From Hole to Wholeness
Training Wheels Gear
Hole to Wholeness – Experiential Recovery & Reflection Tool
Unlock powerful conversations about personal struggles, coping mechanisms, and the journey to recovery with the Hole to Wholeness activity. This innovative tool uses a double-sided tarp and three unique card decks to help participants visualize and discuss their path from being “in a hole” to achieving wholeness. Designed for adult populations, it’s ideal for facilitators, therapists, and group leaders in the mental health field.
What’s Included
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3' Double-Sided Tarp:
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One side features a top-down view looking into a deep hole, representing the experience of being stuck or struggling.
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The other side offers a bottom-up view, symbolizing hope and the journey out of darkness.
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Three Card Decks:
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Medicator Cards: Explore common coping mechanisms and “medicators” people use to manage pain or discomfort.
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Resources & Solutions Cards: Identify healthy strategies and resources that support recovery and well-being.
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Hole to Wholeness Metaphor Cards: Use visual metaphors to deepen reflection on personal challenges and growth.
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How It Works
Medicator Cards
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Place the tarp with the top-down view facing up.
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Spread out the Medicator Cards and let participants choose either a photo or word card.
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Each participant selects a game piece and places it on the image of the hole.
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Participants pick the medicators they use or have used, placing cards near their game piece to indicate importance, frequency, or impact.
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Facilitators can guide discussion on the difference between medicators and addictions, and the broader context of mental health challenges.
Resources & Solutions Cards
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Flip the tarp to the bottom-up view, looking out of the hole.
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Spread out the Resources & Solutions Cards.
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Participants place their game pieces on the image and select resources or solutions they are drawn to or willing to try.
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Cards are placed near their game piece, and participants discuss their choices and how these strategies could help them move toward wholeness.
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Emphasize that recovery often involves short-term discomfort for long-term well-being, and that resources can replace unhealthy medicators.
Hole to Wholeness Metaphor Cards
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Invite participants to select top-down view photos that represent their experience of being in a “hole.”
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Then, choose bottom-up view photos that symbolize hope or their journey toward recovery.
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Use these metaphors to spark deeper conversation about personal stories, challenges, and progress.
Key Benefits
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Visualizes the Recovery Journey: Helps participants see and discuss where they are and where they want to go.
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Encourages Honest Dialogue: Promotes open discussion about struggles, coping, and hope.
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Flexible & Facilitator-Friendly: Adaptable for individual or group use in therapy, counseling, or support groups.
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Supports Self-Reflection: Empowers participants to identify needs, resources, and next steps in their journey.