EMDR Basics

This lesson introduces 10th grade students to grounding practices that can help manage trauma-related stress and anxiety. Through experiential learning and inquiry-based activities, students will explore techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to manage emotional distress, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

This two-session lesson is designed for a 13-year-old girl to explore and develop coping mechanisms after surviving trauma. The lesson aims to empower her with practical strategies to manage emotions and build resilience. Each session is 25 minutes long and includes a lesson plan, activity, and discussion to facilitate understanding and application of these vital skills.

This single-session, 25-minute individual counseling lesson helps a 9th-grade student understand how trauma impacts brain function and stress responses. By simplifying complex neuroscience, it empowers students with insight into their own experiences and builds self-awareness.

A one-on-one Tier 3 grief counseling session designed for a 9th-grade student, empowering them to identify and process emotions, externalize grief, and develop personalized coping strategies. This 30-minute session equips the counselor with a structured plan and materials to guide the student toward self-compassion and resilience.

In this 30-minute Tier 3 individual lesson, students will explore PTSD symptoms and coping strategies to build personal resilience. Understanding trauma responses and practicing grounding techniques is crucial for supporting emotional health and self-awareness.

This lesson aims to help elementary teachers understand secondary trauma and provide practical strategies to manage it. Secondary trauma can significantly affect teacher well-being and their capacity to effectively support students. This brief discussion-focused lesson highlights the importance of self-care and peer support, promoting a supportive school environment.

A 30-minute individual support session guiding 8th graders through understanding and coping with grief. This session helps students recognize grief emotions, learn healthy coping strategies, and create personal action plans for emotional support. Appropriate for Tier 3 one-on-one counseling.

This lesson uses a game-based approach to help two second-grade girls process trauma related to their biological parents. By engaging in a picture-based activity, the students will explore their feelings and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment. This lesson is important as it provides a gentle and interactive way for the students to express themselves and begin healing, using strategies that are accessible given their reading and spelling levels.

This lesson aims to introduce second graders to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help them manage anxiety. Through a combination of game-based learning, experiential activities, and discussion, students will learn to identify anxious thoughts and practice calming strategies. This lesson is important as it equips young students with tools to manage their emotions, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

This 6-session individual lesson for a 6th-grade female student focuses on reducing anxiety, excessive worry, and overthinking using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions. Each 45-minute session is designed to empower the student with practical skills to manage anxiety, fostering emotional well-being and resilience.

This lesson introduces students to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Students will explore how these elements influence each other and learn practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety. This lesson is crucial for developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, which are essential for mental well-being and academic success.

This lesson introduces grounding techniques to help students manage distressing emotions and memories. It is designed to support a 6th-grade boy in overcoming trauma from a robbery by teaching him practical coping strategies. The lesson is important as it empowers students with tools to handle emotional distress, promoting resilience and emotional well-being.

In this 30-minute individual support session, students will develop a deeper understanding of PTSD—its causes, symptoms, and coping strategies—fostering self-awareness and resilience. This lesson empowers 12th graders with tools for managing trauma responses and seeking help when needed.

This lesson involves a simulation-based activity where students role-play as grief counselors and clients. Through this exercise, students will learn effective communication and empathy skills, which are crucial for interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence. The lesson includes feedback sessions to help students reflect on their performance and improve their skills, making it a valuable experience for personal and professional development.

Three-session series for a 13-year-old learning to manage OCD germ-related fears using visual strategies and guided exposure. Important for building coping skills and reducing distress.

This lesson is designed for 6th graders to help them understand and address their fears related to trauma. The objective is to provide students with strategies to manage their fears in a healthy way. The lesson will take approximately 15 minutes and includes a lesson plan, discussion, warm-up, and cool-down activities.

A one-on-one counseling session for a 4th grader with ADHD and behavioral symptoms, focused on building self-awareness of emotions and strategies for maintaining focus. This 60-minute, Tier 3 intervention will help the student identify triggers, practice coping skills, and develop a personalized action plan.

A focused session for students who have experienced trauma, helping them understand their emotions and reactions. This lesson is key to personal insight and emotional regulation.

A one-on-one, 15-minute session using a visual CBT compass to help a 12th grade student shift from distressing thoughts to balanced perspectives. This individualized lesson equips the student with a practical tool for self-regulation and cognitive reframing.

In this 30-minute individual session, adults will learn core Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to manage anxiety. This lesson is important because it equips participants with practical mindfulness and defusion strategies for real-life stressors, promoting psychological flexibility and well-being.

A one-on-one counseling session for 5th graders focused on identifying emotions and learning coping strategies. This Tier 3 individualized lesson empowers students to understand their feelings and practice tools for emotional regulation within 30 minutes.

This three-session individual counseling series for 8th graders focuses on reframing negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It's crucial for developing emotional resilience and improving mental well-being. Each session lasts 30 minutes and is designed to provide personalized support and practical strategies for managing negative thoughts.

