THE 30 TASKS

RECOVERY TASK
1.BreakThroughDenial

PERFORMABLES

Page1of19

Createsaproblemlist
Recordsasecretlist
Completeslistofexcuses
CompletesConsequences
Inventory
Learns14waystodistortreality
Inventories14distortionstrategies
inpersonallife
AccountabilityVictimEmpathy
exercise
Makesfulldisclosuretotherapist

LIFE COMPETENCY

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

Understandsthecharacteristicsof
denialandselfdelusion
Identifiespresenceofselfdelusion
inlife
Knowspersonalpreferredpatterns
ofthoughdistortion
Acceptsconfrontation

Understandstypicaldenial
patternsofsexaddicts
Recognizesdisclosuretesting
process
Knowspersonaldelusional
patterns
Understandscounselor
transferenceissuesinworking
withsexaddicts
Recognizessignsthatsexaddiction
ispresent
Understandsandidentifiesstages
ofrecovery
Confrontsdelusionalpatternsin
clients
Utilizescrisistobreakthrough
denial
Capacitytogatherdatafromall
sourcesincludingclient,family,
victims,supervisingagencies,and
legalauthorities

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2.Understandthenatureof
addictiveillness

Completesassignedreadingson
sexaddiction
Learnsdifferentwaystodefinesex
addiction
Understandsaddictivesystem
Understandsdeprivationsystem
Mapsoutpersonaladdictive
system
Understandscriteriaforaddictive
illness
Appliescriteriatopersonal
behavior
Learnskeyfactorsinthegenesisof
sexaddiction

Knowsinformationonaddictive
illness
Appliesinformationtopersonal
life

Understandsdifferentwaysof
definingaddiction
Understandsprofessional
controversiesaroundsexaddiction
Understandskeyfactorsinthe
genesisofsexaddiction
Assistsclientinunderstandingsex
addictiondiagnosis
Contractswithclienttolimit
currentbehavior
Developsrelationshipwithfamily
members
Contractswithfamilymembers

2.(Continued)SexualAddiction
Component

Understandssexuallycompulsive
patterns
Knowsspecificstories/scenariosof
arousaltemplate

Knowspersonalsexuallimitations
asatherapist
Recognizessexualmodularityand
hierarchy
Conductseffectivesexualhistory
Identifiessexuallycompulsive
patterns
Identifiesdriversofarousal
template
Discernsandinterprets
dysfunctionalscenarios

Page2of19

Understandssexualmodularity
Understandssexualhierarchy
Knowstentypesofbehavior
Reviewstentypesforpersonal
patterns
Completesandsharessexual
history
Completesidealfantasylist
Completesandsharesfantasy
contaminationexercise

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

3.Surrenderstoprocess

Understandscontextofchange,
grief,commitment
Understandsexistentialposition
onchangeessenceofrecovery
Understandsprinciplesofanxiety
reduction
Completessexualaddictionhistory
Completespowerlessworksheet
Completesunmanageability
worksheet
Identifiestenworstmoments
Understandsguidelinesofstep
completion
Givesfirststep

Acceptanceofaddictioninlife
Knowspersonallimitations
Discernsdifferencebetween
controllableandnoncontrollable
events

Usesfirststepmethodology
Understandscriteriaforsuccessful
stepwork
Utilizesfirststepresultsforlong
termcommitment
Teachesexistentialpositionin
twelvestepprinciples

4,Limitsdamagefrombehavior

Understands1stand2ndorder
change
Understandsconceptofparadigm
shift
Recordsprovisionalbeliefs
Completesdamagecontrolplan
Completesadisclosureplan
Writesaturningitoverletterto
higherpower
Completesandsecondandthird
step

Integratesselflimitationinto
personalparadigm
Respondstocrisisplanfully
Usesboundariesataminimum
level
Hasinternalskillsforanxiety
reduction
Developsresolveforchangeand
commitment

Understandscoreprocessof
paradigmshift
Assistsincrisismanagement
Utilizesdamagecontrolplanto
teachboundarydevelopment
Utilizesdisclosureplantoteach
boundarydevelopment
Integratessecondandthirdstep
workintotherapeuticprocessesof
trust,control,anxiety,boundaries,
change

Page3of19

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

5.Establishsobriety

Understandssobrietyasboundary
problem
Commitstoandcompletes
celibacycontract
Writessobrietystatement
Understandsrelapseprocess
Writesrelapseplan
Establishesadate

Usesclearlystatedboundariesof
sobriety
Manageslifewithout
dysfunctionalsexualbehavior

