Lesson Plan
Threshold Technique Outline
Guide the 11th grade student through a structured 50-minute individual counseling session using threshold imagery to identify personal transitions, chart milestones of change, and commit to new behaviors.
This session helps students recognize and own key moments of growth, build self-awareness, and set actionable commitments to support ongoing development.
Audience
11th Grade Student
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Step-by-step guided visualization and hands-on activities
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Familiarize yourself with the Threshold Guided Visualization script and practice pacing - Preview the Stepping Stones of Change slide deck to ensure smooth transitions - Print or have digital access ready for the Change Milestone Tracker worksheet - Prepare a quiet, comfortable space for the session and have any candle or timer ready for the Commitment Candle Reflection cool-down
Step 1
Introduction & Rapport Building
5 minutes
- Greet the student warmly and check in on current feelings
- Briefly explain the purpose: to explore moments of change and envision growth thresholds
- Set mutual goals and confidentiality for the session
Step 2
Explore the Threshold Concept
10 minutes
- Discuss personal changes the student has experienced (e.g., academic, social, identity)
- Introduce the 'threshold' metaphor: a doorway between past and future selves
- Ask the student to identify a recent threshold moment they felt they crossed
Step 3
Guided Visualization
15 minutes
- Read or play the Threshold Guided Visualization script
- Encourage the student to close their eyes, breathe, and immerse in the imagery
- After the visualization, pause to let them capture immediate impressions
Step 4
Stepping Stones Activity
10 minutes
- Present the Stepping Stones of Change slide deck
- Guide the student to plot 3–5 key milestones leading up to and beyond their threshold
- Use the Change Milestone Tracker to record dates, feelings, and next steps
Step 5
Discussion & Reflection
5 minutes
- Ask open questions: Which milestone feels most pivotal? What strengths did you draw on?
- Discuss any patterns or surprises in their tracker
- Reinforce how these insights can guide future goals
Step 6
Commitment Candle Cool-Down
5 minutes
- Introduce the Commitment Candle Reflection exercise
- Have the student write one concrete behavior they commit to as their 'candle flame'
- Conclude by 'lighting' (or imagining lighting) the candle, then gently 'blowing out' to seal the commitment
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Slide Deck
Stepping Stones of Change
Welcome! In this activity, we’ll map 3–5 key milestones—before, during, and after your threshold moment—to create a visual path of your personal growth.
Introduce the Stepping Stones activity. Explain that each stone represents a meaningful milestone on the student’s journey of growth and change.
The Metaphor of Stepping Stones
• Each stone marks a point of change or achievement
• Stones link past experiences to future possibilities
• Visualizing stones helps you see how far you’ve come—and where you’re headed
Describe the metaphor: stones across a stream or along a path, each marking progress. Emphasize that we build on past successes to reach future goals.
Identify Your Threshold Moment
- Think of a recent moment when you felt you crossed into a new phase (academic, social, identity).
- Describe what happened and how you felt before and after.
- Write a brief title for this threshold.
Guide the student to identify one pivotal change moment, their ‘threshold.’ Take time for them to reflect silently if needed.
Stone 1: Milestone Before Threshold
• What was happening in your life just before you crossed the threshold?
• When did this milestone occur? (date or period)
• What strengths or resources helped you reach it?
Prompt the student to list a milestone that led up to the threshold. Encourage specific dates, feelings, and actions.
Stone 2: Your Threshold
• Write your threshold title at the center stone
• Note vivid details: sights, sounds, feelings
• How did this moment transform your perspective?
Focus on the threshold stone itself. Have the student capture sensory details and emotions tied to that key change.
Stones 3 & 4: Future Milestones
• What new skills or habits will you develop next?
• Set target dates or timeframes
• Identify supports or challenges you anticipate
Encourage the student to project forward. List 1–2 stones representing next steps beyond the threshold.
Connecting Your Path
• Stand back and view your stones in order
• What patterns emerge in your growth?
• How can this visual guide inform your next goals?
Help the student see the whole journey. Discuss patterns, strengths used, and how this map can guide future planning.
