Healthy Coping Strategies
Replace cutting behavior
This lesson aims to help students identify and replace self-harming behaviors, such as cutting, with healthier coping strategies. Through a guided discussion, experiential activities, and art therapy, students will explore their emotions and learn practical techniques to manage stress and emotional pain. This lesson is crucial in providing students with the tools they need to handle difficult emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
7th to 12th Grade Students
Experiential Learning, Active Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching
Discussion Questions, Activity Instructions, Role-Playing Scenarios, Art Supplies, Paper, Pens, and Mandalas Templates
- Welcome students and explain the purpose of the lesson: to explore healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions.
- Emphasize the importance of a safe and supportive environment.
- Use the Discussion Questions to guide a conversation about emotions and triggers.
- Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings in a respectful manner.
Step 3
Experiential Activity
10 mins
- Introduce the activity: practicing alternative coping strategies such as deep breathing, journaling, or physical exercise.
- Provide Activity Instructions and materials (paper, pens) for students to try out these strategies.
Step 4
Role-Playing Scenarios
10 mins
- Divide students into small groups and provide them with Role-Playing Scenarios.
- Have each group act out a scenario and practice using healthy coping strategies.
- Encourage students to discuss how they felt during the role-play and what strategies were effective.
Step 5
Art Therapy: Emotion Wheel
5 mins
- Provide students with art supplies and guide them in creating an Emotion Wheel.
- Instruct students to use colors and symbols to represent different emotions they experience.
- Allow students to share their Emotion Wheels and discuss how this activity helped them understand and articulate their emotions.
Step 6
Art Therapy: Stress Relief Mandalas
5 mins
- Provide students with mandala templates and coloring materials.
- Encourage students to focus on the process of coloring as a way to relax and reduce stress.
- Discuss how this activity can be used as a coping strategy in stressful situations.
- Recap the key points discussed and practiced during the lesson.
- Encourage students to reflect on which strategies they found most helpful and how they might use them in the future.
