What Would You Do?
Your friend tells you they've been having a really bad day. What's the first thing you could do?
Listen, ask how they're doing, validate their feelings, offer support.
Scenario:
You tell someone, “I’m tired tonight, so I cannot talk for very long.”
Question:
Is this a boundary, rejection, or punishment?
boundary
One Word
Question:
Name one word that describes what emotional safety feels like.
Possible answers:
Accepted, calm, respected, heard, comfortable, secure, understood.
True or False
A setback erases all the progress someone has made.
False
A setback can be part of the recovery process without erasing previous growth.
Best Response
Question:
Someone says, “I’ve had a terrible day.”
Which response is more supportive?
A. “At least it wasn’t worse.”
B. “That sounds difficult. Do you want to talk about it?”
Answer:
B
Your anxiety starts getting really high while you're shopping.
Name one coping skill you could use right there.
Breathing techniques
Seek help from social supports
The 5-4-3-2-1 method
Cold water
etc..
Scenario:
A family member calls repeatedly while you are at work. You silence your phone and call them later.
Question:
What boundary are you protecting?
Possible answers:
Your time, work responsibilities, attention, and emotional energy.
Myth or Fact
Question:
Ignoring an emotion usually makes it disappear permanently.
Answer:
Myth.
Avoiding emotions may provide temporary relief, but the emotion or problem may return
Define It
Question:
What is resilience?
The ability to adapt, recover, and continue moving forward during or after difficult experiences.
Listening Skill
Question:
What is active listening?
Giving attention, avoiding unnecessary interruptions, reflecting what was heard, and trying to understand rather than immediately fixing the problem.
Scenario:
You are having a difficult day, and someone tells you, “Other people have it worse.”
Question:
How could you respond assertively without becoming disrespectful?
Possible answer:
“I understand others are struggling too, but what I’m feeling is still real, and I need some support right now.”
Scenario:
Someone says, “If you really cared about me, you would cancel your plans and stay with me.”
Question:
WPossible answer:
It uses guilt and pressure to control another person’s decision.hat is unhealthy about this statement?
Possible answer:
It uses guilt and pressure to control another person’s decision.
Would You Rather?
Question:
Would you rather have the ability to pause before reacting or immediately know what emotion you are feeling?
Explain your choice.
Either answer earns points with a thoughtful explanation.
Reflect
Question:
What is the difference between saying, “I’m starting over,” and saying, “I’m starting again with experience”?
Possible answer:
Starting again recognizes that previous lessons, strengths, and progress are still valuable.
Reflect
Question:
What is the difference between supporting someone and rescuing them?
Supporting respects the person’s choices and strengths. Rescuing may involve taking over, making decisions for them, or feeling responsible for solving everything.
Scenario:
You notice that you only reach out to people when you are in crisis. When you begin feeling better, you isolate again.
Question:
What pattern might be happening, and what could help interrupt it?
Possible answers:
Fear of vulnerability, difficulty trusting others, shame, or feeling undeserving of support. A regular check-in, peer group, planned social activity, or reaching out before a crisis may help.
Scenario:
You avoid everyone because you are afraid of being hurt. You call it “protecting your peace.”
Question:
When can a boundary become a barrier?
Possible answer:
When it prevents all connection, support, communication, or opportunities for growth.
Metaphor Challenge
Question:
Complete this metaphor:
“Recovery is like ______ because ______.”
Examples:
Name Three
Question:
Name three signs of progress that have nothing to do with feeling happy all the time.
Possible answers:
Scenario
Question:
A friend repeatedly asks for advice but never follows it. What could you say without sounding judgmental?
Possible answer:
“I’m happy to listen, but I do not want to keep giving advice that does not feel helpful. What kind of support would work better for you right now?”
Scenario:
You have been working hard on your recovery, but you experience a setback and immediately think, “I ruined everything.”
Question:
Challenge that thought with a more balanced statement.
“This setback is disappointing, but it does not erase the progress I have made. I can learn from what happened and begin again.”
Scenario:
A person repeatedly crosses your boundary, apologizes, and then does it again.
Question:
What matters more: their apology or their pattern of behavior?
Their pattern of behavior.
Team Challenge
Question:
Your team has 45 seconds to name:
Body: breathing, stretching, walking, drinking water
Mind: journaling, reframing thoughts, grounding, mindfulness
Connection: calling someone, attending group, asking for help, spending time with supportive people
Scenario
Question:
You have worked hard on a goal but experience a setback. Your mind says, “See? Nothing ever changes.”
What could you say or do next?
Possible answers:
Acknowledge the disappointment, review what triggered the setback, contact support, adjust the plan, and choose one small next step.
Name five ways to support someone without giving advice.
Possible answers: