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. Designed for adult populations, it’s ideal for facilitators, therapists, and group leaders in the 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.