Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

A dynamic whole-class activity day where 6th graders practice all six Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) processes through rotating interactive stations. This Tier 1 lesson empowers students with mindfulness, values, and commitment skills in a 55-minute session.

In this 30-minute individual session, adults will learn core Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to manage anxiety. This lesson is important because it equips participants with practical mindfulness and defusion strategies for real-life stressors, promoting psychological flexibility and well-being.

A 10-minute Tier 3 counseling session guide for 9th graders to practice quick mindfulness and breathing exercises for stress reduction and improved focus. This individual support session equips students with easy-to-follow techniques they can use anytime.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 small group lesson, students will explore the concepts of cognitive fusion and cognitive defusion through ACT and art therapy techniques. They will learn how to recognize when they’re ‘fused’ with unhelpful thoughts and practice creative defusion strategies to gain mental flexibility. This lesson supports emotional regulation skills critical for social-emotional learning.

An individualized 25-minute session for an 11th-grade student using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy techniques to strengthen present-moment focus and acceptance. This Tier 3 lesson provides a structured worksheet for prompts, a reflective journal, and a guided script for one-on-one coaching to support mindful awareness.

Mindful Moments guides a small group of 4th graders through simple, 25-minute mindfulness exercises each session to help manage anxiety and improve focus. This Tier 2 counseling & therapy intervention equips students with tools they can use both in and out of the classroom, fostering self-regulation and emotional awareness.

A focused session on how attitudes affect our interactions and learning. This lesson helps small groups understand the impact of positive and negative attitudes in a school environment. Designed for 3rd grade students, this 30-minute session encourages students to explore and reflect on their attitudes through engaging activities and discussions.

In this 25-minute Tier 3 lesson, 5- to 10-year-old children of divorced parents will learn core ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) concepts—recognizing feelings, accepting difficult emotions, and committing to value-driven actions—through art, discussion, games, and a worksheet. This targeted session helps them build emotional resilience and creative coping skills in a supportive one-on-one setting.

This lesson introduces students to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Students will explore how these elements influence each other and learn practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety. This lesson is crucial for developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, which are essential for mental well-being and academic success.

Students will explore how their thoughts shape emotions and learn mindfulness and cognitive techniques to manage moods. This helps build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. Audience: Grades 6–8; 1 session, 50 minutes.

This lesson focuses on equipping students with mindfulness techniques to manage test anxiety, a common barrier to academic success. By engaging in a guided meditation and collaborative activities, students will learn to relax and focus, enhancing their test-taking skills. This lesson is crucial for students in alternative education settings, as it addresses both emotional and academic challenges, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Short, focused exercises to teach mindfulness techniques for stress reduction and emotional regulation for an individual 11th grade student. This Tier 3 session is a 30-minute individual counseling mini-session to equip the student with practical tools for emotional regulation.

In this 30-minute, single-session Tier 2 group lesson, 9th graders are introduced to the basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Students will learn how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors through interactive activities, gaining practical skills to challenge negative thinking patterns. This lesson helps students develop essential self-awareness and coping strategies for stress and anxiety.

In this engaging 30-minute lesson, 8th graders will learn about behavioral activation—a strategy to lift their mood by engaging in positive activities. Students will discover the science behind how actions can influence feelings, practice planning and tracking mood-boosting activities, and leave with a personalized action plan. This Tier 1 classroom lesson fosters self-awareness, emotional regulation, and practical life skills.

This lesson aims to help 9th grade female students reduce symptoms of OCD through trauma-informed teaching strategies. By focusing on mindfulness and self-awareness, students will learn techniques to manage their symptoms, allowing them to better access classroom instruction. This lesson is important as it empowers students with tools to improve their mental health and academic performance.

This lesson guides students through mindful breathing exercises to help reduce stress and increase focus. It provides a practical tool for emotional regulation and resilience, which students can use anytime they feel overwhelmed. This workshop is important as it equips students with a simple yet effective technique to manage stress and improve their mental well-being.

