Lesson Plan
Pre-Session Prep Roadmap
Equip counselors with a structured 20-minute roadmap to prepare effectively for a 90-minute clinical intake session, ensuring all logistics, materials, and personal reflections are in place.
Thorough pre-session preparation boosts counselor confidence, reduces surprises, and lays the groundwork for a seamless, client-centered first meeting.
Audience
Individual School Counselor
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Guided checklist and step-by-step tasks
Materials
- Client Background Information Form, - Session Objectives Template, - Pre-Session Self-Assessment Checklist, - Opening-Questions Toolkit, and - Counselor Reflection Log
Prep
Counselor Pre-Session Preparation
20 minutes
- Review the client’s referral notes, academic records, and any prior assessments via the Client Background Information Form
- Print and assemble all intake materials: Consent forms, Session Objectives Template, and Pre-Session Self-Assessment Checklist
- Familiarize yourself with Opening-Questions Toolkit prompts
- Keep your Counselor Reflection Log nearby for post-prep notes
Step 1
Review Client Materials
5 minutes
- Read through referral notes and behavioral reports
- Highlight key concerns, strengths, and context to inform your session plan
- Note any red-flags or areas needing immediate attention
Step 2
Set Up Physical Environment
3 minutes
- Ensure a private, comfortable space free from interruptions
- Arrange seating for rapport (e.g., side-by-side rather than across a table)
- Provide water, tissues, and a notepad for the client
Step 3
Technology Check & Materials Prep
4 minutes
- Test any telehealth platforms, microphones, and cameras
- Confirm that digital intake forms open correctly and printers have ink/paper
- Organize printed forms and pens within easy reach
Step 4
Self-Reflection & Goal Setting
8 minutes
- Complete the Pre-Session Self-Assessment Checklist to surface personal biases and emotional readiness
- Define three clear objectives for the session using the Session Objectives Template
- Jot quick notes in your Counselor Reflection Log on mindset and intentions
use Lenny to create lessons.
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Slide Deck
Rapport-Building Strategies
Master the art of connecting with clients: key techniques for building trust and safety in your first intake session.
Introduce the importance of rapport in the very first session. Emphasize that strong rapport lays the groundwork for a successful therapeutic relationship.
Why Rapport Matters
- Sets the tone for collaboration
- Increases client comfort and openness
- Improves accuracy of assessment
- Lays groundwork for therapeutic alliance
Explain how rapport impacts disclosure, assessment accuracy, and overall alliance.
Non-Verbal Communication
- Maintain open posture and consistent eye contact
- Mirror the client’s gestures subtly
- Use a calm, welcoming tone of voice
- Respect personal space; arrange seating side-by-side
Demonstrate each non-verbal cue. Invite counselors to try mirror postures in pairs.
Active Listening
- Use open-ended questions (See Opening-Questions Toolkit)
- Paraphrase to confirm understanding
- Summarize key points aloud
- Offer verbal nods (e.g., “I hear you,” “That sounds hard”)
Highlight that active listening is more than silence; it’s a responsive skill set.
Empathy & Validation
- Name the emotion: “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
- Normalize experience: “Many students feel anxious in your situation.”
- Validate strengths: “I see how resilient you’ve been through this.”
Offer sample empathy statements and caution against over-identifying.
Cultural Sensitivity & Confidentiality
- Ask about preferred names/pronouns and cultural norms
- Explain confidentiality limits upfront
- Honor client’s pace; avoid rushing sensitive topics
- Be aware of personal biases
Stress the importance of cultural humility and clarity around confidentiality.
Practice Prompt: Role-Play
Pair up or use an imagined scenario. Practice:
- Warm greeting with open posture
- One open-ended question
- Reflecting back the response
Debrief: What felt comfortable? What felt awkward?
Guide participants through a brief role-play. Debrief by asking what felt easy and what was challenging.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
- Rapport combines verbal & non-verbal cues
- Active listening and validation foster trust
- Continue self-reflection to deepen skills
Next: Complete your Counselor Reflection Log after a mock intake.
Close by reinforcing self-reflection and linking to post-session tools.
Script
Opening-Questions Toolkit
A ready-to-use, flexible script for counselors to launch a trusting, open clinical intake. Each line is your word-for-word prompt; follow-ups and tips guide you to adapt based on client cues.
1. Warm Greeting & Permission
Counselor: "Hello, [Client Name]. I’m [Your Name], one of the school counselors here. How are you feeling right now?"
Tip: Pause and let silence feel comfortable.
Counselor: "Thank you for being here. Before we begin, I’d like to explain what we’ll do today—does that feel okay?"
2. Establishing Confidentiality & Agenda
Counselor: "Just so you know, everything you share is private except for safety concerns. In our session I’ll ask some questions, and you can ask me anything too. Sound all right?"
Counselor: "First, I’ll ask about what brings you in, then we’ll talk about how things have been for you, and end with any goals you’d like to set. Let me know at any time if you want to pause or change direction."
3. Icebreaker & Rapport Questions
Counselor: "To get started, tell me about something you enjoy doing outside of school."
Follow-up prompts:
- "What do you like most about that activity?"
- "How did you first get interested in it?"
4. Understanding the Presenting Concern
Counselor: "Can you describe what brought you in today?"
If brief response:
Counselor: "That’s helpful—can you say more about how it’s been affecting your day-to-day?"
5. Exploring Context & Strengths
Counselor: "Walk me through a typical day for you—school, activities, friends."
Counselor: "What strengths or supports help you when things feel tough?"
6. Transition to Next Steps
Counselor: "Thank you for sharing so openly. Next, I’d like to look at some goals and see how we can work together. Is that okay?"
Tip: Validate their courage—“I appreciate your honesty.”
Journal
Counselor Reflection Log
A personal journal to deepen your self-awareness and refine your intake practice through guided reflections before, during, and after each session.
1. Pre-Session Reflection
- How am I feeling right now as I prepare for this intake session? What thoughts or emotions are coming up for me?
- What personal biases or assumptions might I bring into this meeting? How can I set them aside?
- What are three clear objectives I want to achieve with this client today?
2. Mid-Session Reflection
- At this point, how would I rate the rapport I’ve built on a scale from 1–5? What behaviors support this rating?
- What questions or prompts seemed most effective in eliciting openness from the client? Why?
- Did I notice any moments where I felt uncomfortable or uncertain? What triggered that?
3. Post-Session Reflection
- What were the three biggest strengths I demonstrated in today’s session?
- What is one area I want to improve for my next intake? What concrete steps will I take?
- How did the client respond to empathy and validation statements? What can I learn from their feedback or body language?
- What self-care or professional support will I engage in after this session to process my own experience?
Cool Down
Post-Session Self-Check
A brief exit ticket to capture your immediate reflections after an intake session.
- On a scale of 1–5, how confident do I feel about today’s session? What contributed to that rating?
- Which single technique (e.g., rapport-building, open questions, empathy statement) felt most effective, and why?
- What is one change I will make next time to strengthen the intake process?
- What self-care step will I take now to process and reset (e.g., brief walk, mindfulness, debrief with colleague)?