Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

An introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for 7th graders, focusing on mindfulness techniques to manage emotions and improve focus. This 30-minute, Tier 1 classroom session will help students learn practical tools for self-regulation and stress management.

A 30-minute individualized session introducing 7th graders to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, focusing on mindfulness and emotion regulation. This session helps students develop tools to manage intense emotions and improve coping strategies. Tier 3 support for students needing personalized emotional health instruction.

A four-session individualized DBT skills intervention for a 10th-grade student struggling with self-regulation. These 30-minute sessions guide the student through foundational mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness techniques to build coping skills and resilience.

In this 6-session group intervention, students will learn core DBT skills—mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—to better manage behaviors and emotions. Designed for small groups (3–6 students) who need extra support, each 40-minute session includes a lesson plan, guided discussion, engaging activity, a worksheet, and accompanying videos to reinforce learning.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 6th graders, students will learn a core Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skill—mindfulness—through an engaging video and hands-on practice. This lesson helps students develop emotional awareness and stress-management strategies they can use in daily life.

This lesson introduces 3rd-grade students to the concept of emotion regulation using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques. Through a fun and interactive game, students will learn to identify and manage their emotions effectively. The lesson also includes a short video to reinforce the concepts. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills to handle their emotions, promoting mental well-being and positive interactions with peers.

A 4-session, 30-minute individual intervention for a 7th grade girl focusing on perspective taking, positive peer relations, and core DBT skills. Using engaging videos and hands-on practice, this series builds empathy and social skills while teaching emotional regulation strategies.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group session for 10th graders, students will build group rapport and learn the basics of the CBT triangle—how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. This lesson jumpstarts a 16-week anxiety-management curriculum with fun icebreakers and active group-building exercises.

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 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 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.

In this engaging 30-minute session, three 2nd graders will learn Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to effectively resolve conflicts. This lesson is important as it empowers young students with essential life skills to manage emotions and navigate social situations, fostering a harmonious classroom environment.

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.

A small-group program offering targeted tools and strategies for students who need extra support in de-escalating emotions during crisis moments. This 30-minute Tier 2 (group) session for 7th graders helps them identify triggers, practice de-escalation skills, and create personalized safety plans.

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, 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.

A 3-session CBT skills group for 10th graders with anxiety. Students will learn to identify cognitive distortions, fill out the CBT triangle, and reframe thoughts. These 30-minute Tier 2 group lessons build coping skills through interactive readings, discussions, games, and worksheets.

In this 20-minute small group lesson for 10th graders, students will learn and practice three evidence-based strategies to reduce anxiety when receiving feedback. By exploring real-life scenarios and applying calming techniques, learners will build confidence and emotional resilience.

This lesson involves an interactive bingo game designed to help students learn interesting facts about their counselor while also sharing about themselves. This session fosters a friendly and approachable image of the counselor, helping students feel more comfortable seeking guidance and support. By engaging in this activity, students will develop communication skills and build a sense of community within the classroom.

In this 25-minute Tier 2 small-group activity, new counselors will reinforce their understanding of core Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts through an interactive Bingo quiz. Participants identify real-life examples of CBT principles to mark off their cards, promoting recall, collaboration, and deeper learning.

A small group session aimed at helping students measure and understand their own distress tolerance levels, and learn methods to increase them. It is important for developing resilience and personal insight.

A 16-week CBT curriculum for high school students (ages 15-18) with anxiety. Students will learn core CBT concepts—CBT triangle, anxiety management skills, thought distortion identification—and practice through readings, discussions, activities, games, worksheets, and guided scripts. Each 30-minute session builds practical tools to manage anxiety and foster resilience.

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.

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.

In this 15-minute SEL session, Pre-K students learn basic DBT skills—mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation—through playful firefighter-themed activities. This engaging lesson helps kids recognize and "extinguish" big feelings, laying the foundation for healthy emotional awareness and self-control.

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.