Introduce practices that help young children become aware of their thoughts and feelings through simple mindfulness exercises. Activities include breathing games and a mindful listening exercise to help students develop emotional regulation and awareness in a fun, age-appropriate way.

In this 30-minute group lesson for ACT art students, learners will explore emotional release through creative expression and group discussion. By using art techniques and reflection, students will develop healthy emotional outlets and foster peer support.

This lesson involves a simulation-based activity where students role-play as grief counselors and clients. Through this exercise, students will learn effective communication and empathy skills, which are crucial for interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence. The lesson includes feedback sessions to help students reflect on their performance and improve their skills, making it a valuable experience for personal and professional development.

A 30-minute individualized session to teach a 4th grader simple calming strategies to manage test anxiety, including deep breathing, positive self-talk, and quick grounding techniques. This lesson is important to help the student build confidence and maintain focus during tests.

A personalized session aimed at helping students embrace their unique strengths and foster a positive self-image through tailored affirmations and self-reflective activities. This lesson is important as it empowers students to recognize and celebrate their individuality, boosting self-esteem and motivation. Designed for a 12th-grade student, this session will last 20 minutes and is classified as Tier 3: Individual support.

An individualized 30-minute counseling session for an 8th-grade student focusing on deep breathing and grounding techniques to manage anxiety in real time. This Tier 3 lesson equips the student with on-the-spot tools for emotional regulation and fosters self-awareness and resilience.

This lesson will introduce students to mindfulness and grounding techniques. Students will watch a video, practice the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, and engage in a reflection discussion. The goal is to help students improve their focus, engagement, and motivation through mindfulness.

This lesson introduces students to the concept of self-compassion, helping them develop a supportive inner dialogue. Through writing exercises and group discussions, students will learn the value of treating themselves with kindness during both successes and setbacks. This lesson is important as it fosters emotional resilience and promotes mental well-being, equipping students with skills to handle challenges more effectively.

This lesson plan is designed to educate teachers about trauma-informed education, focusing on understanding trauma's impact on students and implementing supportive teaching strategies. Through discussion, experiential learning, and video segments, teachers will gain insights into creating a safe and supportive learning environment. This lesson is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding in educational settings, ultimately benefiting students who have experienced trauma.

In this 15-minute one-on-one session, a 12th-grade student will learn personalized coping strategies to manage cafeteria noise and feelings of rejection sensitivity dysphoria. This lesson helps build self-awareness and resilience through mindfulness, self-advocacy, and practical tools for real-life challenges.

In this one-on-one 45-minute session, an 8th grade student learns practical activities to identify and reframe negative or anxious thoughts. This lesson empowers students to build resilience and a positive mindset through guided exercises and reflection. Tier 3 support ensures personalized strategies.

Students will play and practice quick movement and breathing techniques to manage anxiety, learning to 'activate calm' on cue. This Tier 2, 30-minute session is designed for a small group of 6th graders, integrating humor and physical activity to build emotional regulation skills.

This lesson focuses on teaching students mindfulness practices to increase self-awareness and calmness. The activities are designed to help students develop a routine that promotes emotional regulation and reduces stress. Audience: Grades 4-6; 1 session, 45 minutes.

An individual session aimed at helping students disconnect from sources of anxiety, both external and internal, and find peace within themselves. This lesson is important as it empowers students with practical techniques to manage anxiety, fostering emotional resilience and well-being. Designed for 11th-grade students, the session lasts 30 minutes and focuses on Tier 3 individual support.

This lesson helps small groups identify when and how to adjust their attitudes in challenging situations, fostering a collaborative and supportive classroom culture. Designed for 3rd-grade students, this 35-minute session encourages empathy and self-awareness, crucial for personal growth and positive interactions.

This 5-session lesson series aims to enhance students' self-awareness, crucial for managing emotions and improving mental health. Designed for a class with students needing support in anxiety, depression, self-regulation, and complex family backgrounds, each 30-minute session will engage students through interactive activities, discussions, and games to foster a deeper understanding of themselves.

