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Counseling & TherapyEvidence-Based Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Discover a curated collection of free Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) resources tailored for educators, students, and parents. Gain practical skills in recognizing and managing thought patterns through interactive activities, insightful lessons, and real-world scenarios. Empower yourself with evidence-based tools to boost emotional resilience and problem-solving, making mental well-being accessible to all.

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Community Resources

Community Resources

Understanding CBT: Thoughts, Feelings, Actions

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.

Tier 1
2/25

Deb Schmill

h

NY Instructor

Hidden Assumptions

An individualized CBT session guiding an 11th grade student through identifying and disputing core beliefs using targeted reading, worksheets, and reflection. This Tier 3 lesson deepens self-awareness and equips the student with practical CBT strategies in a single 55-minute session.

Tier 3
5/8
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Joanna Torres

E

CA Social Worker

CBT for Kids: Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors

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.

Tier 2
2/25
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Kristen LaRosa

D

AZ Counselor

Mind Over Mood

This lesson introduces 6th graders to the basics of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework, focusing on understanding thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This foundational knowledge is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and resilience, helping students manage their emotions and reactions in everyday situations. The lesson is designed for a single 15-minute session and includes engaging activities and a game to reinforce learning.

Tier 1
5/7
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Thomas Nikiper

S

MA Counselor

Introduction to CBT: Understanding Thoughts and Feelings

This lesson serves as an introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for middle school students. It aims to help students understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through discussion, group activities, and a CBT exercise, students will learn how to identify and challenge negative thoughts. This foundational lesson is important as it equips students with basic CBT skills that can be built upon in future sessions.

Tier 1
2/25
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Jessica Handley

p

TN Instructor

Are Your Thoughts Controlling You?

An engaging class discussion on cognitive distortions and how they can impact mental health. Students will learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns. This lesson is crucial for helping students develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are essential for mental well-being. Designed for a 10th-grade class, the session will last 45 minutes and is suitable for Tier 1 classroom-wide support.

Tier 1
3/18

Jeanette Flores Tyler

a

NC Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist, Counselor

Calm Your Mind: Mastering Anxiety with CBT Techniques

This 6-session individual lesson for a 6th-grade female student focuses on reducing anxiety, excessive worry, and overthinking using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions. Each 45-minute session is designed to empower the student with practical skills to manage anxiety, fostering emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 3
3/7

Suani Lopez

E

CA Social Worker

Calm and Confident

This lesson aims to introduce second graders to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help them manage anxiety. Through a combination of game-based learning, experiential activities, and discussion, students will learn to identify anxious thoughts and practice calming strategies. This lesson is important as it equips young students with tools to manage their emotions, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25

Stacie Browne-Gallagher

h

NY Counselor, Psychologist, General Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist, School Administrator

CBT Triangle and Brain Connection

This lesson introduces 4th-grade students to the CBT triangle, which connects thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and its relationship with brain function. Through engaging activities, students will learn how their thoughts can influence their emotions and actions. This lesson is important as it empowers students with self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, fostering resilience and mental well-being.

Tier 1
2/25
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James Kelliher

t

VT Counselor

Navigating Social Anxiety

This 8-session plan helps 10th-grade students understand social anxiety and explore effective coping strategies through personal reflection and self-guided activities. Each session focuses on different aspects of social anxiety, allowing students to develop personalized coping strategies and apply them in real-life situations. This approach promotes mental well-being and resilience by equipping students with the knowledge and tools to handle social situations more confidently.

Tier 1
2/25

Brytnee Peacock

E

CA Psychologist

Unmasking Cognitive Distortions

This lesson introduces 12th-grade students to cognitive distortions, helping them recognize and understand these thought patterns. By engaging in active and collaborative learning, students will identify examples of cognitive distortions and discuss their impact on mental health. This lesson is crucial for developing critical thinking and emotional awareness, empowering students to challenge negative thought patterns.