Facilitatesrelapseprevention
planning
Utilizessobrietydefinitionand
celibacyprocessaspartof
boundaryrestoration
Supportssexualhealthplanof
client
Understandssexualhealth
dimensionfromatwelvestep
framework

6.Ensurephysicalintegrity

Learnsphysicalaspectsof
addiction
Completesphysical
Completespsychiatricassessment
Learnsneuropathwaysof
addiction
Mapspersonneuropathway
interactions
Understandsarousaltemplate
Mapspersonalarousaltemplate

Understandsphysicalaspectsof
addiction
Identifiesneuropathway
interaction
Identifiesdysfunctionalarousal
patterns

Identifiescomorbidmentalhealth
problems
Understandsbreadthofphysical
complications
Identifiesneuropathwayactivity
Conductsneuropathicinterview
Conductsanarousaltemplate
assessment

Page4of19

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

7.Participateinacultureofsupport

Participatesinatwelvestep
program
Developsrelationshipwith
sponsor
Completessponsordebriefing
Doesserviceinprogram
Knowssignsofahealthygroup
Hascelebrationdate

Maintainsahealthysupport
system

Knowsdifferencesinfellowships
Maintainsrelationshipswith
membersofrecovering
community
Knowledgeoftwelvestepwork
Knowssignsofhealthysupport
group
Usesstepstherapeutically
Understandscontrol/anxiety
paradigmoftwelvesteplife

8.UnderstandMultipleAddictions
andSobriety

Completesassessmentofall
Addictionsanddeprivations
CompletesanAddiction
Interactionscreen
Understandsaddiction
neuropathways
Completesamultipleaddiction
RelapsePreventionPlan
UnderstandsBlackHole
metaphor

Capacitytoberelapsefreefrom
concurrentaddictions

Facilitatesmultipleaddiction
assessment
TeachesAddictionInteraction
Disorder
Facilitatesaddictionscreen
Facilitatesandsupportsmultiple
addictionrelapseprevention
planning

Page5of19

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

9.AcknowledgeCyclesofAbuse

CompletesStressIndex
Finishestraumaeggprocess
Understandsformsofabusiveand
exploitivebehavior
Completeslifeinventoryofabuse
Hasboundarymanagementand
anxietyreductionsoothingskills
Hasstrategiesforresentment,
forgivenessandmeaningmaking
aroundabuseevents
CompletesSeventhstep
CompletesAngelEgg

Identifyabuseandexploitation
Integrateunderstandingofabuse
intovaluesystem
Cancopewithabusivepersons
andsituations

AdministerandinterpretStress
Index
FacilitateTraumaeggexercise
Teachaboutnatureofabuseand
exploitation
Facilitatelifeinventoryofabuse
Teachboundarymanagementand
anxietyreduction
AssistSeventhstepprocessand
integrateintotherapy

10.ReduceShame

Recognizeandmanagetopic
shame
Setsboundariesinshaming
systemsandsituations

AssistpatientinpreparingFourth
andFifthsteps
IntegrateFourthandFifthstep
workintotherapy
Understandsshame,carried
shame,andshamecycles
Teachstrategiesforpatientto
manageshame

Page6of19

CompletesstepsFourandFive
Recognizespersonalshame
Understandsshamecycle
Identifiescarriedshame
Hasspecificstrategiesfor
Interruptingshame
Knowsboundarysettingstrategies
IdentifiesGapissuesinlife
DoesTherapeuticHolidays

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

11.RestructureRelationshipwith
Self

Completeseighteenmonthsof
individualtherapy(sixtyfive
sessions)
CompletesSixthstep
Understandsandstatespersonal
limitations
Completesmissionstatements
CompletesZonePlan

Haveaworkable,compassionate
relationshipwithself
Capacityforselfdetermination
andautonomy

Conductsindividualtherapy
IntegratesSixthstepintotherapy
Assistsinpatientknowinghuman
limits
Facilitateslifeplanexercise
FacilitatesHermesWebexercise

12.GrieveLosses

Recognizegrief
Haveskillsforgrieving

13.BringClosureandResolution
TakingResponsibilityforSelf

CompletesstepsEightandNine
Doescouplesweeklyexercisefor
tenweeks,ifcouple
Usesintegritychecklistfortwenty
days
Understandsimportanceof
closure

Keepscurrentonshame,
resentmentandrelationshipissues

SupportsEighthandNinthsteps
Facilitatesandsupportscouples
weeklyexercise
Understandsandmonitors
integritychecklist
Teachesprinciplesofclosureand
resolution

