Creating an Ever-enlarging Upward Spiral A clinical tool for facilitating committed action -Dr Kingsley Mudd, GP & ACT Therapist -Headspace Youth Mental Health Service -Townsville, Queensland

Ever heard of someone being in “a downward spiral”? E.g. one of those celebrities in the media? TRIGGER? Difficult Thoughts Difficult Feelings Unworkable Action(s) Rehab, jail or dead

“The Downward Spiral” – can be used as a Creative Hopelessness intervention Ask the client : Have you ever been in a downward spiral? TRIGGER? Difficult Thoughts Difficult Feelings Unworkable Action(s) Did your attempts to get rid of your difficult thoughts/feelings actually make things worse rather than better?

What if we could do the opposite? What if we could somehow create an pattern of ever- enlarging, constructive action, That would progressively enhance our lives over time? What might such an upward spiral look like? I think there are probably 5 main ingredients/steps …

Creating an Ever-Enlarging, Upward Spiral Reflect

Creating an Ever-Enlarging, Upward Spiral Reflect Values

Creating an Ever-Enlarging, Upward Spiral Reflect Values Goals S.M.A.R.T

Creating an Ever-Enlarging, Upward Spiral Reflect Values Goals Action

Creating an Ever-Enlarging, Upward Spiral Reflect Values Goals Action Reflect

Creating an Ever-Enlarging, Upward Spiral Reflect Values Goals Action Reflect Values Goals Action Reflect

Creating an Ever-Enlarging, Upward Spiral Reflect Values Goals Action Goals Values Reflect Action Goals Values Reflect Action

Is there any danger in creating an Upward Spiral? Reflect Values Goals Action Goals Values Reflect Action Goals Values Reflect Action

Is there any danger in creating an Upward Spiral? Reflect Values Goals Action Goals Values Reflect Action Goals Values Reflect Action PRESENCE (Mindfulness)

The Upward Spiral Worksheet

“Overcoming Obstacles” Worksheet Located on the flip-side of the Upward Spiral Work- sheet Life is bit like running a hurdles race ; We regularly encounter obstacles that need to be overcome in order to reach our goals and create the kind of life we truly want.

“Overcoming Obstacles” Worksheet As you set out to achieve your chosen goals,what obstacles do you imagine could get in the way? What skills might you use to overcome these obstacles?

BarriersStrategies for overcoming barriers. Difficult Thoughts? Difficult Feelings? Lack of motivation? (lack of clarity re values?) Excessive or unrealistic goals? Health problems? Lack of time? Financial or other material constraints? Lack of skills? Are their benefits in staying ‘stuck’ rather than moving forward? Ref : “The Happiness Trap” and “ACT Made Simple” by Dr Russ Harris MD

BarriersStrategies for overcoming barriers. Difficult Thoughts? Difficult Feelings? Lack of motivation? (lack of clarity re values?) Excessive or unrealistic goals? Health problems? Lack of time? Financial or other material constraints? Lack of skills? Are their benefits in staying ‘stuck’ rather than moving forward? Ref : “The Happiness Trap” and “ACT Made Simple” by Dr Russ Harris MD

In conclusion … Copies of the powerpoint presentation and the worksheets will be available on the ACBS website. In my work, I use this powerpoint presentation on my notepad computer to educate clients. We review and add to the Upward Spiral Worksheet session by session.