Script
Threshold Guided Visualization Script
Teacher Script (15 minutes)
- Settle In (2 minutes)
“Please find a comfortable position in your chair. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, hands resting loosely in your lap. When you’re ready, gently close your eyes. Let your shoulders relax, and take a slow, deep breath in through your nose… hold it for a moment… and then exhale fully through your mouth. We’ll do that again: inhale… (pause 4 seconds)… and exhale… (pause 4 seconds). Allow any tension in your body to melt away with each breath.” - Grounding Your Senses (2 minutes)
“Now bring your attention to the rise and fall of your chest. Notice the gentle rhythm of your breathing. If your mind wanders, simply acknowledge the thought and return your focus to the breath. As you breathe, notice how your body feels—any points of contact with the chair, the floor beneath your feet. Feel rooted and supported.” - Imagining the Path (3 minutes)
“Imagine you are standing at the beginning of a quiet path. Around you, the air is calm and filled with soft light. You notice details: the color of the sky, a gentle breeze, maybe the scent of earth or leaves. In the distance, you see a doorway or archway standing at the end of this path—your threshold moment.” - Approaching the Threshold (3 minutes)
“Begin to walk slowly along the path toward that doorway. With each step, feel your confidence growing. Notice the ground beneath your feet, solid and warm. As you move closer, observe the threshold’s details: its shape, color, texture. Maybe it’s made of stone or wood. Perhaps there is light shining around its edges. Allow yourself to feel calm curiosity.” - Standing at the Threshold (2 minutes)
“Now you stand directly in front of the threshold—this special doorway between who you were and who you are becoming. Before you cross, take a moment to reflect. In your mind, ask yourself: ‘What version of me stands on the other side?’ Notice any emotions, images, or words that come. This is your emerging self—stronger, more aware.” - Crossing the Threshold (1 minute)
“When you’re ready, take a gentle step through the doorway. As you cross, imagine leaving behind any doubts or fears that no longer serve you. Feel a sense of possibility wash over you. You are stepping into a new phase of your life.” - Meeting Your Future Self (2 minutes)
“On the other side, see your future self waiting there—someone who has grown through challenges, learned new strengths, and embraced change. Notice how they stand, the expression on their face, the energy they radiate. In your mind, you can ask them silently: ‘What strengths have I discovered? What guidance can you share?’ Listen carefully for any insights.” - Receiving Insights (1 minute)
“Allow a moment of stillness to receive any messages, words, or feelings from your future self. You might hear a phrase, see an image, or simply feel calm confidence. Let these insights settle deep inside you.” - **Returning Through the Threshold (1 minute)**n“When you are ready, say thank you to your future self. Step back through the doorway, carrying those insights with you. Feel the doorway gently close behind you. You return to this present moment, bringing new awareness and motivation.”
- Reconnecting to the Room (1 minute)
“Begin to deepen your breath again. Wiggle your fingers and toes. When you feel ready, slowly open your eyes, returning fully to the room. Take a moment to notice how you feel—calm, grounded, and energized by your personal vision of growth.”
Take a few seconds to jot down any immediate impressions or words that came to mind.
(Use your Change Milestone Tracker to capture these reflections and any new milestones you discovered.)
Worksheet
Change Milestone Tracker
Use this chart to record key milestones around your threshold moment. For each milestone, fill in the description, date or timeframe, your feelings or reflections, supports/resources you used, and your next steps or goals.
| Milestone Description | Date / Timeframe | Feelings / Reflections | Supports / Resources Used | Next Steps / Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ________________________________ | ________________ | ________________________________ | ________________________________ | ________________________________ |
| 2. ________________________________ | ________________ | ________________________________ | ________________________________ | ________________________________ |
| 3. ________________________________ | ________________ | ________________________________ | ________________________________ | ________________________________ |
| 4. ________________________________ | ________________ | ________________________________ | ________________________________ | ________________________________ |
| 5. (Optional) _______________________ | ________________ | ________________________________ | ________________________________ | ________________________________ |
Add more rows if needed.
Cool Down
Commitment Candle Reflection
As we close our session, use the candle metaphor to seal your commitment to growth.
1. Your Candle Flame (What one behavior will you commit to?):
2. Lighting Moment (When and how will you ‘light’ this commitment each day?):
3. Keeping the Flame Alive (What supports or reminders will you use?):
Take a slow, deep breath. Visualize lighting a candle that holds your promise. When you’re ready, gently blow out the candle—your commitment is now sealed and ready to guide you forward.