15 Mindful Group Activities For Adults in Recovery Oasis Recovery Center

Added topics include online therapy, specialized groups, ethnocultural diversity, trauma, managed care, and more. For this activity, the therapist should lead the group through a discussion of NUTS and ANTS, terms which can be used interchangeably when talking about the self-sabotaging habits we have. This cognitive therapy worksheet can help clients trace the development of a particular schema and understand the subsequent reactions, sensations, and choices he or she makes. This activity will help group members learn how to set positive, achievable goals and, immerse them in the experience of working toward them. Many of those struggling with depression or anxiety will turn to unhealthy, unhelpful, or even harmful ways to cope.

Activities for Personal Growth and Self-Esteem

The group dynamic encourages honest feedback and facilitates bonding between individuals with shared experiences. Clients weigh in on the issues of others in order to offer suggestions or provide outside perspectives, broadening the individual’s understanding of the conflict. Group therapy is commonly used in the treatment of people with depression and anxiety. A group setting is a perfect place for people suffering from depression or anxiety to connect with others, practice important social skills, and learn healthy coping strategies from one another.

• It can boost your sense of well-being and help you cope with drug cravings and other recovery-related challenges.
• Give them five minutes or so to write down three “facts” about them, two of which are true and one of which is a lie.
• She has a passion for helping women in recovery and has her BA, CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional), her CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) and Anger Management Specialist, Level 2.
• Participating in group physical fitness and outdoor adventures can play a significant role in relapse prevention.
• Self-esteem and self-worth are a couple of the other items examined in this group addiction topic.

Role-Playing Scenarios

This can ultimately change their lives for the better by breaking the cycle of substance abuse and enabling them to cope with addiction. These groups treat multiple people at once, differing from individual therapy, which centers on a therapist treating someone on a one-on-one basis. Group therapy sessions can be the only form of therapy that someone engages in. However, it is often used in conjunction with individual therapy as part of a treatment plan, as many people benefit from the different skills each form can offer. Group therapy can play a vital role in recovery for those struggling with substance abuse. It can help people communicate their thoughts and feelings, connect with others, and begin to understand their behaviors and addiction in a safe and confidential space.

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Exercises (PDF)

A worksheet for clients to pass around to group members so each person can write a positive affirmation. 75+ free mental health worksheets, handouts, and forms for mental health professionals or self-help. The first person creates a simple beat, and the rest of the group follows suit, repeating the pattern and adding their embellishments. The next player repeats the pattern and adds something new, and the process continues until the individuals before them don’t repeat the pattern.

She has a background working in the recovery field and, before this, was a broadcast journalist and television hurricane storm chaser. Elaine says that by working here and through a shared experience, she can now help those chained by addiction break free. Our caring admissions navigators are available 24/7 to answer your questions about what to expect at rehab, levels of addiction treatment, and how to start the rehab admissions process. This article will cover what group therapy is and some of the more common types of group therapy and activities used for addiction treatment. The first time attending any group therapy session can be intimidating.

A 10th step-based inventory for self-reflection for counselors and other mental health workers. A card deck with 104 cards with thought-provoking questions intended to promote discussion. Topics include goals, values, emotions, relationships, spirituality, and more. A printable deck of cards with 128 coping skills for managing stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions.

• This card can have a list of three to 10 coping skills that they can use when they are struggling.
• Other great expressions of addiction group topics include journaling, enjoying music, helping others.
• Kayla is a Mental Health Counselor who earned her degree from Niagara University in Lewiston, New York.
• Role-play scripts can be an ideal tool to facilitate such sessions.
• This is often one of the most difficult aspects of group structure and development.

Professional associations, such as the American Group Psychotherapy Association, have developed best practice guidelines based on scientific data and clinical research. The Association for Specialists in Group Work created best practice guidelines for group work and guiding principles. Heather transitioned into the substance abuse field in 2012 where she began her career in referral relations and the admissions aspect of the industry. She has also trained in several models of intervention training and education over the last 8 years and has been a candidate member of the Association of Intervention Specialists since 2012. Heather is currently pursuing her CIP through the Pennsylvania Certification Board.

• Jessica Plonchak serves as Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint.
• However, it’s crucial to understand that relapse should not be viewed as a treatment failure.
• According to Alan Wolflet (2004), group activities for grief and loss should help members with the six needs of mourning.
• Her area of expertise includes writing on addiction challenges, providing guidance on treatment procedures, and addressing co-occurring mental issues.
• Daily mood charts or mood trackers are a great way to help clients understand the link between their environment, situation, and feelings.

This exercise aims to elicit the cathartic benefits of expressive writing therapy, a popular positive coping intervention that was developed in the 1980s. It’s a slightly adapted take on traditional expressive writing, however, in that it includes some questions and prompts to stimulate and guide participants as they write. This group therapy exercise focuses on communication and mindfulness skills in participants and is a great general activity for all types of therapy. Cultivating an awareness of mindful speaking can be an effective way to set the tone for couples group therapy, where emotions management is the focus, or even when working with families. It’s important for inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities to incorporate beneficial substance abuse group activities.

The best discussion topics will depend on the focus of the group, the stage of treatment, and the type of session. This article will define group therapy, describe typical sessions, and provide substance abuse group activities for adults several activities and exercises you can put to use in your group therapy sessions. Substance abuse group activities are one of the most intimidating parts of rehab for many people.