Counselor’s Dialogue Script

This script provides exact phrasing, empathic responses, and prompts for each stage of the one-on-one family meeting. Use notes and cues to guide tone and pacing.

1. Welcome & Introductions (2 minutes)

Counselor: "Hello [Family Names], thank you so much for being here. I’m [Counselor Name], the school counselor. I appreciate you taking this time to meet one-on-one."

Cues: Smile, make eye contact, use warm tone.

Counselor: "Everything we discuss today is confidential. My goal is to understand your concerns and support your family’s well-being."

Counselor: "To get us started, could you share what brought you here today or what your main concerns are for [Student Name]?"

Cues:

• Listen without interruption.
• Reflect back key words: “You mentioned….”
• Empathic response if needed: “I can imagine that feels challenging.”

2. Review Session Goals (3 minutes)

Counselor (displaying slide): "Today, we’ll cover three goals: 1) Identify supports that match your needs; 2) Map out a personalized plan to connect with these services; 3) Set up a follow-up so you feel supported."

Counselor: "Here’s our agenda on the screen." [Point to each bullet]

Counselor: "Do these objectives match what you’d like to achieve? Would you add anything?"

Cues:

• Pause for family feedback.
• Validate any additions: “That’s a great point—let’s include that.”

3. Explore Family Needs & Strengths (5 minutes)

Counselor: "Tell me more about the challenges [Student Name] is facing right now."

Cues: Give space; nod; take notes.

Counselor: "Thank you for sharing that. It sounds like [reflect challenge]. What strengths or strategies have you noticed help [Student Name] cope?"

Cues:

• Encourage examples of past successes.
• Empathic response: “It sounds like you’ve shown great resilience.”

Counselor: "I appreciate your insight and the steps you’ve already taken."

4. Present Service Pathways (7 minutes)

Counselor: "Let’s look at some local resources. First, community supports: family counseling centers, youth mentorship programs, parent support groups, and after-school enrichment."

[Slide: Local Community Resources]

Counselor: "For example, Hope Family Services offers family counseling on a sliding scale. Have you heard of them before?"

Cues: Invite questions; note any concerns.

Counselor: "Next, mental health services include school-based counseling (free on campus), community clinics (sliding scale), teletherapy apps like TalkNow, and crisis hotlines such as 988. These are confidential and affordable."

[Slide: Mental Health Services]

Counselor: "Which of these feels like the best fit for your family right now?"

Cues: Listen for preferences; highlight affordability and confidentiality.

5. Map Personalized Resources (5 minutes)

Counselor: "I have the Personalized Resource Map Worksheet. Let’s select one or two services you want to pursue."

Counselor (handing worksheet): "Which service would you like to start with? Let’s write down:
• Service Name
• Contact Person & Info
• Referral Steps
• Timeline"

Cues: Guide family to fill each field; clarify next steps.

Counselor: "Who will be responsible for making that first call or submitting the form?"

Empathic: "Taking that first step can feel big—you’re not alone, and I’m here to help."

6. Develop Follow-Up Plan (3 minutes)

Counselor: "Now we’ll use the Follow-Up Plan Rubric to set action items, deadlines, and a check-in date."

Counselor: "For example: 1) [Parent Name] calls Hope Family Services by Friday; 2) Counselor follows up with you next Wednesday at 3 p.m. Does that work?"

Cues:

• Confirm dates and responsibilities.
• Offer alternatives if needed.

Counselor: "Thank you for your time and honesty today. Remember, you can reach out if any barriers come up. I look forward to our follow-up meeting."

Counselor: "Have a great day, and take care!"

Personalized Resource Map Worksheet

Instructions: Use this worksheet to outline the details for each service you plan to pursue.

1. Service Name:
   
   
   
   

2. Contact Person/Organization:
   
   
   
   

3. Contact Information (phone/email):
   
   
   
   

4. Referral Steps or Next Actions:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Timeline/Deadline:
   
   
   
   

6. Responsible Person (who will follow up?):
   
   
   
   

Repeat this form as needed for additional services.

Follow-Up Plan Rubric

Use this rubric to evaluate the quality and completeness of your follow-up plan. Score each criterion from 1 to 4 and total for a maximum of 16 points.

Scoring Guide:
• 16 – 14: Exemplary plan, ready for immediate implementation.
• 13 – 10: Solid plan with minor improvements needed.
• 9 – 6: Plan requires significant elaboration or clarification.
• 5 – 4: Plan incomplete; major revisions necessary.

Use this rubric during the “Develop Follow-Up Plan” segment of the session to guide families in crafting a strong, actionable next-step plan. Adjust responsibilities, deadlines, or strategies as needed based on family feedback.