Page7of19

Understandsgrievingprocess
Completestimelineoflosses
Identifiespersonallosses
Hasstrategiesforeffectivesorrow
Understands12stepsasprocess
togrieve

Facilitatesgriefprocess
Teachgrievingskills
Teachgrievingstrategies
Understands12stepsaschange
process
Integrates12stepexistential
positionintotherapy

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

14,RestoreFinancialViability

Understandsfinancialdisorders
Completesfinancialdisorder
assessment
Completesfinancialtemplate
process
Abletolivewithinfinancialmeans
Liveswithinfinancialrecoveryplan
FinancialResilience

Maintainfinancialviability

Teachesfinancialdisorders
concepts
Facilitatesfinancialdisorder
assessment
Facilitatesfinancialtemplate
process
Modelsgoodfinancialboundaries

15.RestoreMeaningfulWork

Understandsdysfunctional,
obsessiveworkpatterns
Completesworktemplateprocess
Completesworksatisfaction
survey
Establishesmeaningful,successful
careerpattern

Havemeaningful,successfulwork

Teachesdysfunctional,obsessive
workpatterns
Facilitatesworktemplateprocess
Facilitatesworksatisfactionsurvey
Supports,affirmssuccessatwork
Facilitatesmeaningfulworkgoals

16.CreateLifestyleBalance

UsesPersonalCrazinessIndexfor
eightweeks
Understandsrest,renewal,
Sabbathprinciples
Regularwindowsofrest
Hassourcesforrenewaland
competingpassions
EarlyWarningSystem

Capacityforbalance,harmonyand
renewal
UsesNegativeExperience
Transformers
UsesZoneprinciplesandplan

Teachesstrategiesformaintaining
balance
Supportsandmonitorsrenewal
principles
Assistsinaccessingsourcesfor
renewalandcompetingpassions

17.BuildSupportivePersonal
Relationships

Attendsatherapygroupfor175
hours
Findsandusesasponsor
Beasponsortoothers
Hasbestfriends

Initiateandsustainenduringlife
relationships

Conductsgrouptherapy
integratingtasksandsteps
Supportsandmonitorssponsor
activity

Page8of19

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK
18.EstablishHealthExerciseand
NutritionPatterns

PERFORMABLES
Hasweeklyaerobicexercise
program
Remainsinappropriateweight
rangeforageandheight
CompletesRecoveryZonephysical
assessmentprocess

19.InvolveFamilyMembersin Familymembersattendtogethera
Therapy
structuredfamilytherapy
program.
Familymembersattendtwoor
morefamilytherapydays.
Sharesstorywithfamily.
SharesGenogramwithfamily
members,therapist,andsupport
group.
CompletesAccountabilityExercise
andshareswithfamily,facilitated
bytherapist.
CompletesTimelineofhowaddict
hasabused/offendedfamily
members.
CompletesFamilyImpactSharing
exercise
CompleteInterpersonalAmends&
Affirmations.
CompleteFamilyAffirmationswith
familyandtherapist.

Page9of19

LIFE COMPETENCY
Staysphysicallyfit

Capacitytoaskforhelp
Takeresponsibilityforpersonal
behaviors
Connectsstorytolearningand
mentoring
Abilitytoriskbeingvulnerable

THERAPIST COMPETENCY
Teachesaboutrecoveryhealth
issues
Supportsandmonitorsexercise
activity
Supportsandmonitorsweight
FacilitatesRecoveryZonephysical
assessmentprocess

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK
20. CommittoRecoveryforeach
FamilyMember

Page10of19

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

Familymembersenterarecovery
programforthemselves.
Eachfamilymembercompletes
ownfirststepwithasponsor.
Understands12StepsasaFamily
Process.
CompletesaPowerlessness&
UnmanageabilityInventory.
AttendssixmeetingswithAlanon,
Coda,Sanon,orACOA.
CompletesDrawingExercise:How
familywas,Howfamilyis,How
familywouldliketobe.
WritesaFamilyMissionStatement
withgoalsandtasksto
accomplish.

