Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Introduce students to the basics of CBT by exploring how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact through the CBT triangle; students will identify each component in examples.
Understanding the CBT thought–feeling–behavior triangle helps students recognize how thoughts influence emotions and actions, building self-awareness and skills for managing unhelpful thinking patterns.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to CBT
5 minutes
Step 2
CBT Triangle Explanation
8 minutes
Step 3
Group Activity: Identifying Components
10 minutes
Step 4
Discussion and Reflection
7 minutes
Slide Deck
Mind Code Detectives: Session 1
What is CBT?
The CBT Triangle
Thoughts
Feelings
Behaviors
Example Scenario
Why Challenge Thoughts?
Group Activity Instructions
Discussion & Next Steps
Worksheet
Discussion
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Teach students practical CBT strategies to challenge unhelpful thoughts—identifying automatic thoughts, examining evidence, and crafting balanced alternatives; apply these steps to real-life scenarios.
Equipping students with cognitive restructuring skills reduces negative emotions and promotes healthier behaviors, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Review & Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Teach Thought‐Challenging Steps
10 minutes
Step 3
Guided Worksheet Practice
10 minutes
Step 4
Discussion & Reflection
5 minutes
Slide Deck
Mind Code Detectives: Session 2
Recap: CBT Triangle
Why Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts?
Thought-Challenging Steps
Step 1: Identify the Thought
Step 2: Evidence FOR the Thought
Step 3: Evidence AGAINST the Thought
Step 4: Balanced Thought
Example Scenario
Guided Practice & Next Steps
Worksheet
Discussion
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Students will apply CBT skills to personal goals by identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts that may block progress, then creating a balanced-thought action plan to support resilience and goal achievement.
This session helps students integrate CBT strategies into real-life goals, boosting self-awareness, confidence, and persistence when facing challenges.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Recap & Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Personal Goal Reflection
8 minutes
Step 3
Thought-Challenging & Action Planning
10 minutes
Step 4
Peer Feedback & Discussion
5 minutes
Step 5
Closure & Next Steps
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Mind Code Detectives: Session 3
Recap: CBT Triangle & Thought‐Challenging
Today’s Focus
Step 1: Define Your Goal & Thought
Step 2: Evidence For & Against
Step 3: Craft a Balanced Thought
Step 4: Action Planning
Peer Feedback & Discussion
Closure & Next Steps
Worksheet
Discussion
