From Hole to Wholeness

The original idea for this activity sparked from a striking photo – looking down into a deep, dark hole. It reminded me of phrases we all use: “I’ve dug myself a hole,” or “She’s in a dark place right now.” Those metaphors come to life with this image, and the recovery metaphor was too good to ignore. When I designed From Hole to Wholeness, I paired that photo with powerful conversation cards and a simple game board to explore how we cope, what we lean on, and what healing might look like.

I then created a deck of cards called Common Medicators and have participants select 2-3 cards that represent their ‘go-to’ behaviors they demonstrate instead of dealing with what is going on. These behaviors/medicators range from Social Media, to Risky Behaviors, to Alcohol, to Binge Eating and many more serious topics. One side of the cards have the word on it, and the other side has a photo of that topic. I also give a trigger warning, as some of the images can be triggering.

After they have selected their common medicators, I have them select a game piece and place it on the tarp as to their level of depth of need for that medicator, and then share with the group the reasoning behind that placement. It is a powerful discussion! And one that requires a significant amount of vulnerability and honesty with yourself.

After everyone has had an opportunity to share, we turn the tarp over, and the view is from the ‘Bottom Up’, and it looks as if you are deep in the hole looking up. There is a way out, but it can look like a difficult climb. There is also a sense of hope in the image as well.

Then we get out the second deck of cards titled Resources and Solutions. Participants select a unique picture or word that describes a resource or solution as a substitute behavior for their medicator. They then place their game piece on the board to represent their willingness to try that resource, and then share with the group their selections. Again, a really powerful discussion!
We have two versions of this activity: an Adult Version and a Teen Version

What’s different between the two decks? The cards.

The Adult Version has a Common Medicators deck with images of adults and more serious scenarios. The Resources and Solutions deck are also tailored towards adult topics.

The Common Medicators for Teens and the Positive Coping Skills, Resources & Solutions – have teen-friendly language and scenarios. Instead of references to work or adult situations, you’ll find medicators like social media, peer pressure, vaping, and avoidance. The coping tools and resources deck includes things teens connect with -journaling, sports, music, friendship, therapy, and more.

If you want both versions, you can purchase the Deluxe Set.

From Hole to Wholeness works beautifully in recovery groups, school counseling, grief support, and wellness programming. If you’re working with teens in any therapeutic or educational setting, this was made for you!

Learn more or purchase a set: https://www.trainingwheelsgear.com/collections/therapeutic-tools/products/from-hole-to-wholeness