Takeresponsibilityforself
Understandsandacceptsimpactof
addictiondisorders
Uses12Stepprinciplestohandle
anxietyandtoredirectfamily
processes
Capacityforfunandspontaneity

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK
21.ResolveOriginal
Conflicts/Wounds

Page11of19

PERFORMABLES
Participatesintherapyspecificto
familyoforiginortraumaissues.
Understandscorebeliefsabout
self
Createslistofspecificevents,
behaviors,andattitudesthat
interferedwithdevelopmentof
self
Summarizestheimpactintoalist
ofcharacterdefects
Relatesthesedefectstothe
addicts/coaddictscorebeliefsand
thenatureofshameandtrauma
CompletesaFamilyConflict
Genogram.
CompletesVoicesinMyHead
exercise.
Identifiesvoicesoutsidethefamily
thatactivatetheshameorold
traumatriggers
Specifyhowthosevoicescreate
dysfunctionalresponsesand
feelings
Learnsthesixstepsincreating
positiveaffirmations
Reframestheoldvoiceswith
reframedaffirmations
Usedolphinguidedimageryto
expandaffirmation
CompletesdraftofaCovenant
withSelf

LIFE COMPETENCY
Identifyandmanagerecurring
dysfunctionalpatterns
Hasrealisticsenseofpersonal
limitations
Hasskillstotransformnegative
messagesofremembered
experience
Hasaninternalcovenantwhich
replacesoldbeliefs

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK
22.AlterDysfunctionalFamily
Relationships

Page12of19

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

CompletesBoundarySetting
exercisetoestablishnon
negotiablesforrelationship.
Familymembersexplore
disconnectsinFamily
communicationbycompleting
JohariWindowexercise
Familymemberslearnimportance
ofdisclosurebyexaminingthe
impactofdishonestyinthefamily
Familylearns6rulesofboundary
settingandwritesoutpersonal
boundarylists
Familymemberswriteabottom
linenonnegotiablelist
Familymembersuserulesof
disclosuretocreateadisclosure
list
Disclosestoprimarypartnerand
membersoffamilyasappropriate
Completesdrafttwoofa
CovenantwithSelfbasedon
newknowledgeandnon
negotiables

Remaintruetoselfinthepresence
ofdysfunctionorstress
Becomesadirect,appropriate
communicator
Hasclear,appropriateboundaries
withselfandothers
Breaksselflimitingfamilyruesand
roles

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK
23.ResolveIssueswithChildren

Page13of19

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

Understandsguidelinesfor
disclosureanddoesage
appropriatedisclosure.
Sharessecretsandmakesamends
tochildrenwhenappropriate.
Asksforfeedbackfromother
adultswhohavebeenactively
involvedwithchildren.
CompletesChildrenRaising
Childrenexercise
SharesexerciseasaFamily
Childrenattendregularmeetings
withatherapist.
CouplewritesaUnified
CommunicationAgreement.

Resolveconflictindependent
relationships
Learnstonegotiatecovenantwith
dependentsandhonors
communications
Understandslimitationsinpower
situations

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

24.ResolveIssueswithExtended
Family

Sharessecretsandmakeamends
toextendedfamilywhen
appropriate.
Understandsthe5TasksofFamily
ofOriginwork.
DefinesaFamilyofChoice.
Definesqualitiesofsafeperson
andseesifanyoneinGenogram
meetscriteria
Reviewsbasicsofgrievingand
completesanunfinishedand
unsaidlist
Usesletterwritingandroleplaying
toresolveissueswithfamily
memberswhohavediedorwho
areunwillingtoparticipatein
recoveryprocess.

Resolveconflictininterdependent
relationships
Createspersonalintimatesupport
community
Knowskeyinformationabout
patternsinextendedfamily
Bringsclosuretopersonalissues

25.WorkThroughDifferentiation

Understandsrulesforfairfighting.
WritesaFairFightcontract.
Understandsguidelinesforhaving
difficultconversations
CompletesDifficultConversations
History
Identifiesconflictissues,including
nonnegotiables,triggers,and
copingstyles.
Listsunresolveddifficult
conversationsandcreatesa
resolutionplan

Sustainintimacywithoutlossof
self
Developsdifficultconversation
skills
Abilitytoestablisheffective
boundaries
UtilizesFairFightprinciples
Understandsimportanceofclosure

Page14of19

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK
26.SucceedinIntimacy

Page15of19

PERFORMABLES
Understandsthe12Prerequisites
forIntimacyandcompletesself
assessment
CompletesCircleofIntimacy
Assessment:plotscircles,
identifiespeopleincircles,
identifieswhatismissingincircles,
identifieswhatcoupleswouldlike
circlestolooklike.
Sharescirclewithsignificant
personsanddiscusseswhatit
meanstobeintimate
Completesaminimumof100
hoursintherapywithone
therapist
Completes175hoursinsometype
ofgrouptherapy
Attendsregularlybaseorhome
12Stepgroup

