Lesson Plan
Express Yourself Pro Lesson Plan
Participants will identify and accurately name a range of emotions, practice expressing those feelings through guided role-play, and create personalized self-advocacy scripts to strengthen therapeutic interactions and team collaboration.
Effective emotional expression and self-advocacy are essential for clinical staff to foster empathy, manage client relationships, and communicate assertively with colleagues, improving overall team cohesion and care quality.
Audience
Clinical Staff
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive, practice-driven exercises with reflection.
Materials
- Emotion Flashcards, - Emotion Journaling Worksheet, - Role-Play Scenario Cards, - Self-Advocacy Script Template, - Whiteboard and Markers, and - Large Display Screen
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print or load all digital materials: Emotion Flashcards, Emotion Journaling Worksheet, Role-Play Scenario Cards, and Self-Advocacy Script Template
- Arrange seating in a circle to foster engagement and visibility.
- Set up the Large Display Screen and ensure markers are available on the whiteboard.
- Review each material to familiarize yourself with prompts and structure.
Step 1
Introduction & Objectives
5 minutes
- Welcome participants and outline session goals.
- Display objectives on the Large Display Screen:
- Identify and label emotions accurately
- Practice expressing emotions appropriately
- Develop self-advocacy strategies
- Invite staff to share personal goals for the session.
Step 2
Emotion Identification Exercise
8 minutes
- Distribute Emotion Flashcards to each participant.
- Ask participants to select a card, name the emotion, and briefly describe a situation when they felt it.
- Encourage group members to suggest additional labels or nuances for the emotion chosen.
Step 3
Role-Play Emotional Expression
10 minutes
- Pair participants and give each pair 1–2 Role-Play Scenario Cards.
- In pairs, role-play expressing the assigned emotion, focusing on verbal tone, body language, and clarity.
- After 5 minutes, rotate roles or exchange scenario cards to practice different emotions.
Step 4
Self-Advocacy Practice
5 minutes
- Distribute the Self-Advocacy Script Template.
- Instruct participants to complete the template for a real or hypothetical situation where they need support.
- Invite volunteers to read their scripts aloud and gather constructive peer feedback.
Step 5
Debrief & Reflection
2 minutes
- Facilitate a rapid-fire round: ask "What’s one key insight you’ll apply?"
- Capture responses on the whiteboard under "Key Takeaways."
- Encourage participants to integrate one technique into their next client or team interaction.
Slide Deck
Express Yourself Pro
Strengthening Interpersonal & Social Skills for Clinical Staff
Session Length: 30 minutes | Tier 2 Group
Welcome participants to Express Yourself Pro. Introduce yourself and briefly outline the session—30 minutes to practice identifying feelings, expressing emotions appropriately, and building self-advocacy skills.
Session Objectives
• Identify and label emotions accurately
• Practice expressing emotions appropriately
• Develop self-advocacy strategies
Display each objective and explain why it matters for therapeutic interactions and team collaboration. Invite participants to share any personal goals for today’s session.
Emotion Identification Exercise
- Distribute Emotion Flashcards
- Select a card & name the emotion
- Describe a situation when you felt it
- Invite group suggestions for additional labels
Distribute the Emotion Flashcards to each participant. Instruct them to choose a card, name the emotion, and share a brief personal example. Encourage group members to add nuanced labels.
Role-Play Emotional Expression
- Pair up & receive Role-Play Scenario Cards
- Role-play expressing the assigned emotion
- Focus on verbal tone, body language, clarity
- Rotate roles or exchange cards after 5 minutes
Pair participants and give each pair 1–2 Role-Play Scenario Cards. Remind them to focus on tone, body language, and clarity when expressing the emotion. After 5 minutes, have them switch roles or cards.
Self-Advocacy Practice
- Distribute Self-Advocacy Script Template
- Complete the template for a scenario needing support
- Volunteers read their scripts aloud
- Gather peer feedback
Hand out the Self-Advocacy Script Template. Ask participants to complete it for a real or hypothetical scenario. Invite volunteers to read aloud and facilitate constructive peer feedback.
Debrief & Reflection
• What’s one key insight you’ll apply?
