1.

Orientation to Treatment and Program Overview (10-15 minutes)

 Introducing Seeking Safety:

o Begin by explaining that Seeking Safety is specifically designed for individuals
dealing with both PTSD and substance abuse. Emphasize that the goal of the
treatment is to foster a sense of “safety,” which includes emotional, mental, and
physical well-being.
o Describe “safety” as encompassing substance abstinence, establishing healthy
boundaries, avoiding harmful relationships, and practicing self-care. These are
key to reducing risk and fostering recovery.
 Setting the Therapeutic Tone:
o Establish a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. Reassure participants
that all feelings, challenges, and questions are valid.
o Address any anxieties about beginning therapy, normalizing the apprehension
participants might feel.

2. Explaining the Session Format and Core Principles (5-10 minutes)

 Session Structure:
o Outline the typical structure of a session: starting with a check-in, followed by a
motivational quotation, the main topic discussion, and ending with a check-out.
o Reinforce the value of consistency, encouraging participants to engage fully in
each session to make the most of the program.
 Core Principles:
o Present the guiding principles of safety, honesty, and self-respect. Explain that
each principle underpins the treatment, helping participants to build a life of
stability and resilience.
 Handouts for Clarity:
o Distribute Handout 1: About the Seeking Safety Treatment to give participants a
tangible overview of what they can expect. Go through the content together to
ensure understanding and allow for any questions(Seeking_Safety book).

3. Motivational Quotation and Group Reflection (5 minutes)

 Quotation Selection:
o Choose a quote that inspires hope and possibility. George Eliot’s “It’s never too
late to be what you might have been” can resonate well, as it suggests that
positive change is always possible.
 Engagement:
o Ask a participant to read the quote aloud. This small act fosters participation and
shared experience.
o Reflection Prompt: “What does this quote mean to you, especially in terms of
your recovery journey?” Encourage brief reflections to help participants connect
the quote to their goals.

4. Relating the Program to Participants’ Lives (15-20 minutes)

  Deepening Understanding of Safety:
o Explore with participants what “safety” personally means to them. Guide them to
consider how achieving safety could impact their lives positively.
o Sample Prompts:
 “What does a safe environment feel like for you?”
 “How would focusing on safety change your day-to-day life?”
 Encouraging Self-Reflection:
o Encourage participants to share challenges they face in creating a sense of safety.
Normalize these struggles, emphasizing that they are common in trauma and
substance abuse recovery.
o Empowerment: Frame safety as something they actively build. Reinforce that
each small step toward safety, no matter how small, is a step toward overall well-
being.

5. Introduction to Case Management and Practical Support (5-10 minutes)

 Case Management Role:

o Explain that case management will assist them with logistical challenges, such as
accessing safe housing, employment, or health resources.
o Provide emergency contact information and explain the procedures for contacting
support outside of sessions.
 Practical Support Overview:
o Review Handout 2: Practical Information about Your Treatment to ensure
participants understand the available support systems and know whom to reach
out to for specific needs(Seeking_Safety book).

6. Setting Initial Goals and Commitments (5-10 minutes)

 Encouragement for Active Engagement:

o Emphasize that commitments are a way to take gradual, manageable steps toward
recovery. Reinforce that they can start small—this is about creating positive
habits rather than big, immediate changes.
 Goal-Setting Exercise:
o Have each participant identify a small, achievable goal related to safety for the
week. Examples include avoiding a high-risk situation, practicing a calming
technique, or contacting a supportive friend.
o Check for Comfort Level: Encourage each person to set a goal that feels
achievable and meaningful. Let them know that these goals can evolve over time,
and the focus is on progress, not perfection.