Tier 1
2/25
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Paul Tentindo

S

MA Psychologist

Mind Games: Unmasking Thoughts

In this engaging lesson, high school students in a therapeutic classroom will explore various cognitive distortions and learn techniques to challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts. This lesson is crucial for fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation, empowering students to make informed choices about their moods and behaviors. The session will last 35 minutes and is designed as a Tier 2 group lesson.

Tier 2
4/2
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Kimberly MacDonald

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Unmasking Cognitive Distortions

This 5-session lesson for 8th graders focuses on identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, which are irrational thought patterns that can negatively impact mental health. Through interactive activities and discussions, students will learn to recognize these distortions in their own thinking and develop healthier cognitive habits, empowering them to improve their emotional well-being.

Tier 1
4/19
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Nancy Love

T

MD Instructor

Executive Functioning and Emotional Regulation

This 6-week program is designed for a 9th-grade male student who enjoys art and struggles with mental health. The objective is to improve executive functioning skills, identify emotions, regulate emotions, and learn coping skills. Each session lasts 10 minutes and includes a lesson plan, worksheet, activity, game, discussion, project, and a cool-down activity.

Tier 3
2/25
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Ashley Stone

v

WI Social Worker

Achieving Your Goals: Motivation & Planning

This lesson focuses on helping students set achievable mental health goals and develop motivation strategies. Through guided discussions and activities, students will learn to track their progress and adjust their plans as needed. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills for personal growth and resilience, fostering a proactive approach to mental health and well-being.

Tier 1
2/25
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Maegen Curley

t

VT Instructor

Coping with School Anxiety

This lesson is designed to help a 10th-grade student develop and implement personalized coping strategies to manage anxiety related to attending school. Through a combination of discussion, activity, and quiz, the student will explore their feelings, create actionable strategies, and assess their understanding. This lesson is important as it empowers the student to overcome barriers and improve their ability to complete assigned tasks.

Tier 3
2/25

Kyle Ryan

E

CA Psychologist

Coping with Anxiety: Strategies for Success

This lesson aims to equip 10th-grade students with practical strategies to cope with anxiety. By engaging in a discussion, watching a video, and participating in an activity, students will learn to identify anxiety triggers and apply coping mechanisms. This lesson is crucial as it empowers students to manage their mental health effectively, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

Tier 1
2/25
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Karla Harness Brown

E

CA Instructor

Grief Counseling Simulation

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.

Tier 1
2/25
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Stephanie Cordero

q

TX Counselor

Mastering Emotional Control

This lesson helps 10th graders understand and manage their emotions to enhance decision-making and interpersonal relationships. By exploring the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' brain concepts, students will learn advanced strategies for emotional regulation, such as mindfulness and cognitive reframing. This lesson is crucial for developing emotional intelligence, which is essential for personal and professional success.

Tier 1
2/25
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Patricia Bailey

a

NC Behavior Interventionist

Facing Fears

This lesson helps individual students understand and confront their fears through cognitive-behavioral strategies. It is crucial for building confidence and resilience, specifically designed for a 10th-grade student. The lesson is structured for a 40-minute session, focusing on school psychology.

Tier 3
5/6
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Madeline Perry

S

MA Counselor

Mindful Moments

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.

Tier 2
2/25
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Nicole Camp

S

MA Psychologist

Mastering the Mind: Decision-Making and Problem-Solving for Teens

This lesson is designed for students who struggle with emotional regulation and decision-making, focusing on enhancing their problem-solving skills through realistic scenarios and CBT strategies. The session will last 30 minutes, incorporating differentiation strategies and offering a Spanish translation option to ensure accessibility for all learners.

Tier 2
3/21
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Jami Dion

S

MA School Administrator

Mindful Moments: Journaling and Positive Self-Talk

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.

Tier 3
2/25

Erica Carlos

E

CA Psychologist

Mindfulness Moments

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.