In this 60-minute IOP group session, adult participants will learn and practice distress tolerance skills grounded in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This lesson helps participants manage intense emotions effectively and prevent impulsive reactions. Includes guided discussion, interactive activity, and practical worksheet.

In this lesson, students will learn about the concept of 'opposite action' from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through a fun and interactive activity. This lesson is important as it helps students understand how to manage their emotions and reactions in a healthy way, promoting emotional regulation and resilience. By engaging in a project-based learning activity, students will explore real-life scenarios where they can apply opposite action, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Introduce students to CBT by exploring how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors; empowers them to recognize and reshape unhelpful thinking patterns. This lesson is designed for a 6th grade classroom, delivered in a single 45-minute session, equipping students with practical tools to improve their emotional well-being.

This lesson introduces the concept of a 'Calm Down Corner' in the classroom, a dedicated space where students can practice emotional regulation techniques to help them manage stress and anxiety. Students will watch a video on controlled breathing, practice the technique, engage in an art activity to create posters or emotion cards, and discuss when and how to use the Calm Down Corner.

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.

A focused 30-minute individual counseling session introducing 6th graders to the DBT skill of radical acceptance, helping them learn to relieve distress by embracing reality. This lesson gives students practical strategies for coping with difficult emotions, guiding them through acceptance exercises, role-play, and reflection to make the skill stick.

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.

In this 15-minute small-group Tier 2 session, 7th graders will learn to identify emotional triggers and coping strategies using interactive mood charts. This targeted behavioral support helps students build self-awareness and resilience through daily check-ins.

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.

This lesson is designed to support Grade 9 students returning from psychiatric hospitalizations by focusing on distress tolerance and reintegration into a school routine. Through trauma-informed teaching and inquiry-based learning, students will explore strategies to manage stress and anxiety, helping them transition smoothly back into their academic environment. This lesson is crucial for building resilience and confidence in students as they navigate their return to school.

This lesson plan is designed to help a 9th-grade girl with Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder (DDD) develop effective coping strategies. Through a series of three 30-minute sessions, the student will engage in activities, readings, and worksheets that focus on understanding her symptoms and learning practical techniques to manage them. This lesson is important as it empowers the student with tools to navigate her experiences, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

This lesson plan is designed to help a 9th-grade girl with Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder (DDD) develop effective coping strategies. Through a series of three 30-minute sessions, the student will engage in activities, readings, and worksheets that focus on understanding her symptoms and learning practical techniques to manage them. This lesson is important as it empowers the student with tools to navigate her experiences, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

In this 4-session small group lesson, 6th and 8th grade special education students will learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts using fun detective-themed CBT techniques. Students will develop skills to replace negative self-talk with balanced thoughts, boosting resilience and emotional well-being. Sessions are 30 minutes each, ideal for learners with autism and depression.

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.

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.

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.

This lesson introduces 10th grade students to effective coping strategies through active learning. Students will engage in a discussion to explore different coping mechanisms and participate in an activity to practice these strategies. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to manage stress and emotions, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

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.

In this lesson, students will engage in an 'Emotional Weather Report' activity to check in with their emotions and understand how these feelings can influence their day. This exercise is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness, helping students to better manage their emotions and interactions with others.

In this engaging lesson, students will get to know their school counselor through a fun and interactive Bingo game. This activity helps students understand the counselor's role and feel comfortable approaching them for support. It also encourages listening skills and provides a platform for questions and discussions.

In this two-session, 20-minute individual counseling series, the 2nd-grade student will become a “detective” of their own body, learning to recognize at least two physical responses tied to dysregulated feelings (anxiety, frustration, anger). This builds emotional awareness and self-regulation skills crucial for classroom success.

In this 30-minute Tier 3 individual session for an 11th grade student, learners will explore DBT emotion regulation skills to recognize, label, and manage intense feelings using the emotion wheel. This targeted coaching session provides evidence-based strategies to build self-awareness and emotional resilience.

