Introduce Aaron to the structure and purpose of his 1:1 counseling by reviewing his IEP goals, setting norms and expectations, and exploring coping strategies to kick off self-advocacy and academic support.
Starting the year with clear goals, agreed-upon norms, and accessible coping tools builds trust, helps Aaron understand how counseling will support him, and empowers him to request help proactively.
Audience
6th Grade Student (Tier 3 Counseling)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided discussion with visual handouts and active participation.
Confirm next session’s date/time and pickup procedure.
Invite any final questions and express confidence in his ability to self-advocate.
Slide Deck
Welcome to Counseling
• What is counseling?
– A 1:1 time to support your self-advocacy and academic success
• Why we meet:
– Build skills to request help
– Learn strategies to manage stress
• How it works:
– I’ll pick you up from class at our scheduled time
– Sessions last 30 minutes
– Confidential except for safety concerns
Greet Aaron warmly as he arrives. Briefly ask how his day is going to build rapport. Explain that counseling is a safe place to talk, learn self-advocacy, and practice coping skills. Emphasize that what he shares here stays confidential unless there’s a safety issue.
Today's Agenda
Review your IEP Goals
Set Counseling Norms
Clarify Session Expectations
Introduce Coping Strategies
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Point to each agenda item as you read it. Invite Aaron to let you know if he has questions along the way.
Our IEP Goals
• Demonstrate self-advocacy by:
– Independently requesting help
• Use coping skills to manage stress
• Apply these skills in the classroom
Hand Aaron the Self-Advocacy Goals Handout. Read each goal aloud and pause for Aaron to paraphrase. Ask how he thinks each goal will help him in class.
Counseling Norms
• Confidentiality & Trust
• Respectful Communication
• Honesty & Openness
• Active Listening
• Ask Questions & Share Ideas
Display the Counseling Norms Poster. Read each norm and ask Aaron if it makes sense or if he’d add any. Write down any agreed additions.
Session Expectations
• Frequency: Weekly 30-minute meetings
• Pickup: Front office at bell time
• Confidentiality: Private unless safety concern
• Communication: You can email or talk to me between sessions
Give Aaron the Counseling Session Expectations Sheet. Walk through how you’ll schedule, pick him up, and what happens if he’s unavailable. Clarify confidentiality and session length.
Coping Strategies
• Deep Breathing (4-2-6 technique)
• Counting to 5
• Using a Stress Ball
• Positive Self-Talk
→ Choose one strategy to try when stressed: _______
Show the Coping Strategies Chart. Model a deep-breathing exercise: inhale for 4, hold 2, exhale 6. Encourage Aaron to try it and pick one strategy he prefers.
Next session: [Date/Time]
Pickup: Front office at bell time
Any final questions? I'm confident you’ll do great!
Summarize each area covered. Confirm the date/time of your next meeting and remind him of pickup procedure. End on a positive note, expressing confidence in his ability to advocate for himself.
Worksheet
Self-Advocacy Goals Handout
Read and Paraphrase Each Goal
For each IEP goal below, read it carefully and then rewrite it in your own words. This will help you really understand what the goal means.
Goal 1: Demonstrate self-advocacy by independently requesting help.
Paraphrase in your own words:
Goal 2: Use coping skills to manage stress.
Paraphrase in your own words:
Goal 3: Apply these skills in the classroom.
Paraphrase in your own words:
Reflect on Your Goals
Answer the questions below to start planning how you’ll reach these goals.
When I need help in class, the steps I will take are:
The person(s) I can ask for help are (e.g., teacher, counselor, peer):
One coping strategy I want to try this week when I feel stressed is:
Questions and Ideas
Use this space to share any thoughts, questions, or suggestions you have about these goals.
What questions do you have about these goals?
Is there anything you’d like to add or change about these goals?
These goals are here to help you feel more confident in asking for support and managing stress. Let’s work together to make them meaningful and achievable!
Worksheet
Coping Strategies Chart
Use this chart to learn different ways to manage stress. Read each strategy, and then check the box for the ones you’d like to try. After reviewing, pick one to focus on this week!
Strategy
What to Do
I’d Like to Try ✓
Deep Breathing (4-2-6 technique)
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds
____
Counting to 5
Slowly count “1…2…3…4…5” to calm your mind
____
Use a Stress Ball
Gently squeeze and release a stress ball 10 times
____
Positive Self-Talk
Say supportive statements like “I can handle this”
____
Guided Imagery
Close your eyes and imagine a favorite calm place
____
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Tense each muscle group for 5 seconds, then relax
____
Choose One Strategy to Focus On This Week
Which strategy will you practice first?
Reflection Questions
After you try your chosen strategy, answer these questions to see how it worked for you.
How did my chosen strategy help me?
When did I use it?
What will I do next time I feel stressed?
Worksheet
Counseling Session Expectations Sheet
Use this sheet to understand how our counseling sessions will work and to share your thoughts or questions.
1. Session Schedule
Frequency: How often we’ll meet (e.g., weekly): ________
Duration: Our sessions will last _____ minutes.
Next Session Date & Time: __________________________
2. Pickup & Location
Pickup Location: (e.g., front office, counselor’s office)
If I’m not available at pickup time, I will:
3. Confidentiality
What stays private: (Your feelings, personal experiences, strategies)
When confidentiality may be broken: (e.g., safety concerns, harm to self or others)
4. Communication
How you can contact me between sessions:
• Email: ________________________
• Office phone: _________________
• In-person drop-in: ____________
Your preferred way to reach out:
5. Roles & Responsibilities
Your Responsibilities:
Arrive on time for each session
Share honestly what’s on your mind
Try the strategies we discuss
Counselor’s Responsibilities:
Listen without judgment
Provide tools and strategies
Keep our conversations confidential
6. Questions & Feedback
Use this space to write any questions or suggestions you have about how our sessions will run:
7. Acknowledgement
By signing below, we agree to these expectations and look forward to working together.
