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Taking the Escalator
Substance Use, Mental Health, Co-Occurring Therapy | Harm Reduction | Positive Change Tools
takingtheescalator.com Substance Use and Mental Health Resources - Non 12 Step Motivational Harm Reduction Tools
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What Does This Say About Me?
This activity invites you to reflect on everyday choices and preferences—then consider what these details might reveal about your...
takingtheescalator2
Apr 11 min read
2,372 views


Contributing Factors: Substance Use and Mental Health
NOTE TO TAKING THE ESCALATOR MEMBERS: This is actually an activity that was made a while ago that must have been removed from the site....
takingtheescalator2
Mar 141 min read
4,088 views


Facing Your Fears: An Exposure Therapy Guide
Exposure therapy is a highly effective, research-backed approach that helps people gradually overcome fear and anxiety tied to specific...
takingtheescalator2
Mar 21 min read
2,184 views


Exploring Depression and Coexisting Issues
Depression is increasingly prevalent today, so here's an additional resource for learning about, assessing, and discussing depression....
takingtheescalator2
Feb 141 min read
2,777 views


Trivia Question Reflections
This worksheet contains 61 trivia questions based on topics commonly discussed in group therapy related to substance use, mental health...
takingtheescalator2
Feb 31 min read
5,072 views

Analyzing Risk Patterns
Did you know that Taking the Escalator is open to requests? This latest activity was developed in response to a request for more Relapse...
takingtheescalator2
Jan 191 min read
4,606 views


Coping Skills and Qualities from the Animal World
This exercise explores qualities animals possess and how these traits can inspire personal growth, recovery, and resilience. Review each...
takingtheescalator2
Jan 61 min read
4,456 views


When We Realize we are Small, Big Transformation Happens – A Perspective on Goal Setting
By reflecting on the big picture, we can gain a fresh understanding of our place and how our seemingly significant problems can shrink in...
takingtheescalator2
Dec 25, 20241 min read
2,895 views


Future Gifts
During this time of year, many individuals focus on giving. This act is beneficial and uplifting for all involved. It encourages...
takingtheescalator2
Dec 11, 20241 min read
2,388 views


The Trench: A Metaphor for Recovery and Positive Change – Video Discussion
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...
takingtheescalator2
Dec 2, 20242 min read
3,214 views

The Big Gratitude List
We can never have too much gratitude, so here is additional therapeutic material on this crucial subject. Enjoy...and thank you for your...
takingtheescalator2
Nov 26, 20241 min read
1,854 views


The Science of Gratitude and Happiness: Why Being Grateful Feels So Good
Discuss each of the following researched points about gratitude. Focus on being self-searching with open and honest reflection and...
takingtheescalator2
Nov 18, 20241 min read
2,850 views


Staying Centered and Moving Forward
IMPORTANT: Please Read Before Using This Worksheet During the Week of 11/5/24 As we approach the US election and the days and weeks to...
takingtheescalator2
Nov 4, 20241 min read
2,934 views


Exclamations
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...
takingtheescalator2
Oct 28, 20241 min read
1,420 views


Plateau to Progress
In the context of recovery, a plateau refers to a period during which our progress toward healing, whether from substance use, mental...
takingtheescalator2
Oct 20, 20241 min read
2,057 views


Resilience in Action: Lessons from Overcoming Obstacles and Supporting Positive Change
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....
takingtheescalator2
Oct 11, 20241 min read
1,876 views


Positive Voices Around Us: Exploring Perspectives of Family, Friends, Community, and Support
This exercise is designed to spark meaningful conversations about the influence of family, friends, and social supports on personal...
takingtheescalator2
Sep 29, 20241 min read
2,340 views


Setback Scenarios
Note for Counselor/Group Leader – A general rule when running group is “know your audience.” With that in mind, before using this...
takingtheescalator2
Sep 16, 20241 min read
2,962 views


Highways to Healing: Your Recovery Journey
This worksheet is designed to facilitate discussions about the origins and evolution of each individual's recovery journey. It can be...
takingtheescalator2
Aug 26, 20241 min read
3,430 views


Relationship GPS: Navigating Positive and Negative Relationship Behaviors
With this comprehensive group worksheet there is enough therapy material for multiple group sessions. Click below for free PDF download -...
takingtheescalator2
Aug 12, 20241 min read
4,011 views
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