7. Closing Check-Out and Feedback (5 minutes)

 Reflection and Reinforcement:

o Ask each participant to share one thing they gained from the session or any
remaining questions or concerns they may have.
 oReinforce their role in the journey and express confidence in their capacity for
growth and healing. Encouraging statements like, “Taking the first step in this
journey shows strength,” help foster a positive outlook.
 Commitment to Follow-Through:
o Ensure participants leave with a clear understanding of their commitment for the
week. Encourage them to note this goal down as a personal reminder of their
intentions.
1. Orientation to Treatment and Program Overview

 Introducing Seeking Safety:

o "Welcome to the Seeking Safety program. Today marks the beginning of a journey
focused on finding stability and building a life rooted in safety. This program is
specifically designed to help people who are dealing with both PTSD and
substance use challenges. Here, our goal is to work together to create a sense of
safety in your lives, covering your emotional, mental, and physical well-being."
 Explaining the Focus on Safety:
o "Safety in this program means working toward discontinuing any substances,
learning how to set boundaries that protect you, avoiding harmful situations, and
practicing self-care. These steps are essential because they help reduce risk,
increase stability, and allow you to build a foundation for the rest of your
recovery."

2. Explaining the Session Structure and Core Principles

 Session Structure:
o "Each session will follow a similar structure to help us stay focused and get the
most out of our time together. We’ll begin with a check-in, where you can share
any recent experiences or progress. Then, we’ll explore a motivational quotation
to inspire our discussion. The main part of the session will focus on a specific
topic, and we’ll wrap up with a check-out, where you can reflect on what you
gained from the session."
 Core Principles:
o "This program is based on three core principles: safety, honesty, and self-respect.
These principles guide every session, helping us make choices that support your
growth and well-being. Honesty, for instance, will help you address difficult
topics, and respect for yourself and others can lead to healthier relationships and
decisions."

3. Quotation for Motivation and Reflection

 Quotation Selection and Discussion:

o "Today, I’d like to start with a quote by George Eliot: ‘It’s never too late to be
what you might have been.’"
o "Let’s take a moment to reflect on this. What does this quote mean to you,
especially in the context of your recovery journey? Does it make you think of any
personal goals or changes you’re hoping to make? Feel free to share any thoughts
that come up."
4. Relating the Program to Participants’ Lives

 Exploring Personal Definitions of Safety:

o "When we talk about safety, we’re referring to creating a life that feels stable,
supportive, and free from unnecessary risks. What does a safe environment look
like for you personally? Are there particular places, people, or actions that make
you feel more secure?"
 Addressing Safety Challenges:
o "Many of us struggle to feel safe in certain parts of our lives, whether that’s in
relationships, at work, or even when we’re by ourselves. Can you think of any
areas where you feel unsafe or uneasy? This could be a powerful starting point for
us to begin working on strategies to build safety together."
 Encouragement for Self-Reflection:
o "Remember, the aim here is not perfection. Building safety takes time, and it’s
okay to start with small steps. Even identifying areas of your life that feel unsafe
is a meaningful step forward."

5. Introduction to Case Management and Practical Support

 Explaining Case Management:

o "Along with our sessions, we’ll also support you through case management. This
means we’ll help connect you to resources that can provide stability in your life—
like safe housing, support groups, or job programs. We want to ensure you have
access to everything you need to feel secure outside of these sessions."
 Review of Emergency Procedures:
o "We also want to make sure you know who to contact if you’re facing a crisis or
urgent need. On your handout is emergency contact information—please keep it
somewhere easy to reach, just in case."

6. Setting Initial Goals and Commitments

 Commitment for Engagement:

o "As part of this program, we’ll set small, achievable goals each week. These
commitments don’t have to be big—they could be as simple as practicing a
calming technique or making one call to a supportive friend. These steps are about
creating positive habits, little by little, as part of your journey toward safety."
 Goal-Setting Exercise:
o "For this week, think about one small action you could take that would help you
feel safer. It could be avoiding a risky situation, trying out a safe coping strategy,
 or reaching out to someone you trust. Choose something that feels meaningful but
also manageable."

7. Closing Check-Out and Feedback

 Reflection and Feedback:

o "To close, let’s each share one thing we gained from today’s session. It could be
an insight, a goal, or even a feeling of motivation. This is your time to share
anything you found helpful—or let us know if you have any questions or concerns
moving forward."
 Final Encouragement:
o "Thank you all for being here and taking this first step. It takes courage to start
this process, and I hope you leave today feeling supported. Remember, each step
you take toward safety is a step toward a stronger, healthier future. Let’s look
forward to continuing this journey together."