USING TOLTEC PRINCIPLES WITH CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLIENTS Dona Howell, MS, CRADC Marie Vicher, MS,

Reference Material The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz The Mastery of Self by Don Miguel Ruiz The Fifth Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz

Introduction We chose to concentrate on the works of Don Miguel Ruiz for this workshop for a number of reasons: The simplicity of the concepts It provides a blue print for “right living” for criminal justice clients It allows clients and staff to work together toward mutually agreed upon goals

AGREEMENT ONE The Four Agreements: Be impeccable with your word What does that mean to you? How can you operationalize it for your clients? Do you have clients who have no concept of honesty, truth, or responsibility? Can this concept help your client “work the steps”? What kind of exercises and readings can you implement with this first agreement?

AGREEMENT TWO 2. Don’t take anything personally Why would this be important for a person’s recovery? How can staff/clients misunderstand this concept? What actions can a client (or staff person) take to ensure they are following this tenant?

AGREEMENT THREE 3. Don’t make assumptions Can you encourage clients to be honest with their communications with others? How can you as a therapist role model this tenant? How often do we make assumptions about our clients?

AGREEMENT FOUR 4. Always do your best Can this tenant help clients move forward in their recovery? What types of reinforcements can you as a clinician utilize to help your clients continue to strive to do their best? Are there some major issues to be aware of with this fourth agreement?

First Agreement The most important agreement Most difficult to follow If clients can begin the process of being impeccable with their word, what a difference they can make in their life, their recovery, and with their families. But how to go about helping clients learn to follow this agreement?

Second Agreement How often do your clients take everything that they have experienced as a personal affront or attack on them? Helping clients look at the “big picture” can help them move away from a victim stance and begin to take responsibility for their own lives/actions

Third Agreement How many times have you had clients who assumed people were “out to get them”? How many times have you made assumptions about your clients’ motivation levels or reasons for accessing treatment?

Fourth Agreement Another “life lesson” for our clients within the criminal justice system Sub-texts include: not giving up, having hope, trying their best at every endeavor, instead of going through the motions

CONCLUSION By providing options/ideas/a format for our clients to use in their recovery process, we can help our clients develop the life and lifestyle they wish to achieve Change is never easy, but it is easier when you have the tools you need to begin the process

CONCLUSION By being impeccable with your word, not making assumptions or taking things personally, and by trying your best- you can follow a pathway to recovery and right living