LIFE COMPETENCY
Bevulnerableandintimate.
Createsapersonalsupport
network
Sustainsaprimaryrelationship
Recognizesrelationshippriorities

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK
27.Commit/RecommittoPrimary
Relationship

Page16of19

PERFORMABLES
SharesDefinitionofCommitment:
Whatcommitmentmeansto
you?Howhasthemeaningof
commitmentchangedovertime?
Identifiescurrentprioritiesin
coupleslife:wheretimeisspent
CompletesPrimaryRelationship
exercise:Whatskeptyoufrom
successinyourprimary
relationship?Identifylossesand
feelingsassociatedwithlosses.
CompletesIMAGOexercise
IdentifyDreamsinRecoveryand
HonoringThoseDreams(Gottmans
work)
CompletesIntimacyAbledand
IntimacyDisabledexerciseusing
the12PrerequestsofIntimacyto
ratewheretheyseethemselves
andwheretheythinkotherssee
them.
CompletestheCommitment
RenewalProcess:individually,asa
couple,withacouplesponsor,and
withatherapist.
Couplecreatesandperformsa
RitualofRecommitment

LIFE COMPETENCY
Capacitytomaintainandrenew
committedrelationship
Understandsobstaclestohaving
primaryintimacy
Integratesintimacyknowledge
withrecoveryprinciples
Understandsandhonorskey
relationships
Integratescommitments

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK
28.ExploreCoupleshipRecovery

Page17of19

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

AttendsTwelveStepmeetingsfor
couplesregularly.
Understandstheproblemsof
compulsiveattachments.
ReviewsChapter5principles
Understandsdifferencesbetween
stepsdoneasindividualandsteps
doneascouple
CompletesaCouplesfirststepover
dynamicsofaddictive/co
dependentrelationships
Understandsconceptofcouple
shame
Completesandprocessescouple
shameexerciseaspartofcouples
fifthstep
CompletesInternalCommitment
Audit.

Participateinacommunityof
couples
Increasescouplescapacitytotake
responsibilityfortheirshared
behavior
Understandcoupledynamicsthat
arepartofaddictivedisease
Utilize12Stepstrategiesand
principleswhenaddictivedynamics
surface
Relatesascoupleeffectivelywith
othercouples

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK
29.RestoreHealthySexuality

Page18of19

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

Writesasexplanandkeepit
updated.
Understandsthe12dimensionsof
humansexualityandhowthey
becomethemaptoonessexual
self.
Associatesthe12StepRecovery
PrincipleswiththeDimensionsof
SexualHealth.
CompletesSexualityGenogram.
CompletesSexualityTimeline.
Developsplanforsexualhealth.
IdentifiesSexualDevelopment
EventsLists5eventsthathave
shapedpositivesexual
developmentand5thathave
doneharm.
Understandsconceptof
emotionalintercourse.
Understandsconnectionof
individualrecoverytolarger
culturalandlifeissues

Knowsdimensionsofhealthy
sexuality
Uses12Stepprinciplestofocuson
sexualhealth
Integratessexualselfknowledge
intosexualpractice
Conscioussexualityrelatesto
largersocietyandculture

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

2008PatrickJ.Carnes

THE 30 TASKS
RECOVERY TASK
30.DevelopaSpiritualLife

PERFORMABLES

LIFE COMPETENCY

Findsandusesaspiritualdirector
ormentor.
Joinsaspiritualcommunity.
Attends12Stepmeetings.
CompletesSpiritualGenogram
DevelopsSpiritualTimeline
CompletesMedicineBag&Shares
withFamilyMembers:Brings5
itemsthatgivethemstrengthto
sharewithfamily.
Interviews35peoplewhohave
differentperspectiveon
spiritualitythanown.
Setsasidequiettimedailyfor
meditationandreflection.
Understandsdifferentmeditation
techniques.

Hasongoingspiritualpractice
Knowsdivergentmethodsfor
preservingconsciouscontact
Participationinsupportivespiritual
communities
Seeksandgivesspiritualdirection

THERAPIST COMPETENCY

NOTES:

Page19of19

o
o

Performablesmustbecastastasktheyeitherdoitornot
Duplicatesofperformables

o
o
o

Buildonpreviousperformables
Internallogictoeachchaptersothereisaflowandprogressiontoskillbuildingandprocess
Transcribeourwordsandeditthemin

2008PatrickJ.Carnes