We talk a lot about gratitude at The Family Foundation School. Drawing up gratitude lists and expressing our appreciation for one another on a daily basis not only improves our well-being, but enhances our 12-Step work and contributes to the positive effects of therapy.

Another way to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gratitude is with a gratitude visit. Gratitude visits are a little like doing the Ninth Step, except this time we’re not making direct amends to those we have harmed, but are expressing our direct thanks to those who have given something to us, whether tangibly or intangibly.

Gratitude visits can be conducted by letter, over the phone, or face-to-face. They can also be done virtually in those cases where the person has died or is otherwise out of reach. Either way, gratitude visits can make us feel good about ourselves right now by helping us heal past hurts and think more positively about the future. You can read more about the healing power of gratitude and watch a virtual gratitude visit here.