In this three-session series designed for individual teen support (Tier 3), students will define depression, identify common symptoms, and learn the basics of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Each 25-minute session combines direct instruction, interactive activities, and reflective discussions to build awareness, coping skills, and emotional resilience.

In this high school lesson, students will explore the concept of trauma, distinguishing between what trauma is and what it is not, and learn how to apply trauma-informed practices while maintaining expectations. This lesson is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding in students, equipping them with the skills to support peers and themselves in a compassionate manner. The lesson will be conducted in one 45-minute session and is designed for a classroom-wide audience.

In this 30-minute individual session, adult learners will explore the fundamentals of trauma: its definition, types, and effects on mind and body. This session empowers participants with self-reflection and coping strategies to begin healing. Tailored for one-on-one support, it lays a foundation for deeper therapeutic work.

In this 20-minute individual counseling session, 2nd grade students will learn the Stop-Think-Go traffic light technique from CBT to pause, choose helpful thoughts, and make better choices. This Tier 3 lesson equips them with a practical self-regulation tool they can use at school and home.

An individualized 25-minute session for an 11th-grade student using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy techniques to strengthen present-moment focus and acceptance. This Tier 3 lesson provides a structured worksheet for prompts, a reflective journal, and a guided script for one-on-one coaching to support mindful awareness.

This lesson will help elementary teachers understand secondary trauma and provide strategies to manage it. By addressing secondary trauma, teachers can improve their well-being and efficacy in the classroom.

A 35-minute, one-on-one counseling session guiding an 11th grade student through layered self-reflection exercises to uncover deeper emotions using targeted prompts and activities. This Tier 3 lesson provides structured materials (framework, journal, script, activity) to help the student build emotional awareness and coping strategies.

An individual Tier 3 trauma-focused art therapy project for 10th graders, spanning multiple 70-minute sessions. Students use expressive painting to process trauma memories and emotions, guided by structured reflections and self-assessment. This project fosters emotional insight, coping skills, and therapeutic self-expression.

This lesson is designed for a visually impaired student experiencing low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. Over four 20-minute sessions, the student will learn and apply positive coping skills such as 'stop and think' strategies, 'I statements', anxiety coping skills, and grounding techniques. This lesson aims to empower the student to manage overwhelming scenarios and build resilience.

A 3-session CBT skills group for 10th graders with anxiety. Students will learn to identify cognitive distortions, fill out the CBT triangle, and reframe thoughts. These 30-minute Tier 2 group lessons build coping skills through interactive readings, discussions, games, and worksheets.

In this one-on-one Tier 3 session, a 5th grader will learn to recognize signs of trauma and practice personalized coping strategies. This lesson helps students build emotional self-awareness and resilience in a safe, supportive environment.

One-on-one coaching session for a 7th grade student to build a personalized set of coping strategies for managing big feelings and stress, aligned with CASEL’s emotion regulation competency. This Tier 3 individual support consists of a focused 20-minute session where the student will identify triggers, explore techniques, and create a customized coping toolbox to boost self-management and resilience.

A 4-session, 15-minute individual support program for a 2nd grader with trauma-related behaviors, focusing on building trust, emotional awareness, and coping skills. Through short, engaging activities like breathing exercises, emotion identification, and role-play, this series helps the student feel safe, understood, and empowered to manage anxiety and emotional outbursts.

One-on-one coaching session guiding a 7th grader to build a personalized emotion regulation toolbox of coping strategies, grounded in CASEL competencies—for self-management and resilience. This Tier 3 intervention is 20 minutes long and provides concrete practice and reflection.

This follow-up lesson will introduce students to the concept of cognitive reframing and how it can help them manage their emotions better. The lesson includes mindfulness exercises, practice scenarios, and group activities to reinforce learning. This session aims to enhance emotional intelligence and provide students with practical tools for emotional regulation.

An adventure-themed counseling session enabling 12th grade students to track emotional peaks and valleys and plan coping strategies. In this Tier 3 individual counseling session (60 minutes), the student embarks on a guided exploration of their emotional landscape to build self-awareness and resilience.

An individualized 30-minute counseling session for an 8th-grade student focusing on deep breathing and grounding techniques to manage anxiety in real time. This Tier 3 lesson equips the student with on-the-spot tools for emotional regulation and fosters self-awareness and resilience.

This series of 10 counseling lessons is designed for a 1st grade special education student, focusing on helping Elijah replace inappropriate communication with respectful verbal interactions during social encounters. Each 30-minute session will build on the previous one, teaching Elijah to manage frustration and negative emotions by using kind words and seeking adult support. These lessons are crucial for Elijah's social development and emotional regulation, providing him with essential life skills for positive interactions.

This follow-up individual counseling session aims to build on the previous lesson by introducing journaling and positive self-talk as additional strategies to manage overthinking. These techniques can help the student process thoughts and emotions more effectively, leading to improved mental well-being and focus.

In this small group session, students will explore how different triggers can lead to various emotions, using storytelling and role-play to illustrate these concepts. This lesson is vital for helping students manage their emotions effectively.

