Recovery Engagement & Motivation / GRP303
A Recovery Goal in My Language — Scenario Card Exchange
Translate an externally stated goal into a personally meaningful recovery aim and an observable next sign.
30 minutes · 3–12 people · Adults with trained group facilitation
Facilitator PDF · Fillable participant PDF · Open activity / add to session
UNDERSTAND THE IDEA
A recovery aim needs to belong to the person.
External referrals and internal goals may differ. Exploring what the person wants life to make possible can open a more useful conversation than demanding agreement with a treatment label. Uncertainty is allowed, and a small step may be the appropriate focus.
Facilitation lens: Ask what the person values, what the current pattern provides, and what they would choose to explore. Reflect before suggesting.
Explore the conceptual background · Broad background, not validation of this original exercise.
Try a different interactive experience in the Activity Lab →
Fictional example
A fictional member attends because of a referral but wants better mornings.
Open with choice — 3 minutes
Explain the purpose, privacy limits, and the option to observe, use fiction, adapt, or pass. Check access needs and group readiness; do not promise absolute confidentiality.
Meet the fictional case — 4 minutes
A fictional member attends because of a referral but wants better mornings. Ask what is known, what is assumed, and what the person in the case wants.
Practice: Card sort — 16 minutes
Translate an externally stated goal into a personally meaningful recovery aim and an observable next sign. Using only the fictional case, make cards for the goal, a contextual barrier, an available support, an alternative, and a possible next step. Sort them into what is known, what needs checking, and what requires outside help; discuss cards that can fit more than one place.
Reflect and compare — 4 minutes
What part of the goal belongs to the person? Ask what fits, what does not, and what external conditions or supports affect the options. No personal disclosure is required.
Close and integrate — 3 minutes
Invite an optional observation, support request, or small next step. Passing is welcome. Agree how to revisit questions and seek appropriate help outside the exercise.
Practice output
A card arrangement showing facts, questions, and support needs.
Scope and adaptation
Use ordinary or fictional examples, not graphic substance-use stories or cue exposure. No competitive abstinence scoring, forced disclosure, or required pathway. These plans do not manage intoxication, overdose, withdrawal, or medication changes; follow individualized care and appropriate medical assessment.
Offer reading aloud, typing, drawing, pointing, or observation. Avoid mandatory movement, eye contact, touch, and body focus.
Original AI-assisted educational draft; independent clinical review pending.
Conceptual background
References inform broad principles and do not validate or endorse this original plan.