This series of short, individual 15-minute mindfulness sessions for a 10th grade student focuses on breathing techniques and visualization to enhance self-control and calm anxiety. Designed as Tier 3 supports, it offers personalized guidance and practice. Materials include a lesson plan, slide deck, breathing script, visualization activity, and reflective cool-down to ensure comprehensive practice.

A small-group workshop guiding 10th graders through creating personalized self-care plans to manage stress and boost resilience. This Tier 2 group intervention includes interactive activities and personal reflections to help students identify and practice self-care strategies over multiple sessions.

In this 15-minute individual Tier 3 session, the teacher works one-on-one with a 4th grader who experiences test anxiety. Through brief mindfulness exercises, question‐clarifying strategies, and a personalized ‘anxiety toolkit,’ the student will learn coping skills to stay calm, engaged, and confident during tests.

This follow-up individual counseling session aims to build on the previous lesson by introducing journaling and positive self-talk as additional strategies to manage overthinking. These techniques can help the student process thoughts and emotions more effectively, leading to improved mental well-being and focus.

A guided group session helping 9th graders identify stress triggers and learn basic breathing and grounding techniques to regain calm. Perfect for jumpstarting emotional awareness in a safe, supportive small-group setting. Audience: 9th Grade Group; MTSS Tier 2; Duration: One 45-minute session.

In this detective-themed individual counseling session, a 5th grade student will track anxious thoughts like clues and learn strategies to ‘catch’ and challenge them. This 45-minute Tier 3 activity helps build coping skills and self-awareness in a personalized, engaging format.

This lesson introduces students to techniques for building emotional resilience, such as breathing exercises and positive self-talk. These practical tools can help students manage stress and anxiety independently, fostering a healthier emotional state and improving their overall well-being.

This lesson introduces 5th graders in a small group to mindfulness techniques, teaching breathing and grounding exercises to calm anxiety and improve focus. Through a 20-minute routine, students will learn and practice individual counseling techniques that support self-regulation and emotional wellness.

A lesson that introduces families to mindfulness practices, including guided meditation, breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, journaling for reflection, and group discussion.

This lesson introduces 12th-grade students to the concept of positive self-talk and its impact on mindfulness and emotional well-being. Students will learn how to create a personalized self-talk script for a real-life scenario, enhancing their ability to manage emotions and stress effectively. This lesson is crucial for developing resilience and promoting a positive mindset as students transition to adulthood.

In this 30-minute session, 12th grade students in a Tier 2 support group will learn strategies to cope with tough emotions like anxiety, anger, and sadness. Through interactive discussions, a guided activity, and personal reflection, students will gain practical tools to manage their emotional well-being and build resilience.

This lesson introduces 10th grade students to grounding practices that can help manage trauma-related stress and anxiety. Through experiential learning and inquiry-based activities, students will explore techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to manage emotional distress, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

In this 90-minute Tier 1 session, teachers will learn practical, research-based strategies to support anxious children in the classroom. This lesson equips educators with warm-ups, discussions, role-play activities, and reflection tools to foster a calm, inclusive learning environment.

In this lesson, students will engage in a theater-style role-play to explore and practice growth mindset. They will learn to identify fixed mindset thoughts and transform them into growth mindset ones. This lesson is important as it helps young students develop resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges, which are crucial skills for lifelong learning.

Students will create a personalized mental health toolkit. This activity empowers students to identify and utilize resources to support their mental well-being. This lesson is important as it helps students recognize the importance of mental health and equips them with practical tools to manage stress and emotions. Designed for 8th-grade students, this session will last 60 minutes and is part of a Tier 2 group support intervention.

A lesson on integrating mindfulness with positive self-talk to enhance emotional wellness.

An individual 15-minute SEL counseling session for a 7th grader to identify stress triggers and practice quick, evidence-based coping strategies like breathing and grounding. This targeted Tier 3 intervention helps students develop self-regulation tools they can use anytime to feel more in control and resilient.

