Emotion Reflection Worksheet

Use this worksheet to reflect on a personal experience with grief, identify your emotions, and explore coping strategies.

1. Describe a time you felt grief.

Write about the situation and what happened.

2. List the emotions you experienced.

Think about how you felt physically and emotionally.

3. Which coping strategies did you try? How did they help (or not)?

Consider strategies like talking to someone, journaling, or creative activities.

4. One new coping strategy I’d like to try next time:

Choose a strategy you haven’t tried before or want to practice more.

5. Reflection

What did you learn about yourself through this process? How can you use this insight in the future?

Remember, it’s okay to seek support from trusted friends, family members, or school counselors as you continue to process grief.

Grief Coping Strategies Handout

Use this handout to explore healthy ways to manage grief and create your own personalized plan.

1. Talk It Out

• Share your feelings with a trusted friend or family member

• Meet with a school counselor or trusted adult

2. Write It Down

• Keep a daily journal of your thoughts and emotions

• Write letters to the person or situation you’re missing (you don’t have to send them)

3. Move Your Body

• Go for a walk, run, or bike ride

• Try gentle stretching, yoga, or sports to release tension

4. Express Creatively

• Draw, paint, or make a memory collage

• Play, write, or listen to music that reflects your feelings

5. Practice Mindfulness

• Use deep‐breathing exercises (inhale for 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4)

• Try guided meditation or grounding techniques (5‐4‐3‐2‐1 exercise)

6. Self-Care Routines

• Keep a regular sleep schedule and practice good rest habits

• Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and take breaks when you need them

My Personal Coping Plan

Choose three strategies above (or add your own). Write down how and when you will try them.

1. Strategy: ________________________________
   Plan:
   
   
   

2. Strategy: ________________________________
   Plan:
   
   
   

3. Strategy: ________________________________
   Plan:
   
   
   

Additional Resources

• School Counselor: __________________________ (Room #_____)
• Trusted Adult or Mentor: __________________ (Contact Info)
• Crisis Hotline (US): 988 (24/7 Mental Health Support)
• Online Support: griefsupport.org • teenlineonline.org

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Share this handout with someone you trust and reach out whenever you need support.

Grief Discussion Guidelines

Use these guidelines to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for students to share and learn about grief.

1. Create a Safe Space

• Confidentiality: What’s shared here stays here. Remind everyone at the start and end of the session.
• Non-judgment: Encourage open sharing without criticism.
• Choice to Pass: Students may choose not to share; no one is forced.

2. Respectful Communication

• “I” Statements: Speak from your own experience (e.g., “I felt…”).
• Listening Without Interrupting: Use the Talking Stick or another signal; only the holder speaks.
• Positive Language: Offer kind, supportive words rather than advice or judgments.

3. Active Listening Skills

• Body Language: Face the speaker, make eye contact, nod to show understanding.
• Reflective Responses: Paraphrase or summarize (“It sounds like you felt…”).
• Questions for Clarification: Ask open-ended prompts (e.g., “Can you tell me more about that?”).

4. Emotional Support Strategies

• Validation: Acknowledge feelings (“It makes sense you’d feel sad.”).
• Empathy: Share understanding without comparing experiences.
• Resource Reminders: Gently remind peers about support tools like the Grief Coping Strategies Handout or a counselor.

5. Managing Difficult Moments

• Check-In: If someone becomes upset, pause and offer a moment to breathe.
• Private Support: Invite the student to speak with the teacher or counselor one-on-one if needed.
• Group Care: Use a brief grounding exercise (e.g., deep breathing) to help the circle refocus.

6. Closing the Discussion

• Summary: Highlight key strategies and feelings heard during the session.
• Encouragement: Reinforce that processing grief takes time and it’s okay to seek help.
• Next Steps: Remind students of upcoming activities or available resources.

Remember, following these guidelines helps everyone feel heard, supported, and respected as they explore difficult emotions together.