From Hole to Wholeness

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. Two unique versions, one for adult populations and one for teen populations, are ideal for facilitators, therapists, and group leaders in the counseling and mental health field.

What’s Included

• 3' Double-Sided Tarp:

  • One side features a top-down view looking into a deep hole, representing the experience of being stuck or struggling.

  • The other side offers a bottom-up view, symbolizing hope and the journey out of darkness.

• Three Card Decks:

  • Medicator Cards: Explore common coping mechanisms and “medicators” people use to manage pain or discomfort.

  • Resources & Solutions Cards: Identify healthy strategies and resources that support recovery and well-being.

  • Hole to Wholeness Metaphor Cards: Use visual metaphors to deepen reflection on personal challenges and growth.

How It Works

Medicator Cards

• Place the tarp with the top-down view facing up.

• Spread out the Medicator Cards and let participants choose either a photo or word card.

• Each participant selects a game piece and places it on the image of the hole.

• Participants pick the medicators they use or have used, placing cards near their game piece to indicate importance, frequency, or impact.

• Facilitators can guide discussion on the difference between medicators and addictions, and the broader context of mental health challenges.

Resources & Solutions Cards

• Flip the tarp to the bottom-up view, looking out of the hole.

• Spread out the Resources & Solutions Cards.

• Participants place their game pieces on the image and select resources or solutions they are drawn to or willing to try.

• Cards are placed near their game piece, and participants discuss their choices and how these strategies could help them move toward wholeness.

• 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

• Invite participants to select top-down view photos that represent their experience of being in a “hole.”

• Then, choose bottom-up view photos that symbolize hope or their journey toward recovery.

• Use these metaphors to spark deeper conversation about personal stories, challenges, and progress.

Key Benefits

• Visualizes the Recovery Journey: Helps participants see and discuss where they are and where they want to go.

• Encourages Honest Dialogue: Promotes open discussion about struggles, coping, and hope.

• Flexible & Facilitator-Friendly: Adaptable for individual or group use in therapy, counseling, or support groups.

• Supports Self-Reflection: Empowers participants to identify needs, resources, and next steps in their journey.