This lesson plan is designed to equip high school teachers with effective stress management and self-care techniques. Through a combination of video content, collaborative activities, and guided discussions, teachers will explore practical coping strategies to enhance their well-being. This lesson is crucial as it empowers educators to manage stress effectively, fostering a healthier teaching environment and promoting personal resilience.

This 3-session lesson is designed for a student struggling with low self-esteem, negative mindset, perfectionism, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It focuses on teaching positive coping strategies, 'I' statements, positive self-talk, and reframing negative thoughts to help manage overwhelming situations. Each session is 30 minutes long and includes a variety of engaging components to support individual growth and emotional well-being.

A small-group workshop introducing mindfulness and stress-relief exercises for families. Promotes emotional well-being at home and school. Intended for a 5th grade group over one 55-minute session. This Tier 2 (Group) lesson helps students practice calming techniques they can use at home with their families.

This lesson introduces students to simple mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing, body scanning, and mindful listening. These techniques are designed to help students manage stress and improve focus, which are essential skills for both academic success and personal well-being. By incorporating these practices into their daily routine, students can enhance their emotional regulation and concentration.

This lesson is designed to wrap up a series of small group counseling sessions focused on listening, kindness, and empathy. Through a combination of discussion and a collaborative game-based activity, students will reflect on what they've learned and practice these important social-emotional skills. This lesson is crucial as it reinforces the importance of empathy and kindness in everyday interactions, helping students to become more considerate and effective communicators.

This lesson helps students understand the importance of gratitude and positivity for mental health. Students will engage in gratitude journaling, followed by sharing and discussion sessions to reinforce the concepts.

Equip students with strategies to build emotional resilience through engaging workshops that cover self-regulation techniques, positive self-talk, and problem-solving skills. These sessions will help students navigate stressors and build confidence in their ability to handle challenges.

A concise toolkit of quick, evidence-based activities to help a 4th grade student interrupt stressful thoughts and redirect focus. This Tier 3 individual counseling session spans 15 minutes and includes step-by-step guides and materials for implementation.

This lesson is designed for a fourth-grade student to help them prepare for a performance, manage anxiety, and develop coping strategies for potential rejection from a talent show. It's important because it empowers the student with emotional resilience and practical skills for public performances. The lesson includes one 25-minute session with a focus on individual support.

In this session, students will engage in activities that reinforce their self-worth and encourage positive self-talk, providing a supportive environment for personal growth. This lesson is important as it helps students build confidence and resilience, which are crucial for their emotional and social development. Designed for a 6th-grade group, the session will last 30 minutes and is classified under Tier 2: Group supports.

This lesson introduces 3rd-grade students to mindfulness practices, focusing on breathing techniques and awareness exercises. It aims to help students manage stress and enhance concentration in a supportive environment. By learning these skills, students can improve their emotional regulation and focus, which are essential for their academic and personal growth.

This single-session 60-minute classroom lesson teaches 7th graders how to recognize suicidal thoughts in themselves or friends, respond supportively, and seek help. It builds empathy, communication skills, and knowledge of resources to promote student well-being and campus safety.

The THRIVE Toolkit introduces 12th grade students to a six-step framework (Tune In, Hope, Reflect, Integrate, Visualize, Execute) for enhancing daily mental wellness through group counseling techniques. This Tier 2 psychoeducational group lesson spans one 60-minute session and equips students with strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and support one another in a small-group setting.

A 15-minute small-group series of quick mindfulness exercises for 3rd graders during Mental Health Awareness Month, aimed at reducing stress and improving focus. This Tier 2 lesson provides structured practices and reflection, requiring minimal prep and fostering emotional well-being.

This quick 15-minute small-group intervention equips 5th graders with the simple “Pause and Breathe” toolkit to self-de-escalate strong emotions. By learning mindful breathing and reflection techniques, students gain practical strategies to manage stress and build resilience.

Equip students with emotional coping skills for when they encounter personal challenges. They will learn practical strategies for immediate emotional support, fostering resilience and a positive mental health framework.

