Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Introduce self-harm concepts, facilitate personal reflection on emotions and triggers, and brainstorm healthy coping strategies; student will complete a reflection journal and list at least three coping ideas.
Building awareness and trust early helps students recognize self-harm behaviors, understand underlying feelings, and begin safer coping—crucial for reducing risk and guiding future sessions.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review Materials and Prepare Space
10 minutes
Step 1
Build Rapport
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Self-Harm Concepts
10 minutes
Step 3
Personal Reflection
5 minutes
Step 4
Coping Strategy Brainstorm
10 minutes
Slide Deck
My Safe Self: Session 1
Session Objectives
What Is Self-Harm?
Why Do People Self-Harm?
Personal Reflection
Brainstorming Coping Strategies
Next Steps
Reading
Journal
Worksheet
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Review and reflect on practiced coping strategies, introduce and practice new techniques (deep breathing and grounding), and update personalized coping plan; student will journal progress and refine top three strategies.
Reflecting on real-world practice boosts confidence and insight, while adding structured techniques expands the student’s toolkit—key for long-term self-harm reduction.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review Session 2 Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Check-In & Strategy Review
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Deep Breathing Technique
10 minutes
Step 3
Practice Grounding Exercise
5 minutes
Step 4
Reflect & Journal Progress
5 minutes
Step 5
Update Coping Plan
5 minutes
Slide Deck
My Safe Self: Session 2
Session Objectives
Reviewing Your Strategies
Deep Breathing (4-7-8 Technique)
Grounding Exercise (5-4-3-2-1)
Personal Reflection
Next Steps
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Develop a personalized safety plan, review and consolidate coping strategies, and identify ongoing supports; student will complete a Safety Planning Worksheet and finalize their coping toolkit.
A clear, individualized safety plan empowers students to recognize warning signs, utilize coping skills, and connect with trusted supports when urges arise, reducing risk and promoting long-term resilience.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
10 minutes
Step 1
Check-In & Strategy Review
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Safety Planning
10 minutes
Step 3
Collaborative Plan Development
10 minutes
Step 4
Finalize Coping Toolkit & Resources
3 minutes
Step 5
Next Steps & Support
2 minutes
Slide Deck
My Safe Self: Session 3
Session Objectives
Reviewing Your Strategies
What Is a Safety Plan?
Safety Plan Sections
Finalizing Your Toolkit
Next Steps
Worksheet
