Counselor’s Calm-Spot Dialogue

Use this word-for-word script during the guided visualization portion of the lesson. Read each line calmly and slowly. Notice the pacing notes in brackets and allow full silence during each pause.

Counselor: “Let’s begin by making yourself comfortable. Sit back in your chair, rest your hands gently in your lap, and close your eyes if you feel ready.” [Pause 5 seconds]

Counselor: “Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose… and gently exhale through your mouth.” [Pause 4 seconds]

Counselor: “Again, inhale… (3)… (2)… (1)… and exhale.” [Pause 6 seconds]

Counselor: “Now, in your mind’s eye, picture a place where you feel completely safe and relaxed. It might be a real place you know, or somewhere you imagine for the very first time.” [Pause 8 seconds]

Counselor: “Notice the colors around you. Are they bright or soft? Warm or cool? Take a moment to see those colors clearly.” [Pause 10 seconds]

Counselor: “Next, listen carefully. What soothing sounds surround you? Perhaps the gentle crash of waves, rustling leaves, or soft music in the distance.” [Pause 10 seconds]

Counselor: “Now bring in the scents. Can you smell fresh air, flowers, pine needles, or something else that makes you feel calm?” [Pause 8 seconds]

Counselor: “Feel the textures under your feet or beneath your body. Maybe it’s soft grass, smooth stone, sand, or a cozy cushion.” [Pause 8 seconds]

Counselor: “Notice the temperature on your skin. Is there a warm sunbeam, a gentle breeze, or the cool shade of a tall tree?” [Pause 8 seconds]

Counselor: “Take a few moments now to walk around or sit in this calm spot. Let every detail fill you with peace and safety.” [Pause 12 seconds]

Counselor: “When you feel ready, slowly begin to bring your awareness back to the room.” [Pause 5 seconds]

Counselor: “Wiggle your fingers and toes… take a final, deep breath… and when you’re ready, open your eyes.”

Counselor: “How did that feel? What did you notice first in your calm spot?”

After reading, invite the student to share observations and then transition to the reflection slide. Ensure you maintain a calm tone throughout and speak slowly enough to allow full visualization.

My Calm Spot Blueprint

Instructions:

1. Draw your personalized calm spot in the box below.
2. Around your drawing, label key sensory details using the prompts.
3. List coping strategies you can use to “visit” this calm spot whenever you feel stressed.

1. Draw Your Calm Spot Here

2. Label Each Sensory Detail on Your Drawing

• Sight: ___________________________

• Sound: ___________________________

• Smell: ___________________________

• Texture: _________________________

• Temperature: ______________________

• Colors: ___________________________

3. Coping Strategies

List at least three ways you can mentally “go to” your calm spot or use its details when you’re feeling anxious or stressed.

1. _________________________________
   
   
   
2. _________________________________
   
   
   
3. _________________________________
   
   
   

Reflection: How I Feel in My Calm Spot

Instructions: Take a few moments to revisit your calm spot in your mind. Use the prompts below to reflect on your experience. There are no right or wrong answers—write openly and honestly.

1. What emotions did you notice when you first entered your calm spot? Why do you think you felt this way?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Which sensory detail (sight, sound, smell, texture, or temperature) felt strongest for you? Describe how it made you feel safe and relaxed.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Did any thoughts or memories come up as you visualized your calm spot? Write about what surfaced and how it affected your experience.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. On a scale of 1–10, how grounded or relaxed do you feel now compared to before the visualization? Explain what makes your current feeling different.
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Think about times during your day when you might feel stressed or anxious. List two specific situations and explain how imagining your calm spot could help you cope in each.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. (Optional) Draw a small symbol or sketch that represents your calm spot and the peace it brings you.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Opening Check-In

Instructions: Begin the session by inviting the student to notice and share their current feelings. Use the prompts below to gauge stress or anxiety levels before we start the main activity.

1. On a scale of 1–10, how calm or stressed do you feel right now? Why?
   
   
   
   
2. What’s one word that best describes your current mood?
   
   
   
   
3. Is there anything on your mind you’d like to share before we begin?