Taking the Escalator Articles

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

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 .