Tier 3
Yesterday

Anna Dinardo

i

OH Counselor

Coping Skills Toolkit: Tools for Emotional Regulation

This lesson provides students with a toolkit of coping skills to help regulate emotions and handle stress. Students will engage in activities such as creating personalized coping cards and practicing various techniques. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills to manage stress and emotions, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25
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Patricia Bailey

a

NC Behavior Interventionist

The Power of Positive Thinking

This lesson introduces cognitive behavioral strategies to help students understand the impact of positive thinking on mental health. Students will engage in activities to practice reframing negative thoughts into positive ones, fostering a healthier mindset. This lesson is crucial for developing resilience and emotional well-being, equipping students with tools to manage stress and challenges effectively.

Tier 1
2/25
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Paul Tentindo

S

MA Psychologist

Assessing Mental and Emotional Health for College Applications

This lesson is designed for 12th grade students to help them assess their mental and emotional health while dealing with college applications and making significant career decisions. The objective is to equip students with strategies to manage stress and make informed decisions. The lesson will last 45 minutes.

Tier 1
2/25
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Ellie Cuenca

h

NY Instructor

Emotional GPS

In this 55-minute small-group Tier 2 counseling lesson, 11th graders will learn to identify complex emotions, map their triggers using an emotion wheel, and practice navigating feelings through role-play scenarios. This guide equips students with tools for self-understanding and coping in real-life situations.

Tier 2
5/9
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kenia.estevez

S

MA Counselor

Counseling Corner

A one-on-one counseling session for 5th graders focused on identifying emotions and learning coping strategies. This Tier 3 individualized lesson empowers students to understand their feelings and practice tools for emotional regulation within 30 minutes.

Tier 3
Yesterday
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Abby Downing

S

MA Counselor

Mindful Moments

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.

Tier 3
Monday

Emily Matson

O

IN Counselor

Building Self-Advocacy Skills

This lesson is a 30-minute individual counseling session aimed at helping a 10th-grade student develop self-advocacy skills by implementing coping strategies to reduce anxiety. The session will include a discussion to catch up on recent events, an activity to practice coping strategies, and a quiz to assess understanding. This lesson is important as it provides the student with practical tools to manage anxiety, enhancing their ability to advocate for themselves in various situations.

Tier 3
3/4

Kyle Ryan

E

CA Psychologist

Transforming Thoughts: Positive Self-Talk

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.

Tier 3
4/15
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Lindsey Jordan

Instructor

Goal Setting for Mental Wellness

This lesson will assist students in setting achievable goals that promote their mental wellness. Through goal-setting exercises, planning activities, and motivational discussions, students will learn how to create and maintain goals that support their mental health. This lesson is important as it equips students with the skills to manage their mental wellness proactively.

Tier 1
2/25
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Ernestine Knowlton

q

TX Counselor

Mastering Your Emotions

This lesson on Emotional Regulation is designed for 12th-grade students and aims to equip them with essential skills to understand and manage their emotions effectively. In a single 30-minute session, students will explore techniques to identify, express, and regulate their emotions, which is crucial for their personal development and mental well-being.

Tier 1
3/28

Arlo Smith

h

NY Counselor, Psychologist

The Power of Positive Self-Talk

Focus on developing a positive internal dialogue to improve emotional regulation. This lesson helps students replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, enhancing self-esteem and emotional resilience. Designed for 11th-grade students, this 45-minute session provides individual support to foster emotional growth and resilience.

Tier 3
3/20
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Kayla O'Shea

S

MA Psychologist

Mastering Your Emotions

This lesson focuses on teaching 10th-grade students the essential skills of emotional regulation. By understanding and managing their emotions, students can improve their mental health, relationships, and academic performance. The lesson is designed for one 30-minute session and is suitable for a Tier 1 classroom setting.

Tier 1
5/2
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Juliana Garcia

S

MA Social Worker

Mental Health Awareness and Support

This lesson aims to raise awareness about mental health issues among Grade 11 students. Students will watch a video on how to support someone struggling with their mental health, followed by a discussion and group activities to promote empathy and understanding.

Tier 1
2/25
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Timothy Dee

G

CT Instructor

Understanding Mental Health

This lesson aims to raise awareness about mental health issues among Grade 11 students, reduce stigma, and provide resources for seeking help and supporting peers. It includes video content, discussions, and activities to engage students and foster a supportive environment.

