Group therapy ideas: Elie Wiesel quote (Anger, Impulsivity, Helplessness, Frustration)

Therapist note: Only make one print of page 1 to do activity without optional written portion. Print
multiple copies of page 2 to use as handouts for optional written portion.

Intro:
Everyone gets angry or frustrated with something in their life sometimes. Whether it be about
family, friends, organizations, medications, politics, or even being here today, everyone knows the
feeling of hopelessness that comes when you think something is unfair and you feel powerless
against it. I read a quote earlier that really made me think and I want to share it with you all…

Quote:

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when
we fail to protest.”
-Elie Wiesel

When I first read this quote, I wondered what could it possibly mean? Honestly, I had no idea. But
thinking about the words it makes sense: there are unfair things in the world; sometimes we cannot
do anything to stop it, but we should never be okay with staying silent about them. We need to speak
up and at least try to stop unfair things from happening… It’s hard to know what to do when you feel
like you can’t do anything about it.

Discussion:

As we go around the circle, I encourage you to share with the group…

Are there things that have happened to you that you feel are unfair?

What things have you seen happen that you feel are unfair to others?

When we feel powerless because we can’t change things that are unfair, how can we protest in a way
that is constructive and will make a difference without hurting ourselves or others? It’s important to
be able to take those emotions and deal with them in a healthy way so we can make ourselves heard
while remaining level-headed and making positive decisions. Let’s choose an example that someone
gave… (or make one up if the group is more guarded.)

*Choose an example from the group and ask permission to use that example.*

What are a few things that _____ might have wanted to do in that situation? Can you imagine (or
share) why those reactions would make the situation worse?

What could ______ do in that situation to feel like he/she had a voice without causing harm to
anyone? Why does that have a better outcome than other choices that may be fueled by anger,
violence, or self-harm?
“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there
must never be a time when we fail to protest.”

-Elie Wiesel

What has happened to you that you feel is unfair?

What has happened to others that you feel is unfair?

What are a few things that you wanted to do in an unfair situation? Why might these reactions be good
or bad?

What could you do in that situation that would make you feel like you have a voice without causing
harm to anyone?

Why would that have a better outcome than other choices that may be fueled by anger, violence, or self-
harm?