This lesson aims to engage the whole school in mental health awareness through interactive activities and games. It's designed to foster a supportive environment where students learn about mental health in a relatable and empowering way. Suitable for a single 30-minute session, this lesson will help students understand the importance of mental health and how to support themselves and others.

This lesson introduces middle school students to mindfulness techniques, focusing on breathing exercises and gratitude practices. These skills are essential for managing stress and emotions, promoting mental well-being, and enhancing focus and empathy. By learning these techniques, students can develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their overall emotional intelligence.

A focused 20-minute personalized counseling session for a kindergarten student to assess calming strategies, practice new techniques, and develop an individualized coping plan. This Tier 3 intervention strengthens self-regulation skills with immediate feedback and clear expectations.

A one-session, 30-minute individual counseling lesson for 6th graders focused on mental health counseling and building personal coping strategies. This Tier 3 lesson helps students identify emotions, learn coping tools, and practice self-talk to manage stress and anxiety.

In this lesson, students will explore the power of positive affirmations to enhance self-esteem and combat anxiety. Through engaging activities, they will learn to create and share affirmations, fostering a supportive classroom environment. This lesson is crucial for developing emotional resilience and promoting a positive mindset among students.

A targeted small-group mindfulness session for 2nd graders focusing on emotional regulation and on-task behavior through self-monitoring checklists. This Tier 2 intervention helps students build awareness and control, improving focus and emotional well-being. Audience: 2nd Grade Group; Sessions: 1; Duration: 30 minutes.

This lesson explores the role of counseling services in shaping students' identities and experiences in public schools. It is designed for adults, focusing on how counseling can support the development of well-rounded individuals in a diverse society. The session will last 30 minutes and is crucial for understanding the integration of counseling in educational settings.

This lesson is designed for special education middle school students in grades 5-7 to help them decrease test anxiety. In just one short session of 5-7 minutes, students will learn strategies to manage their anxiety, empowering them to approach tests with confidence. This lesson is crucial as it addresses the emotional and psychological barriers that can hinder academic performance, especially for students with IEPs, 504s, social-emotional impairments, and communication disorders.

This 5-session lesson is designed for a 3rd grade student on an IEP, focusing on identifying negative and positive self-talk, understanding coping strategies, and exploring cognitive behavioral triangle connections. Each 20-minute session will empower the student with practical skills to transform negative thoughts into positive ones, enhancing their emotional well-being and resilience.

Small-group mindfulness sessions teaching students to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment, cultivating self-awareness and emotional regulation. This Tier 2 lesson for a 6th grade group spans 25-minute sessions and aligns with CASEL's Self-Awareness competencies, helping students enhance focus, reduce stress, and build emotional insight.

This lesson is designed for 1st to 3rd grade students with special needs and behavior challenges. The objective is to engage students in a fun, collaborative, and hands-on activity that helps them understand the connection between helpful and unhelpful thoughts and their feelings and behaviors using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. The lesson is designed to be completed in 15 minutes.

This individual counseling session is designed for an 11th-grade student experiencing anxiety symptoms. The session will focus on introducing the concept of positive self-talk and its impact on emotional well-being. The student will learn how to create a personalized self-talk script for anxiety-inducing situations, enhancing their ability to manage emotions and stress effectively. This session is crucial for developing resilience and promoting a positive mindset.

In this lesson, students will explore mindfulness techniques to manage anxiety and shyness, followed by a creative arts activity to express themselves in a supportive environment. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to handle stress and encourages self-expression, fostering emotional well-being and confidence.

This lesson aims to help 8th-grade students explore their anxious thoughts and learn how to reframe them with self-compassion. By using restorative practices and trauma-informed teaching, students will engage in active and collaborative learning to develop empathy and realistic perspectives on their anxiety. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to manage anxiety, fostering emotional resilience and well-being.

Mindful Moments is a personalized, 20-minute per session mindfulness protocol designed for a single 7th grade student, focusing on stress reduction, emotional regulation, and improved focus through guided practices. This Tier 3 resource provides a clear plan, slide deck, script, journal prompts, and warm-up to build lifelong self-care skills.