A complete, trauma-informed workshop bundle for adults with mental health and substance abuse challenges. The workshop features a collaborative board game, instructional presentation, interactive workbooks, and a clinical facilitator guide to help participants distinguish between productive and unproductive worry, manage anger/triggers, and build actionable coping skills.
Mentally or physically place uncontrollable thoughts inside a closed "worry box." Decide on a designated time to inspect it later.
3. Somatic Venting
If worry turns to boiling anger, release it physically without harm: rip up scrap newspaper, splash cold water, or scream into a pillow.
Pro Tip: Releasing isn't "giving up." It is choosing to spend your life energy on what actually matters.
Time to Play: Worry Crossroads
05 / 06
STEP 1
Flip & Move
Flip the Worry Coin to move 1 or 2 spaces along the winding path.
STEP 2
Classify the Spot
Read the worry on your landing spot. Decide: is it Productive or Unproductive?
STEP 3
Action or Release
Propose one action step or one release strategy. The group must validate to stay!
If a scenario feels too heavy or activates personal triggers, you can ask for a teammate to take the turn with you.
Group Reflection
06 / 06
Gather Your Thoughts
1. Which worries felt the hardest to classify? Why?
2. Did you and your group members have different ideas about what was "productive"?
3. What is one "unproductive" worry you are currently carrying that you can practice releasing today?
4. What is one "productive" micro-step you will take?
Thank you for practicing awareness and community connection today. You are in control of your response.
"I cannot control the wind, but I can always adjust my sails."
When a player gets stuck: "Let's look at this together. Do you have any direct control over this scenario right now? If yes, what is one tiny phone call or step we can write down? If no, let's practice how we can let go of the physical tension it's causing."
BOARD GAME SOLUTIONS & ANALYSIS
Space 2: Rent / Housing
PRODUCTIVE
Reason: While rent increases are out of your control, seeking housing assistance or budgeting is actionable. Action Step: Contact a case manager or housing advocate today.
Space 3: Group Judgment
UNPRODUCTIVE
Reason: You cannot control other people's hidden thoughts. Release: Ground yourself in the room. Look at 3 physical objects and remember you are safe here.
Space 4: Medication Delay
PRODUCTIVE
Reason: Direct risk of health instability can be mitigated by active outreach. Action Step: Call the pharmacy directly or request a refill voucher from your clinic.
Space 5: Replaying Arguments
UNPRODUCTIVE
Reason: Yesterday is completely in the past; loops of anger only damage your body. Release: Take 3 slow, deep breaths, dropping your shoulders on every exhale.
Space 6: Boundary Abandonment
UNPRODUCTIVE
Reason: Catastrophizing that a boundary will break a bond is future-telling. Release: Remind yourself: "My safety and limits are valid. I cannot control their reaction."
Space 7: Relapse Urge
PRODUCTIVE
Reason: High immediate risk is highly manageable if proactive recovery steps are triggered. Action Step: Leave the trigger area immediately and call your recovery sponsor.
Space 8: Existential Collapse
UNPRODUCTIVE
Reason: Global macroeconomic collapse is entirely out of your personal circle of influence. Release: Somatic box breathing. Anchor yourself to what is within arms reach.
Space 9: Unopened Bills
PRODUCTIVE
Reason: Debt is stressful, but avoidance worsens anxiety. Action can break the loop. Action Step: Set a timer for 10 minutes and open exactly one letter with a supportive peer.
Space 10: Angry Feedback
UNPRODUCTIVE / COMBO
Reason: Impulsive walking out is an emotional reaction. Release anger first. Release/Action: Walk away to drink cold water, then evaluate the feedback with your sponsor tomorrow.
Space 11: Borrowing Money
PRODUCTIVE
Reason: Financial exploitation harms stability. Boundary preservation is actionable. Action Step: Say, "I love you but I am not in a position to lend money. Let's find other resources."
Space 12: Doctor Appt Dread
UNPRODUCTIVE
Reason: Imagining fatal diagnoses before getting results causes unnecessary panic. Release: Practice a mindfulness exercise or physical stretching to release health worry.
Space 13: Existential Recovery Cycle
UNPRODUCTIVE
Reason: Fearing you will never recover is a cognitive distortion. Release: Ground yourself. Focus purely on today. "I only have to stay safe and sober for this hour."
Always celebrate effort. In recovery, speaking a worry aloud and processing it with a group is a monumental milestone of trust and growth.
