Taking the Escalator

02/17/2025

New for therapy groups -

Depression is increasingly prevalent today, so here's an additional resource for learning about, assessing, and discussing depression. While the Taking the Escalator website already offers a worksheet on Depression, that one provides a broader overview. In contrast, this worksheet delves deeper into...

02/07/2025

Follow along with the new content guide to the new Taking the Escalator clinician skill building video - https://www.takingtheescalator.com/_files/ugd/5d7aa2_b7b29fff68fb4379a11b686eaa31df68.pdf?index=true

02/06/2025

Hear Taking the Escalator's Ken Pecoraro's perspective on the evolution of substance use treatment and practical skill and tools for clinicians -

The latest edition of the CPC Speaks Podcast kicks off a special two-part series! In this first episode, CPC’s Ken Pecoraro sits down with guest Andy Dean fr...

02/04/2025

New group therapy material from Taking the Escalator -

This worksheet contains 61 trivia questions based on topics commonly discussed in group therapy related to substance use, mental health recovery, and skill-building. You are free to use these questions in any way that best suits your group. You can choose to go through the questions in order or skip...

01/21/2025

Responding to a recent request for relapse prevention materials, we're excited to share this new post centered around effective strategies for staying on track. Dive into our latest insights and tools tailored to support the journey towards sustained recovery -

Did you know that Taking the Escalator is open to requests? This latest activity was developed in response to a request for more Relapse Prevention (aka Setback Prevention) therapy material - See PDF Download below picture for group therapy material - Enjoy!Click below for group therapy worksheet PD...

01/08/2025

New therapy material -

This exercise explores qualities animals possess and how these traits can inspire personal growth, recovery, and resilience. Review each one as a group and focus on the discussion points by making personal applicationCLICK BELOW FOR WORKSHEET:

12/27/2024

New -

By reflecting on the big picture, we can gain a fresh understanding of our place and how our seemingly significant problems can shrink in comparison to the grandeur of nature and the universe. The overall goal of looking at the “Big Picture” is to foster humility and promote personal growth by s...

12/14/2024

Exciting News: Published Article on Integrated Care

Best, Ken Pecoraro Taking the Escalator

12/13/2024

New from Taking the Escalator - Future Gifts -

During this time of year, many individuals focus on giving. This act is beneficial and uplifting for all involved. It encourages generosity and contributes to group unity which is the theme of this unique group exercise...Download PDF of Group Therapy Activity - FUTURE GIFTS below:

12/09/2024

https://www.takingtheescalator.com/post/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 designed to keep you trapped. Above, the sunlight glows with warmth and promise—a life of peace, freedom, and fulfillment. But from where you stand, the climb looks dau...

11/27/2024

The Big Gratitude List - https://www.takingtheescalator.com/post/the-big-gratitude-list

11/19/2024

https://www.takingtheescalator.com/post/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 encouraging group discussion:CLICK BELOW FOR ACTIVITY DOWNLOAD (PDF)

11/04/2024

As we approach the US election, it's important to recognize that strong reactions are expected regardless of the outcome. This exercise provides an alternative focus, encouraging the group to concentrate on what we can control -

IMPORTANT: Please Read Before Using This Worksheet During the Week of 11/5/24As we approach the US election and the days and weeks to follow, it's important to recognize that strong reactions are expected regardless of the outcome. Emotions run high on both sides, which may lead to intense feelings....

10/29/2024

New -

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 share. The counselor/group leader should select phrases from the list and open it up to members in the group to share in one or two ways (listed below), related to...

10/21/2024

https://www.takingtheescalator.com/post/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 health issues, or both, slows down, stalls, or just feels like it is standing still. While we may not be regressing, we can feel stuck at a certain stage and find it....

10/12/2024

https://www.takingtheescalator.com/post/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. Brian’s incredible story of resilience—facing life-altering challenges and his passion for helping people reintegrate after incarceration—offers valuable in...

10/02/2024

Taking the Escalator content creator, Ken Pecoraro was keynote with colleague Nikki Tierney at the NJ Opioid Summit 2024 -

Honored to represent CPC Integrated Health at the 2024 NJ Opioid Summit! Hear from CPC's own, Nicole Tierney and Ken Pecoraro as they share powerful insights...

10/01/2024

This new exercise is designed to spark meaningful conversations about the influence of family, friends, and social supports on personal growth and positive change.

This exercise is designed to spark meaningful conversations about the influence of family, friends, and social supports on personal growth and positive change. Participants will reflect on these important relationships while answering questions from the perspective of others in their lives. - FULL A...