AA Step 6 Worksheets

## **How to use the Step 6 AA worksheet** Practitioners can use this worksheet through the following steps: ### **Step 1: Access and download the template** Access the AA Step 6 Worksheet from Carepatron's template library. You can click "Use template" to open a customizable file within the Carepatron platform before printing or sending to clients, or "Download" to get a PDF copy for immediate use. ### **Step 2: Give time for self-reflection** Begin by encouraging the client to dedicate time and find a quiet space for introspection. Let them review their journey in recovery, acknowledging their past actions, behaviors, and character deficits that have contributed to their addiction while keeping in mind the progress they've made through the previous steps, like making a fearless moral inventory of themselves. ### **Step 3: Navigating character defects** Guide them in listing down character faults from their Step 4 inventory. These can include selfishness, pride, anger, or any other negative traits they have identified in their self-reflection. Have them rate their readiness to let go of each defect on a scale of 1-10, and explore what makes them hesitant to release certain traits. ### **Step 4: Willingness to change** Allow them to reflect on their willingness to overcome these character defects. Guide them in considering their belief in a higher power or spiritual force. Help them explore how this belief can help them overcome their character defects and help others seeking guidance or going through the same process. Use the visualization exercise to help them imagine life without these defects and understand the benefits of change. ### **Step 5: Action steps** Together with your client, develop specific action steps for each character defect. This may include daily meditation, discussing with their sponsor, journaling about fears, or attending step study meetings. Also, let them know that this may take time and the journey may be a lifelong process. Identify their support system, including a sponsor, a therapist, and trusted friends or family members. ### **Step 6: Share and discuss** Encourage them to share their completed worksheet with a trusted AA sponsor or mentor. They can provide valuable insights, support, and guidance. Use the "Next steps" and "Personal reflection" sections to plan ongoing work and capture insights from the session. Do note that this is one of many worksheets we have. Examples include the AA Step 2 Worksheet (believing that a higher power or purpose will help with the recovery process) and the AA Step 12 Worksheets (the culmination of the twelve-step program).

## **When would you use this worksheet?** The AA Step 6 Worksheet is a valuable resource within the context of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and addiction recovery. It serves as a structured tool for individuals to engage in self-examination and personal growth, addressing character defects contributing to their addiction. Here's a list of scenarios when practitioners can recommend and utilize this form: - **Step 6 of the AA twelve steps**: The most obvious use is during Step 6. Individuals working through the twelve steps can use this worksheet as part of their recovery process to prepare for the spiritual transformation required for lasting sobriety. - **In one-on-one counseling**: Addiction counselors and therapists can incorporate the worksheet into their client sessions. It provides a framework for discussing character defects, self-awareness, and strategies for personal growth. - **Group therapy sessions**: Group therapy settings, which are common in addiction treatment programs, can utilize this worksheet as a shared exercise. Group members can complete it individually and discuss their insights and action plans. - **Sponsorship and mentorship**: AA sponsors and mentors are crucial in guiding individuals through their recovery journey. They can use the Step 6 Worksheet to facilitate discussions and provide personalized guidance. - **Ongoing self-reflection**: Individuals in recovery can revisit this form regularly, even after completing Step 6. It is a tool for continuous self-improvement, helping individuals stay focused on their sobriety journey. - **Clinical documentation**: Clinicians and healthcare professionals dealing with addiction treatment and recovery can incorporate completed worksheets into clinical documentation to track progress and tailor treatment plans. - **Teaching aid**: Educators in addiction studies and recovery programs can use this worksheet as a teaching aid to help students and participants understand the practical application of Step 6 in the recovery process.

## **Benefits** Using this AA Step 6 Worksheet offers the following benefits: ### **Enhanced self-awareness** The AA Step 6 Worksheet serves as a mirror, allowing individuals to confront their character defects head-on. It prompts them to list and reflect on these defects, fostering profound self-awareness, a cornerstone of personal growth and recovery. ### **Targeted self-examination** This resource goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it delves into specifics. Encouraging users to provide concrete examples of situations where their character defects have manifested helps unearth deeply ingrained behavior patterns. This level of introspection can be transformative. ### **Accountability and personalized guidance** Completing the worksheet can be a collaborative effort. When individuals share their worksheets with a sponsor or mentor, it creates an accountability structure. These trusted guides can provide tailored guidance and support, making the journey to recovery less daunting. ### **Action-oriented recovery** The "Action Steps" section of the worksheet is particularly valuable. It pushes individuals beyond self-awareness and into action. Outlining practical steps to address each character defect empowers individuals to actively take control of their recovery. This hands-on approach is often more effective than passive reflection. ### **Sustained self-improvement** The worksheet isn't a one-time tool. It can be revisited regularly, even after completing Step 6 of the Twelve Steps. This promotes continuous self-improvement and reinforces the commitment to personal growth. It's a resource that supports lifelong recovery. ### **Integration into clinical practice** Incorporating completed worksheets into clinical documentation offers numerous benefits for addiction treatment professionals. It provides concrete evidence of a client's progress and helps effectively tailor treatment plans to address specific character defects, enhancing the quality of care provided.