This one-session, 30-minute individual lesson equips 11th grade students with practical skills—mindfulness exercises, cognitive reframing, and journaling—to help manage feelings of depression. By guiding students through hands-on activities and reflective prompts, this lesson empowers them to build personal coping strategies they can use anytime.

This lesson engages students in a game-based activity to explore and practice positive coping strategies in a classroom setting. By participating in this experiential learning activity, students will learn how to remain calm and manage their emotions effectively, which is crucial for their behavioral development and success in school.

This lesson combines occupational therapy and social work to teach 3rd graders about self-advocacy and self-regulation. Students will learn how to express their needs and manage their emotions effectively, which are crucial skills for their personal and academic growth. The lesson is designed for a single 30-minute session, providing classroom-wide support.

This lesson uses art, games, and mindfulness to help an 8th-grade student learn to manage impulsive behaviors and attention-seeking actions. Through creative expression, interactive activities, and calming techniques, the student will explore self-regulation strategies. This lesson is important as it provides a safe space for the student to practice self-control and express emotions constructively.

This lesson focuses on developing students' communication skills through active listening and empathy-building exercises. Students will engage in role-playing scenarios to practice understanding diverse perspectives and fostering stronger peer connections. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential social-emotional skills that are crucial for personal and professional relationships.

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.

In this one 30-minute Tier 3 session, an individual 11th grade student will learn practical emotional regulation strategies using personalized tools and reflection. This lesson helps students manage intense emotions, reduce stress, and improve focus—critical skills for academic success and personal well-being.

This lesson is designed to help students with ADHD and neurodiversity learn effective strategies for communicating their needs. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will gain confidence in expressing themselves, which is crucial for their personal and academic success. The lesson is tailored for a 25-minute session and includes a lesson plan, worksheet, activity, and discussion.

In this engaging 45-minute session for 4th graders, students will rotate through various stations to learn and practice different coping skills. This lesson is crucial for helping students manage stress and emotions, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.

This lesson is designed for a visually impaired student experiencing low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. Over four 20-minute sessions, the student will learn and apply positive coping skills such as 'stop and think' strategies, 'I statements', anxiety coping skills, and grounding techniques. This lesson aims to empower the student to manage overwhelming scenarios and build resilience.

This lesson introduces students to essential coping skills through an interactive activity and reflection. Students will learn practical strategies to manage stress and emotions, which are crucial for their social-emotional development. By the end of the lesson, students will have a toolkit of coping mechanisms they can apply in various situations.

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.

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 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 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.

A focused mindfulness session that helps students develop a positive inner dialogue and reduce negative self-talk, crucial for individual self-esteem development. This session is designed for 11th-grade students and is intended to be completed in 15 minutes as a Tier 3 individual support intervention.

This lesson is designed for an autistic 10-year-old boy to help him understand the thoughts and reactions of classmates during a chorus presentation when one student is dancing and singing too loudly. It aims to enhance social awareness and empathy, which are crucial for social skills development, especially for students with an IEP for social skills deficit. The lesson will be conducted in one 30-minute session.

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.

A 30-minute, one-session individual-focused discussion to help 7th graders understand and reflect on deviant behavior, why it occurs, and strategies to respond appropriately. This lesson equips students with self-awareness and decision-making skills.

In this 15-minute Tier 3 intervention, a 4th grader will learn strategies to build personal resilience through identifying emotions, practicing positive self-talk, and creating a simple resilience plan. This mini-lesson empowers individual students to 'bounce back' from setbacks, boosting confidence and coping skills.

This lesson provides teenagers with quick and effective coping skills to help them relax and manage stress in just 10 minutes. Students will learn practical techniques that they can easily incorporate into their daily routines to enhance their mental well-being and resilience.

A four-session small group intervention for 10th graders with anxiety and depression to learn to challenge and stop negative thinking using thought stopping techniques. By building awareness, challenging distortions, and practicing new thinking skills in a safe, supportive setting, students will gain observable changes in their thought patterns and emotional wellbeing.