This is a tool to help you understand one client's success through therapy. My therapy walks you through three basic steps toward positive change: The 1st step is to recognize you have a problem. The 2nd step is to understand the cause of the problem. The 3rd step is to change your thinking or behaviors. Either way, your emotions will follow. This process can be long or short, but it is rarely easy. The result of your hard work is more control over your life, making better choices, overcoming challenges, and learning to forgive yourself and others.

Once I _____, which was unacceptable behavior. I felt _____and _____ than just about anyone. I got in trouble at _____and at first I thought it was _____.

(Once I did anything I wanted, which was unacceptable behavior. I felt powerful and smarter than just about anyone. I got in trouble at school/work and at first I thought it was ridiculous).
Then I was _____at the seriousness of what I had done. Maybe I was supposed to feel _____about my behaviors, but I only felt ______at myself. I knew I had a problem: Me.
1st (Then I was surprised at the seriousness of what I had done. I got fired. Maybe I was supposed to feel bad about my behaviors, but I only felt anger at myself. I knew I had a problem: Me.)

2nd Through therapy I figured out that I'd had low self-esteem since I was a kid and was always trying to prove myself, no matter what the consequences to myself or others.

During my therapy and recovery, at first I felt _____ and ____. Then I started thinking about my life realistically - the good, the bad, and the ugly. At that point I was able to change what I thought and what I did.
3rd (During my therapy and recovery, at first I felt stupid, depressed. At that point I was able to change what I thought and what I did.)

Now I am feeling ______________ and _______________ to be getting back my life.
(Now I am feeling much better about my life in general. It is not perfect, but it is more of what I want and need.)