Response Radar Facilitator Guide
Response Radar
Facilitator's Field Guide
Session Purpose
To identify default communication "colors" in high-stress environments. Using colors removes the stigma of "right/wrong" and focuses on effectiveness and self-advocacy.
The Navigation Key
RED: Reactive (Fighting back)
YELLOW: Retreating (Shutting down)
GREEN: Resolved (Holding ground)
The Game Loop
1. READ
Read the scenario. Emphasize the pressure or "unfairness" of the situation.
2. LOG
Clients write their "Gut Reaction" and color it. No thinking yet!
3. SCALE
Ask: "On a scale of 1-10, does this get you what you actually want?"
Scaling Prompts (SFBT)
• "If 10 is your 'Best Self' and 1 is 'Old Habits,' where did that answer land on the radar?"
• "Suppose you moved up just one point next time. What small thing would you do differently?"
• "If you could reach a 10 in this situation, what would be the first sign that you're winning the long game?"
Justice Involved
Frame 'Green' responses as tactical. Getting loud (Red) or disappearing (Yellow) often gives authority figures more control. Staying Green keeps you in the driver's seat and keeps you safe.
Residential Life
Validate that housemates are the hardest test. Use the "Roommate vs. Friend" distinction to encourage neutral, firm (Green) boundaries over emotional (Red) reactions that escalate drama.
Response Radar Slides
Response
Radar
Navigating high-pressure moments in life, work, and recovery.
Reactive
Retreating
Resolved
How to Play
1
I will read a high-pressure scenario. Imagine you are really there.
2
On your Response Log, write down exactly what you would say or do first.
3
Mark the Color that matches your style. Be honest—it's just data!
The House
Conflict with housemates or staff
Scenario 1
You come back from your meeting and find your favorite food—which you labeled—has been eaten by another housemate. Again.
Your gut response?
Scenario 2
A staff member talks down to you in front of everyone, calling you "lazy" because you missed a chore while at your doctor's appointment.
Your gut response?
Scenario 3
It's 2:00 AM. Your housemate is playing loud music and laughing with friends. You have to be at work in 5 hours.
Your gut response?
The Clinic
Medical appointments & Advocacy
Scenario 4
The doctor says, "It's probably just stress. Lose some weight and you'll be fine," while barely looking up from their tablet.
Your gut response?
Scenario 5
Pharmacy says your Medicaid won't cover your med today. You have authorization papers, but there's a huge line behind you.
Your gut response?
The Street
Law enforcement & Parole
Scenario 6
An officer stops you. He says you "match a description" and starts asking to search your bag without a clear reason.
Your gut response?
Scenario 7
Your PO calls. You must come in for a drug screen in 30 minutes, but you're just starting your shift at work.
Your gut response?
The Clock
Work & Job Search
Scenario 8
In a job interview, the manager says, "There's a two-year gap here. What were you doing? Was it jail?"
Your gut response?
Scenario 9
Your boss demands you stay 4 extra hours right before you clock out, or you're fired. You have a mandatory group session tonight.
Your gut response?
Scenario 10
A co-worker makes an aggressive joke about "junkies" in the breakroom, specifically looking at you.
Your gut response?
The 1-10 Radar
"On a scale of 1-10, does this response get you what you actually want in life?"
1: Backwards 10: Forward
Radar Debrief
1. Look at your color log. What pattern do you notice about your stress responses?
2. Which scenario was the hardest to stay "Green" in? Why?
3. What is one situation where you'll try a different color tomorrow?
Response Radar Log
Response Radar Log
Navigation Tool for Real-Life Pressure
Name: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________
REACTIVE (RED)
RETREATING (YELLOW)
RESOLVED (GREEN)
| # | My Gut Response (What I'd say/do) | Color | Effectiveness (1-10) |
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The Navigator's Radar Debrief
1. Looking at your color pattern, what is your most common reaction to stress?
2. Scale: How effective is your "Old Habit" (Reactive/Retreating) at getting you what you want?
1: Not Effective 5: Middle Ground 10: High Win
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
3. The Pivot: If you could reach a "10" tomorrow, what is one thing you would do differently?