Tier 1
2/25
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Christine Weeden

S

MA Health & Fitness

Flip the Script: Positive Thinking

This three-session individual counseling series for 8th graders focuses on reframing negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It's crucial for developing emotional resilience and improving mental well-being. Each session lasts 30 minutes and is designed to provide personalized support and practical strategies for managing negative thoughts.

Tier 3
5/8
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Gianna Akerberg

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Anxiety Busters

This 5-session lesson for 7th graders focuses on evidence-based activities to manage anxiety, providing students with practical tools and strategies to cope with stress. It's important as it empowers students with skills to handle anxiety, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
5/5
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bbeldenscott

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Navigating Emotional Triggers

In this lesson, students will explore common emotional triggers and learn strategies to manage their reactions. Through scenario-based learning and personal reflection, students will enhance their self-awareness and emotional regulation skills. This lesson is crucial for developing emotional intelligence, which is essential for personal and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25
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Bridget Yurgel

h

NY Social Worker

Self-Esteem and Confidence Building

This lesson is designed for 6th to 8th graders to help them build self-confidence, improve self-image, and develop a positive mindset. The session will cover topics such as body image, handling negative self-talk, and building resilience. The duration of the lesson is 45 minutes.

Tier 1
2/25
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Britton Smith

q

TX Counselor

Mindful Thinking: Restructuring Negativity

This lesson focuses on helping students identify automatic negative thoughts and use cognitive restructuring techniques to transform these into more positive, coping thoughts. This is crucial for students experiencing anxiety and depression as it empowers them with tools to manage their thoughts and emotions effectively, fostering resilience and mental well-being.

Tier 1
3/17
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John Crocker

S

MA School Administrator

Handle with Care

This individual-focused lesson helps students develop empathy and understanding towards themselves and others, which is key to self-regulation. This lesson is important as it empowers students with the ability to manage their emotions and reactions, fostering a healthier social environment. Designed for 9th-grade students, it is a single 20-minute session focusing on Tier 3: Individual support.

Tier 3
3/5

Crystal Sullivan

h

NY Social Worker

Understanding Cognitive Evaluations

This lesson introduces high school students to the concept of cognitive evaluations, explaining their purpose and importance in understanding mental processes. By the end of the lesson, students will have a basic understanding of how cognitive evaluations are used in various settings, such as education and psychology, to assess cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. This knowledge is crucial for students as it can help them appreciate the role of cognitive assessments in personal and academic growth.

Tier 1
2/25

Jen Russell

S

MA Psychologist

Mastering Emotional Control

This lesson helps 10th graders understand and manage their emotions to enhance decision-making and interpersonal relationships. By exploring the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' brain concepts, students will learn advanced strategies for emotional regulation, such as mindfulness and cognitive reframing. This lesson is crucial for developing emotional intelligence, which is essential for personal and professional success.

Tier 1
2/25

Jeanette Flores Tyler

a

NC Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist, Counselor

Why Worry?

A small group will discuss common worries and learn cognitive techniques to address and lessen these worries, helping students manage daily anxieties more effectively. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical skills to handle stress and anxiety, which are common challenges during high school. Designed for an 11th-grade group, this session will last 30 minutes and is classified as Tier 2: Group support.

Tier 2
3/26

Crystal Sullivan

h

NY Social Worker

Understanding Anxiety: Triggers & Solutions

This lesson helps 9th-grade students understand anxiety, identify personal triggers, and explore strategies to manage anxiety effectively. Through group discussions and role-playing activities, students will gain insights into their own experiences and learn practical techniques to cope with anxiety. This lesson is crucial for fostering emotional awareness and resilience among students, equipping them with tools to handle stress and anxiety in their daily lives.

Tier 1
2/25
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Angela Fallin

a

NC Counselor

Anxiety Unplugged

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.

