Co-Occurring Lesson

Developing Self-Affirming Statements

  • Format: Printable PDF lesson.
  • Best for: Individual or group psychoeducation.
  • Population: Clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
  • Author: Hal Baumchen, PsyD, LP, LADC.
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Counselors can use this lesson to help clients develop self-affirming statements and build a healthier self-image. By reflecting on past experiences and addressing chronic discouragement, clients can begin to identify toxic patterns and replace them with positive affirmations. This lesson encourages clients to become their own source of support, helping them focus on their strengths and recognize their progress. Practicing self-affirmations regularly can boost confidence, enhance resilience, and foster personal growth, leading to better emotional well-being and a stronger recovery foundation.

Developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Hal Baumchen, PsyD, LP, LADC, this printable PDF lesson gives clinicians a structured psychoeducation tool grounded in clinical evidence and accessible to clients at any stage of recovery. The writing is direct and encouraging – clinical without sounding clinical.

How clinicians use it: to structure a session with a clear teaching framework, as assigned reading between sessions, to facilitate group discussion, and as part of a treatment unit paired with the companion worksheets and presentation. Clients leave with concrete strategies and a clearer understanding of how this topic affects their path forward.