Lesson Plan

Anchoring the Inner Self

Guide the student to identify signs of dissociation, practice grounding techniques, and create a personal coping plan to remain present and safe during distress.

This lesson empowers the student to understand trauma-related dissociation, develop self-awareness, and gain tangible tools for grounding, promoting safety and emotional regulation.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Rapport Building

5 minutes

Step 2

Psychoeducation on Dissociation

10 minutes

Step 3

Self-Awareness Check-In

10 minutes

Step 4

Grounding Skills Practice

20 minutes

Step 5

Personal Coping Plan Development

10 minutes

Step 6

Reflection and Closure

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Grounding & Coping Strategies

Welcome the student and introduce today’s focus: learning grounding and coping strategies to manage dissociation and feel present and safe. Explain this is a 1:1 Tier 3 support session lasting 60 minutes.

Session Objectives

Review the session objectives one by one. Ask the student if they have any questions and invite them to share what they hope to gain.

What Is Dissociation?

Define dissociation in simple terms and normalize it as a common response to trauma. Invite the student to ask for clarification.

Self-Awareness Check-In

Ask the student to recall and describe a recent experience of feeling disconnected. Use open prompts and validate their observations.

Grounding Techniques Overview

Introduce each grounding technique briefly. Show the student the [Grounding Techniques Handout](#grounding-techniques-handout) and explain that they can use it as a reference later.

5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Method

Guide the student step-by-step through the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise. Pause between each step to let them respond.

Deep Breathing Exercise

Lead the student through several rounds of paced breathing. Encourage them to notice changes in their body and mind.

Tactile Grounding

Discuss options for tactile grounding. Offer or let the student choose an object and guide them through focusing on its physical qualities.

Develop Your Coping Plan

Use the template to co-create a realistic coping plan with the student. Encourage them to write or draw their responses on the [Personal Coping Plan Template](#personal-coping-plan-template).

Reflection & Next Steps

Invite the student to reflect on today’s practice and note what felt most helpful or challenging on the [Dissociation Reflection Worksheet](#dissociation-reflection-worksheet).

Additional Resources

Share additional supports and encourage the student to schedule a brief follow-up check-in. Emphasize that help is available anytime they need it.

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Worksheet

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Worksheet

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Worksheet

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Anchoring the Inner Self

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Ashley

Tier 3
For Schools
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