The “Permission Slip” Reentry Card

A written permission slip to help patients reclaim activities they’ve been avoiding—one small step at a time.

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🔹 Purpose: To give patients an empowering, self-directed way to re-approach tasks, hobbies, or movements that pain has made feel “off-limits.”

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🔹 Why This Matters: Avoidance becomes a habit—and permission is rarely given in rehab. This tool interrupts that loop. It creates a moment where the patient writes themselves back into life, not just the clinic.

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🎟️ The Permission Slip Template

Today, I give myself permission to:

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(e.g., Sit on the floor and play with my kids, go for a short walk, garden for 10 minutes, dance to one song)

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Why this matters to me:

Connect the activity to meaning—this builds emotional safety.

📝 “Because it makes me feel like myself.”

📝 “Because I miss it.”

📝 “Because it’s part of who I am.”

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What will make it feel safer to try?

☐ Start small ☐ Take breaks ☐ Invite someone supportive

☐ Do it in a calming environment ☐ Other:_________

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What might I feel—and what’s my plan?

💡 “I might feel nervous → I’ll pause and breathe.”

💡 “I might feel stiff → I’ll stay curious, not judgmental.”

💡 “I might flare → That doesn’t mean failure.”

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Signature:

✍️ [Your Name] — “I am allowed to live again.”

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🌀 Optional Affirmation:

“I don’t need to be pain-free to participate in life. I just need permission—to begin, to adapt, and to return.”

This resource is part of The Wondering Clinician Toolkit. It’s not medical advice—just a tool to support learning, reflection, and healing. Always consult your clinician when needed.