Taking the Escalator Articles

Introduction – This can be used as a “change of pace” activity to use with group to open up discussion in a unique way for cohesion as well as insight building. Below is a list of made-up sayings. No one actually ever said these things, but as a group review and discuss some of the interpreted meanings behind these sayings. Then, at the end, there is discussion material on the importance of deep thinking, introspection, and insight-building as a vital part of the positive cha

This new Taking the Escalator Group Therapy Activity includes: The Expectations Vs Reality Game Icebreaker The Kirby Scale for Expectations-Reality Coping Skills for managing expectations with a focus on Acceptance

This is a large list of group discussion starters that can be used in any order. There are more choices than you may need so select topics based on the needs and interests of the group. There are four progressive discussion points for each topic based on the KEY below: KEY : Topics in Bold INTRODUCTION – Getting discussion started. EXPLORATION – Exploring further. IN-DEPTH – Looking even deeper. COPING – Positive focus on coping skills for positive change and recovery Set

This exercise explores the concept of repetitive patterns and cycles in our lives, particularly in the context of substance use and mental health but also in other life areas as well wherever this may apply. There's a quote unofficially attributed to Albert Einstein often referred to as ‘the definition of insanity” which you likely have heard before. That saying is: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. We recognize that mental

This is a longer exercise with a lot of information on Cognitive Distortions including the Cognitive Distortion Scale , a list of Traditional Cognitive Distortions  as well as  Socratic Questioning

When it comes to mental health and substance use issues, there may be discussion of the idea of “disorders” which are defined as “ abnormal conditions .” For this exercise, however, we will discuss the exact opposite of disorders which we will call “ orders .”  If disorders are “not normal” then orders are things that are going well or better than normal . (Compare: the opposite of dislike is like- the opposite of disorder is order)   Directions:   On the following page, revi

Intro  – Right now almost everyone would like for the world to be a better place. Most likely everyone here has thought about changes you would like to see in this world. To open this group discussion, as a group describe some qualities and values that you would like to see more of in the world.  Write them on the board as a brainstorming group exercise. To help get started here are a few ideas: The world needs more…

Intro:  They say “never say never” because there are no guarantees that we can always avoid certain outcomes in life just because we want to. Still, it cannot hurt to try to identify negative things that we want to try our best to avoid so that we can strive to do our best to keep from going down the wrong path. While some “resolutions” activities are about changes we want to make, this activity is about making commitments to not do things . As a group, complete the following

As a group discuss ways you would give these special gifts. There are two discussion areas for each topic. Discuss both: A B Give the gift to yourself Discuss the gift as a Group The gift of TRUTH

Free association is about expressing thoughts, feelings, or images as they arise, without censorship or a pre-planned structure. To engage in free association, try to allow your mind to wander without trying to control or filter your thoughts. This activity will provide some prompts and ideas to start the process. What you should try to do is verbalize whatever comes to mind as best you can, to the degree you are comfortable. The goal is to uncover some deeper thoughts and co

Intro: There are already a lot of group therapy activities about gratitude because gratitude is so important and so powerful when it comes to positively transforming our lives. There are the usual things that are bound to come up when discussing gratitude. Some common (but very important) things that people are often grateful for are: Life Family Health Love Friends Job/Career Freedom Hobbies/Interests Nature Home Pets Creativity Talents Strengths Peace Safety Food Education

“This or That” is simple but interesting exercise to build group cohesion and to get people talking and sharing. Take turns going around the room one at a time. When it is a person’s turn, the counselor or group leader should read one of the “This or That” questions below. The group should be asked to guess which choice that they believe the person would pick. Then the person should reveal and explain their answer. Afterward, allow time for others to share their answers as we

This is a new Jeopardy game for group therapy focused on substance use and mental health dual recovery. There is a downloadable PDF version below as well as a direct link to this Jeopardy game online on "Jeopardylabs." Keep in mind these questions might be better suited for a group with an existing level of recovery experience and knowledge. It may be challenging for a group that is newer to the recovery process.

Intro:  For this group exercise, rather than just focusing on one topic or activity, the group will participate in a series of short mini activities with everyone in the group getting a chance to work on an original idea. Directions : Depending upon the size of the group, the objective is to come up with a series of 10 minute “mini activities”. Start by breaking the group up into smaller mini groups of 2 or three people in each mini group (depending upon how many people are p

Intro : Self-discovery refers to the process of gaining insight and understanding about oneself, including one's beliefs, values, interests, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. It involves exploring one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to develop a deeper awareness of one's identity and purpose in life. This process often involves introspection, reflection, and sometimes seeking external perspectives or experiences. Self-discovery can lead to personal growth, improved