• Capture responses under “Key Takeaways”
• Discuss integrating techniques into next interaction
Facilitate a rapid-fire round: ask each participant, “What’s one key insight you’ll apply?” Capture responses on the whiteboard under “Key Takeaways” and highlight how to integrate into next client or team interaction.
Thank You & Next Steps
• Try one expression or script in your next interaction
• Additional resource: Emotion Journaling Worksheet
• Questions or support? Contact your facilitator.
Thank everyone for their participation. Encourage them to try out at least one technique in their next shift. Share additional resources and contact info for follow-up support.
Worksheet
Emotion Journaling Worksheet
Date: ____________________ Time: ____________________
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What emotion did you experience today?
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On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high), how intense was this emotion?
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Describe the situation or trigger that led to this emotion.
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What thoughts or self-talk did you notice at that moment?
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What physical sensations did you notice in your body?
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What need or value was underlying this emotion?
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How did you respond, and was it helpful?
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What could you do differently next time to advocate for your needs or express the emotion constructively?
Game
Emotion Flashcards
Use these flashcards to help clinical staff accurately identify and label a range of emotions, explore nuances, and connect personal experiences to each feeling.
Instructions:
Shuffle the flashcards and distribute one to each participant. Each participant should:
- Read the emotion on their card aloud.
- List 2–3 synonyms or related feelings.
- Share a brief personal example of when they felt that emotion.
- Invite group members to suggest additional labels or nuances for deeper insight.
Cards:
-
Emotion: Anger
Synonyms: Irritated, Annoyed, Frustrated -
Emotion: Sadness
Synonyms: Sorrowful, Downcast, Melancholic -
Emotion: Happiness
Synonyms: Joyful, Content, Elated -
Emotion: Fear
Synonyms: Anxious, Terrified, Nervous -
Emotion: Surprise
Synonyms: Astonished, Amazed, Startled -
Emotion: Disgust
Synonyms: Repulsed, Nauseated, Offended -
Emotion: Excitement
Synonyms: Enthusiastic, Eager, Exhilarated -
Emotion: Shame
Synonyms: Embarrassed, Humiliated, Mortified -
Emotion: Pride
Synonyms: Accomplished, Confident, Satisfied -
Emotion: Anxiety
Synonyms: Worried, Uneasy, Apprehensive
Worksheet
Self-Advocacy Script Template
Use this framework to plan and practice an assertive script when you need support, resources, or accommodations. After completing each section, combine your points into a clear, respectful message.
- Situation / Context:
Briefly describe the setting or event where you need to advocate for yourself.
- Need / Request:
Clearly state what support, resource, or action you are asking for.
- Desired Outcome:
Explain what you hope will result from your request.
- Potential Barriers & Solutions:
Identify any obstacles that might arise and how you could address them.
- Assertive Script:
Combine the above into a concise “I” statement script. Include:
• Acknowledgment of the situation
• Your need/request
• A clear statement of desired outcome
- Reflection & Next Steps:
After practicing or delivering your script, note feedback received and any adjustments for next time.
Activity
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Print two cards per page. Cut along the outside borders to create individual scenario cards. Use these in pairs to practice expressing the assigned emotion through tone, body language, and clarity.
Page 1 – Card 1
Situation: You discover that a client’s medication dosage was entered incorrectly, and you must apologize and explain the next steps.
Emotion: Regret
Page 1 – Card 2
Situation: A colleague just shared that they secured funding for a new program. You want to express genuine congratulations.
Emotion: Joy
Page 2 – Card 3
Situation: You need to ask your manager for additional resources to handle an increasing caseload.
Emotion: Assertiveness
Page 2 – Card 4
Situation: A long-time client suddenly cancels an important session without explanation. You must respond with care and understanding.
Emotion: Concern
Page 3 – Card 5
Situation: You receive unexpected feedback that your report missed key data. You must address the mistake with your supervisor.
Emotion: Embarrassment
Page 3 – Card 6
Situation: A team member repeatedly interrupts you in meetings. You need to bring this up without causing conflict.
Emotion: Calm assertiveness
Page 4 – Card 7
Situation: You witness a co-worker being treated disrespectfully by a vendor and need to intervene appropriately.
Emotion: Protective anger
Page 4 – Card 8
Situation: You learn about an upcoming audit you weren’t prepared for and must ask for support.
Emotion: Anxiety