Shoplifting Program Class 6

Welcome to Class 6 of the Shoplifting & Theft Intervention Program – Strategies to Overcome Shoplifting Urges. Facilitated by Tera Chapman, this session focuses on understanding why shoplifting urges occur and how to effectively manage them. In this class, we will explore the concept of triggers, including the emotional, situational, and psychological factors that lead to the urge to shoplift. Participants will gain insight into how these triggers create patterns of behavior and how the brain reinforces those patterns through short-term rewards. The session will guide participants in recognizing the cycle of trigger → action → reward, and how this cycle can make impulsive behavior feel automatic over time. By building awareness of this process, individuals can begin to interrupt the pattern before it leads to action. Participants will also learn practical strategies to manage urges in real time, including delaying the action, using distraction techniques, grounding exercises, and positive self-talk. In addition, the importance of removing oneself from high-risk environments and replacing harmful behaviors with healthier alternatives will be emphasized. Beyond immediate strategies, this session focuses on developing long-term change by strengthening self-control, building a new identity based on responsibility and self-respect, and repairing the relationship with oneself. Participants will also begin creating a relapse prevention plan, helping them prepare for challenging situations and maintain progress over time. By the end of this session, participants will have a clearer understanding of their personal triggers, gain practical tools to manage urges, and begin building the skills needed to make intentional choices, break the cycle of impulsive behavior, and move toward a more stable and controlled future.