Recognizing and Addressing Wall Words in SUD Treatment
Wall Words are seemingly innocuous but profoundly protective verbal barriers—words like 'fine,' 'good,' 'okay'—that both clinicians and patients use to deflect genuine inquiry, avoid vulnerable sharing, and maintain emotional distance during therapeutic interactions.
Instructions: For each statement, rate yourself on a scale of 1-5:
1 = Never | 2 = Rarely | 3 = Sometimes | 4 = Often | 5 = Always
1. I recognize when I use wall words like 'fine,' 'good,' or 'okay' to deflect deeper inquiry about my wellbeing.
2. I notice the emotions or concerns I may be concealing when I resort to wall word responses.
3. I understand what triggers my use of wall words versus when I feel safe sharing more authentically.
4. I see patterns in when wall words protect versus when they isolate me from potential support.
5. I acknowledge both protective and limiting aspects of my wall word usage in personal and professional contexts.