By Cassie Jewell, M.Ed., LPC, LSATP
Updated January 13, 2020
This is a list of worksheets, activities, and discussion guides I created to use with clients. Feel free to print/reproduce/share. Please check back frequently as I update regularly!
A list of topic ideas for groups
A list of various check-in prompts to use with group members at the beginning of a group session
Each group member writes a mini-autobiography that can be presented in under five minutes. Group members take turns reading their autos. A good icebreaker activity.
Use this worksheet in an affirmations group; each group member writes their name on the worksheet and then passes it around so everyone can write a positive affirmation about that person. Have group members read their affirmations aloud. This can be used as a self-esteem building activity or as a discussion tool on various masks people wear (i.e. others’ views vs. view of self).
Icebreaker activity – good for newly formed groups. Each group member writes down their “first impression” of other group members. The facilitator then reads each “impression” and group members have the opportunity to share their answers. Group facilitator can link this activity to how addiction and mental illness are “invisible” (optional).
Another group icebreaker activity! Print/cut the cards, fold, and place in a bag or box. Group members take turns drawing the cards and answering the questions.
More icebreaker questions
Give group members 15-20 minutes to find signatures. The first person to collect 20 signatures sits down. (I usually give prizes.) The group facilitator then reviews the questions. (If there are time constraints, use the short version.)
Cut up the cards and place in some sort of container to pass around. This activity is more appropriate for a working group.
Print/cut these cards, fold, and place in a bag or box. In group, have clients take turns drawing cards and answering the questions.
A list of uncommon coping skills/techniques for stress, depression, and anxiety
A recovery worksheet for clients to explore what makes their drug/alcohol use possible and how to eliminate those things from their life
A recovery worksheet for clients to explore how they will find pleasure and fulfillment in recovery from addiction
A goal-development worksheet
A worksheet for developing goals for different life areas, such as emotional, spiritual, intellectual, etc.
A relapse prevention writing assignment
A tool for developing a relapse prevention plan
A writing assignment for an individual who is in treatment and has relapsed on drugs or alcohol. (This can be used as a narrative therapy technique; the client is tasked to write a story. If they are struggling to process what happened, it may be easier to write in third person or about someone else’s life, not their own.)
A worksheet for developing self-esteem
A guide for clients to explore their true selves
Bonus PDF: Daily Self-Inventory for Mental Health Professionals
