Counseling Kickoff Chat

Orissa Lavia

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Counseling Kickoff Chat Plan

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.

Materials

Self-Advocacy Goals Handout, - Coping Strategies Chart, - Counseling Session Expectations Sheet, - Counseling Norms Poster, - Timer or Clock, and - Comfortable Seating Area

Prep

Materials Preparation

10 minutes

Print and prepare Self-Advocacy Goals Handout.
Print and display Counseling Norms Poster.
Print copies of Coping Strategies Chart and Counseling Session Expectations Sheet.
Review Aaron’s IEP goals and any prior progress notes.
Arrange comfortable seating in a quiet space and set up a visible timer or clock.

Step 1

Welcome and Session Overview

4 minutes

Greet Aaron warmly; build rapport with a brief personal check-in.
Explain the purpose of individual counseling and today’s agenda.
Emphasize confidentiality and the importance of his honest participation.

Step 2

Review IEP Goals

6 minutes

Provide the Self-Advocacy Goals Handout.
Read each goal aloud and ask Aaron to paraphrase to ensure understanding.
Discuss how these goals will guide your sessions and support his school success.

Step 3

Establish Counseling Norms

7 minutes

Display the Counseling Norms Poster.
Review each norm (e.g., respect, active listening, honesty).
Invite Aaron to agree, ask questions, or suggest additions; record any agreed-upon norms.

Step 4

Clarify Session Expectations

5 minutes

Hand Aaron the Counseling Session Expectations Sheet.
Explain how sessions will be scheduled, how he’ll be picked up from class, and what you both expect.
Answer any questions about confidentiality, duration, location, or communication.

Step 5

Introduce Coping Strategies

5 minutes

Present the Coping Strategies Chart.
Demonstrate a simple breathing or grounding exercise together.
Ask Aaron to choose one strategy he’d like to use when stressed and note it.

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Next Steps

3 minutes

Summarize key points: reviewed goals, agreed norms, expectations, and selected coping strategy.
Confirm next session’s date/time and pickup procedure.
Invite any final questions and express confidence in his ability to self-advocate.

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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.

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Goals reviewed
• Norms agreed
• Expectations clear
• Coping strategy chosen

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.

Student Signature: ________________________ Date: __________

Counselor Signature: ______________________ Date: __________

Reading

Counseling Norms Poster

Welcome to our counseling sessions! These norms help us create a safe, respectful, and productive space. Let’s agree to follow them together.

Confidentiality & Trust
• What we share stays here (unless there’s a safety concern).
Respectful Communication
• Use kind words, avoid interrupting, and honor each other’s perspective.
Honesty & Openness
• Speak your truth and share how you really feel—this is your space.
Active Listening
• Listen without judgment, give your full attention, and ask clarifying questions.
Ask Questions & Share Ideas
• There are no “silly” questions—feel free to ask anything and offer suggestions.

Let’s review these norms at the start of every session to keep our work meaningful and clear.