Guided Self-Talk Exploration Script

Hello! Today we're going to take a moment to explore the way we talk to ourselves. I want you to listen closely, think deeply, and be honest with yourself during our conversation. Remember, this is a safe space where every thought is welcome.

Step 1: Identifying Negative Self-Talk

Teacher: "Let's start by thinking about the kinds of thoughts that pop into your head when you're facing something difficult. Can you share one or two examples of negative things you might say to yourself? For instance, thoughts like, 'I'm not good enough,' or 'I always mess things up.' What comes to your mind?"

(Allow the student a moment to reflect and share their thoughts. Listen carefully and validate their feelings, saying something like, "Thank you for sharing that. It takes a lot of courage to speak honestly about these thoughts.")

Step 2: Reflecting on the Impact of Negative Self-Talk

Teacher: "Now, let's think about how these negative thoughts make you feel. How do they affect your mood and your behavior? Do you notice them changing the way you handle challenges?"

(Encourage the student to talk about how these thoughts influence their feelings and actions. Use reflective questions such as, "Can you tell me more about how that makes you feel?" or "What do you think happens when these thoughts start to take over?")

Step 3: Understanding the Cycle

Teacher: "Sometimes, we get stuck in a cycle where negative thoughts lead to negative feelings, which then lead to more negative thoughts. Can you see how this might happen for you sometimes?"

(If needed, provide an example: "For example, if you believe you're not capable, you might feel anxious about trying something new, which then makes you think, 'I can't do this,' and the cycle continues.")

Step 4: Transitioning to a Positive Outlook

Teacher: "I appreciate your openness today. Now that we have identified some of the negative self-talk patterns, our goal will be to slowly shift these thoughts into something more positive. We'll practice by turning these negative statements into uplifting alternatives later on. For now, take a moment to reflect quietly on one negative thought you identified and consider what a kinder, more supportive version of that thought might be."

(Allow a brief pause for reflection.)

Teacher: "Thank you for joining me in this exploration. Remember, understanding your self-talk is the first step towards a more positive outlook. We’ll continue with some exercises to help transform these thoughts shortly. Do you have any questions or is there anything you'd like to share about what we discussed so far?"

(Conclude with open-ended questions to invite further discussion or clarification.)

That’s the end of our Guided Self-Talk Exploration. Great job today, and I look forward to working with you on building more positive self-talk!

Positive Vibes Transformation Exercise

In this activity, you will practice transforming negative self-talk into positive affirmations. This exercise is designed to help you identify discouraging thoughts and replace them with empowering, uplifting alternatives. Let's walk through the steps together:

Step 1: Identify Negative Self-Talk

• Think about a recent moment when you experienced negative self-talk. Write down the negative statement you said to yourself.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 2: Reflect on the Impact

• Reflect on how that negative statement made you feel. How did it influence your mood or actions? Write down your reflections.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 3: Create a Positive Affirmation

• Now, transform that negative statement into a positive affirmation. Think about what a supportive, caring version of that thought would sound like. For example, if your negative thought was "I always mess things up," you might change it to "I learn and grow with every challenge." Write down your positive affirmation.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 4: Practice and Repeat

• Repeat your new positive affirmation out loud several times. Focus on believing the words and imagine the positive impact on your day.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Follow-Up Questions

• How did it feel to replace a negative thought with a positive one?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Can you identify any new feelings or changes in your mindset after practicing your affirmation?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• How might using these positive affirmations change the way you handle challenges in the future?

Remember, practice makes progress. Make it a habit to transform negative self-talk whenever it arises, and over time, you'll notice a more positive, resilient mindset taking root!