Tier 3
3/26

Crystal Sullivan

h

NY Social Worker

Wellness Checkpoint

This 15-minute individual Tier 3 lesson guides a secondary student in designing a concise mental health screener to triage referrals into Tier 2 group or Tier 3 one-on-one counseling. It empowers the student to craft clear, targeted questions for quick identification of support needs, ensuring swift and appropriate district mental health services.

Tier 3
5/9
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Adam Sipes

E

CA Counselor

Managing OCD and Anxiety

This lesson introduces high school students to effective strategies for managing OCD and anxiety. Through a guided discussion, students will explore practical techniques to cope with these challenges, fostering a supportive environment for sharing and learning. This lesson is crucial in helping students develop resilience and self-awareness, empowering them to handle stress and anxiety in their daily lives.

Tier 1
2/25
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Kelly Fowler

D

AZ Social Worker

Cyberbullying: Prevention and Intervention

This lesson focuses on educating 11th-grade students about cyberbullying, its impact, and effective strategies for prevention and intervention. Through peer discussions and collaborative activities, students will develop empathy and practical skills to support victims of cyberbullying. This lesson is crucial in fostering a safe and supportive school environment, empowering students to take action against cyberbullying.

Tier 1
2/25
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Maria Herrera

q

TX Counselor

The Power of Self-Talk

Discover how self-talk influences emotions and how to harness it for better emotional health. This lesson is pivotal in teaching students to reframe negative thoughts. Designed for a 10th-grade student, this individual lesson focuses on emotional regulation and lasts 25 minutes.

Tier 3
4/10
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michelle.lyons

S

MA Counselor

Mindfulness for Anxiety Relief

This lesson introduces high school students to mindfulness techniques aimed at reducing anxiety. Through a combination of video, discussion, and hands-on activities, students will learn how to apply mindfulness in their daily lives to manage stress and anxiety. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to enhance their mental well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25
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Lyndsey Francisco

S

MA Counselor

Emotional Regulation Counseling Session

This individual counseling session is designed to help 7th-grade students recognize and manage their emotions effectively. Through personalized discussion and activities, students will learn to identify their emotions, understand their triggers, and apply coping strategies. This session aims to enhance emotional intelligence and resilience, which are crucial for personal and academic success.

Tier 3
2/25
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Sarah Corrigan

S

MA Psychologist

Reframing Negative Thoughts

This lesson focuses on teaching students how to reframe negative thoughts caused by cognitive distortions. Through group discussions and role-playing activities, students will learn practical techniques to transform unhelpful thinking patterns into positive ones. This lesson is important as it equips students with skills to manage stress and improve mental well-being, which are crucial for their personal and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25
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Lindsay Ginnetty

S

MA Counselor

Emotion Regulation Exploration

This lesson focuses on helping students understand and practice emotion regulation techniques. Through a guided discussion, students will explore different strategies for managing their emotions in a healthy way. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills for emotional well-being, which can enhance their academic performance and interpersonal relationships.

Tier 1
2/25
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Alison Nowicki

S

MA Counselor

Intrusive Thoughts Exploration

This lesson introduces 4th graders to the concept of intrusive thoughts and how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help manage them. Through experiential learning and collaborative activities, students will explore examples of intrusive thoughts and discuss strategies to cope with them. This lesson is important as it helps students understand their thoughts and emotions, promoting mental health awareness and emotional regulation.

Tier 1
2/25
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James Kelliher

t

VT Counselor

Coping with Depression: Strategies and Skills

This lesson introduces 7th-grade students to coping strategies for managing feelings of depression. Through a combination of video content and interactive activities, students will explore various techniques to help them understand and manage their emotions. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with practical skills to handle emotional challenges, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25

Ryan Holt Ph.D.

E

CA Psychologist

Calm Minds: Managing Anxiety

This lesson focuses on understanding and managing anxiety through cognitive-behavioral techniques and relaxation exercises. Students will learn practical strategies to cope with anxious feelings, which is crucial for their mental well-being and academic success. By equipping students with these skills, they can better handle stress and anxiety in their daily lives.

Tier 1
2/25

Elizabeth Diaz

q

TX Counselor