Counselor Coping Script

Introduction and Rapport Building (5 minutes)

Counselor: “Hi [Student Name], it’s good to see you today. How are you feeling right now?”

Counselor: “Before we begin, I want you to know that everything we discuss is confidential. This time is just for you, and there’s no right or wrong answer.”

Counselor: “Today we’ll explore how stress shows up for you and create some personalized tools to help you manage it. Does that sound okay?”

Stress Reflection (10 minutes)

Counselor: “Let’s start by defining stress. Stress is your body’s natural response to challenges or demands.”

Counselor: “Look at the Stress & You Slides as I point out different ways stress can show up: physically, emotionally, and mentally.”

Counselor: “Now, in your Stress Reflection Journal, take a moment to write down:”

• “What situations or thoughts trigger my stress?”
  
  
  
• “How do I feel physically, emotionally, and mentally when I’m stressed?”
  
  
  

Counselor: “When you’ve finished, share whatever feels most important to you.”

After student response

Counselor: “Thank you for sharing. Can you tell me more about how that situation feels in your body?”

Counselor: “What thoughts run through your mind when that happens?”

Introducing Coping Strategies (8 minutes)

Counselor: “Next, let’s talk about some coping strategies people use. There are four main categories:”

1. Relaxation Techniques
2. Active Distraction
3. Social Support
4. Cognitive Strategies

Counselor: “Take a look at the examples on the slides and let me know if you’ve tried any of these before.”

Prompt student to reflect on an example:
Counselor: “Have you ever tried deep breathing when you felt stressed? How did it go?”

Counselor: “What about talking with a friend or taking a short walk—did those help?”

Counselor: “Which of these strategies feels most interesting or doable for you?”

Coping Toolbox Creation (10 minutes)

Counselor: “Now we’ll use the My Coping Toolbox Worksheet. Under each category, list at least three strategies you could try.”

Counselor: “Start with Relaxation Techniques. What could you do? Write down the first three ideas that come to mind.”

Counselor: “Great. Now Active Distraction—what activities help take your mind off stress?”

Counselor: “Next, Social Support—who could you reach out to? Or what group could you join?”

Counselor: “Finally, Cognitive Strategies—what positive thoughts or mindfulness practices could you use?”

Counselor: “Out of all your ideas, choose your top three favorite strategies and write them in the box labeled ‘Core Tools.’”

Developing Action Plan (5 minutes)

Counselor: “Looking at your top three core tools, let’s decide when you might use each one.”

Counselor: “For example, if you choose deep breathing, you could do it before a test or right after school. When would you use each of your tools?”

Counselor: “What might get in the way of using these tools? How could you remind yourself—maybe setting an alarm or asking a friend to check in?”

Counselor: “Finally, let’s set one specific goal you can try before we meet again. It could be: ‘I will practice progressive muscle relaxation for two minutes each evening.’”

Closure and Next Steps (2 minutes)

Counselor: “You’ve done excellent work today. Let’s review: your main stress triggers are ___, and your core coping tools are ___.”

Counselor: “I believe in your ability to use these tools. Remember, practice makes progress.”

Counselor: “Let’s schedule a quick check-in in one week to see how your goal is going and adjust if needed. Does that sound good?”

Counselor: “Thank you for sharing today. You’re taking positive steps to manage stress, and I’m proud of you.”

My Coping Toolbox

Under each category below, you’ll first see some example strategies to inspire you. Then, list at least three of your own ideas in the space provided.

Relaxation Techniques

Examples:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Guided imagery or visualization
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Active Distraction

Examples:

• Going for a brisk walk or run
• Listening to upbeat music or a podcast
• Sketching, coloring, or doing a quick craft
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Social Support

Examples:

• Calling or texting a trusted friend
• Talking with a family member or mentor
• Joining a club, team, or support group
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Cognitive Strategies

Examples:

• Using positive self-talk (“I can handle this.”)
• Practicing mindfulness or short meditation
• Reframing negative thoughts into realistic ones
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Core Tools

Choose your top three favorite strategies from above and write them here:

Stress Reflection Journal

Date: _____________

Identifying Your Stress Triggers

• What situations or thoughts trigger my stress?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Physical Reactions to Stress

• How do I feel in my body when I’m stressed?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Emotional Reactions to Stress

• What emotions come up when I’m stressed?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Thoughts During Stressful Moments

• What thoughts run through my mind during stressful times?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Coping Strategies I’ve Tried

• Have I used any coping techniques before? What worked or didn’t work?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Deep Reflection

• Notice any patterns or insights about your stress and reactions. What stands out?