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Introduction to CBT: Understanding Thoughts and Feelings

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Lesson Plan

Introduction to CBT: Understanding Thoughts and Feelings

Introduce CBT concepts and practice identifying thoughts and feelings

This lesson serves as an introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for middle school students. It aims to help students understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through discussion, group activities, and a CBT exercise, students will learn how to identify and challenge negative thoughts. This foundational lesson is important as it equips students with basic CBT skills that can be built upon in future sessions.

Audience

Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Materials

Discussion Guide, CBT Activity Worksheet, Pens, Large Poster Paper, and Markers

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Welcome the students and introduce the concept of CBT.
  • Explain how CBT helps us understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Step 2

Group Discussion Activity

5 mins

  • Divide students into pairs or small groups.
  • Use the Discussion Guide to facilitate a conversation about how thoughts can influence feelings and behaviors.
  • Encourage students to share examples from their own experiences and discuss them within their groups.

Step 3

Activity: Thoughts and Feelings Map

10 mins

  • Provide each group with large poster paper and markers.
  • Instruct students to create a 'Thoughts and Feelings Map' by drawing connections between different thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Encourage creativity and discussion as they map out how changing thoughts can lead to different feelings and actions.

Step 4

Activity: Identifying Thoughts and Feelings

5 mins

  • Distribute the CBT Activity Worksheet.
  • Guide students to identify a recent situation where they felt a strong emotion.
  • Ask them to write down the thoughts they had during that situation and how those thoughts influenced their feelings and actions.
  • Allow students to share their findings with their group and discuss how changing thoughts can lead to different feelings and behaviors.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

  • Recap the key points discussed and the importance of recognizing thoughts and feelings.
  • Encourage students to practice these skills in their daily lives.
  • Thank the students for their participation and openness.
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Discussion

Discussion Guide

A guide to facilitate a discussion on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Can you think of a time when a thought influenced how you felt?

Encourage students to share personal experiences and reflect on the impact of their thoughts.







How do our thoughts affect our actions?

Discuss the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how changing one can influence the others.







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Worksheet

CBT Activity Worksheet

A worksheet to help students practice identifying thoughts and feelings in a given situation.

Think of a recent situation where you felt a strong emotion. What was the situation?








What thoughts did you have during that situation?








How did those thoughts make you feel?








What actions did you take as a result of those thoughts and feelings?








How could changing your thoughts lead to different feelings and actions?








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