howard Gardner in his 1983 book "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences." Gardner, a developmental psychologist, suggested that traditional IQ tests and the concept of a single general intelligence (g-factor) were too narrow and did not capture the full range of human cognitive abilities. Instead, he proposed that there are multiple distinct types of intelligences, each representing different ways of pro

In today's digital age, our cell phones have become indispensable tools that connect us to information, resources, and each other like never before. From instant communication to accessing a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips, the benefits are clear. However, this technological marvel also comes with its challenges. How often have we felt distracted, overwhelmed, or even isolated by our constant connectivity? Today, we're exploring the double-edged sword of cell phone usag

Today, we embark on a journey of discovery and celebration of our individual strengths and unique contributions. Each of you brings something valuable and distinctive to this group, whether it's your empathy, creativity, resilience, or any other positive quality. Together, we will explore how these qualities create a supportive and empowering environment for everyone

Perhaps the title of this exercise sounds somewhat familiar. It is a modern-day “social media-based” adaptation of the age-old wise adage “The grass is greener on the other side of the fence” This concept often resonates deeply with many of us. It's a phrase that speaks to our innate tendency to compare ourselves to others and yearn for what we perceive as better or more desirable. Nowadays instead of looking at greener grass, people often view others lives either in person o

This is a simple exercise. One person goes at a time. Pick a topic and state a brief personal reflection on the topic of your choice from the list on page 2. Keep it brief (under 30 seconds). When the reflection is done being stated, group members are open to responding based on the response list provided below. Each person should try to use as many of the responses on the list as possible by the group’s end.

Making positive changes when it comes to coping with mental health and substance use issues can be quite challenging. However, focusing on the specific aspects that we personally love about recovery-based tasks and challenges can be a powerful motivator for success. Even if we dislike certain aspects of the work involved, finding even a “slice of love” can be all that we need to push through challenges and be successful with our goals. By finding a "slice" of love or meaning