This 6-session individual lesson plan is designed for 2nd graders to help them process grief and work on emotional regulation and impulse control. Through engaging activities, worksheets, and games, students will learn to understand and manage their emotions in a supportive environment. This lesson is crucial for building emotional resilience and coping skills at a young age.

In this 10-minute Tier 3 coaching session, individual counseling trainees will learn how to set up and use an Outcome Insight Matrix to track client progress in real time. This skill helps trainees tailor feedback and enhance treatment planning by capturing outcome measures effectively.

An individualized CBT session guiding an 11th grade student through identifying and disputing core beliefs using targeted reading, worksheets, and reflection. This Tier 3 lesson deepens self-awareness and equips the student with practical CBT strategies in a single 55-minute session.

This lesson focuses on teaching students emotional regulation strategies through a combination of video content and interactive discussion. By understanding and practicing these strategies, students can better manage their emotions in various situations, leading to improved mental health and interpersonal relationships. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with tools to handle emotional challenges effectively, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.

This 6-week program is designed for a 9th-grade male student who enjoys art and struggles with mental health. The objective is to improve executive functioning skills, identify emotions, regulate emotions, and learn coping skills. Each session lasts 10 minutes and includes a lesson plan, worksheet, activity, game, discussion, project, and a cool-down activity.

In this 30-minute session, undergraduate students will learn foundational strategies for managing trauma, building resilience, and fostering emotional well-being. This Tier 1 lesson equips all students with practical tools to recognize trauma responses and apply healthy coping techniques in real-life scenarios.

This four-session lesson is designed for an 8th-grade girl with social anxiety, aiming to help her build confidence and security in her relationships. Through personalized activities and guided discussions, the student will learn strategies to manage anxiety and foster meaningful connections. Each session lasts 25 minutes and includes a lesson plan, slide deck, activity, and video to support learning.

A 30-minute one-on-one lesson for 6th graders focused on developing strategies to recognize, understand, and regulate emotions. This Tier 3 session provides personalized support and tools to help students gain confidence in managing their feelings in real-time.

This lesson explores the role of counseling services in shaping students' identities and experiences in public schools. It is designed for adults, focusing on how counseling can support the development of well-rounded individuals in a diverse society. The session will last 30 minutes and is crucial for understanding the integration of counseling in educational settings.

This lesson uses the video 'Tools for Managing Your Emotions' to teach students practical strategies for identifying, understanding, and managing their emotions. Activities include video viewing, discussion, and a hands-on activity to reinforce learning.

Students embark on an individualized journey to identify their emotional triggers and coping routes, helping counselors gain deep insight into personal patterns. This one-session, 60-minute Tier 3 lesson is designed for 9th graders and provides structured tools for mapping emotions, reflecting on patterns, and setting the foundation for personalized support.

In this Tier 3, single-session 60-minute lesson, teachers will guide an 11th-grade student through understanding and managing dissociation resulting from trauma. This trauma-informed session builds self-awareness, grounding skills, and coping strategies to empower the student to feel present and safe.

This lesson is designed for 11th-grade students to provide emotional support and coping strategies specifically for dealing with the death of a peer. It focuses on helping students process their grief, share their feelings, and build resilience through open discussion in a supportive environment. The session is tailored for a small group and lasts 30 minutes.

A guided individual counseling session using open-ended questions and reflective exercises to help a student articulate and manage emotions. This Tier 3 session is designed for an 8th grade student and takes 30 minutes, focusing on individual counseling techniques to foster self-awareness and emotional regulation.

In this 30-minute individual session, adults will learn practical coping strategies to manage depression, including mindfulness, cognitive techniques, and self-care planning. This session is vital for empowering participants to recognize and challenge negative thoughts, build resilience, and develop a personalized action plan.

This lesson aims to help 7th-grade students understand trauma and develop coping strategies. Through experiential and game-based learning, students will engage in activities that promote trauma-informed awareness and collaborative learning. This lesson is crucial for fostering resilience and emotional intelligence, equipping students with tools to manage stress and trauma effectively.

In this 30-minute individual lesson, students will learn healthy coping strategies to replace self-harm behaviors through discussion, reflection, and practice of grounding techniques. This session is designed for 13-year-old males in a group home and provides essential tools for managing distress and maintaining safety.

In this 90-minute IOP group session for adults in recovery, participants will learn to identify and understand common defense mechanisms they use, explore healthier coping strategies, and practice applying new skills. This lesson empowers clients to increase self-awareness and improve emotional regulation within a supportive group setting.

This lesson introduces 6th graders to the basics of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework, focusing on understanding thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This foundational knowledge is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and resilience, helping students manage their emotions and reactions in everyday situations. The lesson is designed for a single 15-minute session and includes engaging activities and a game to reinforce learning.

This lesson aims to help 8th-grade students explore their anxious thoughts and learn how to reframe them with self-compassion. By using restorative practices and trauma-informed teaching, students will engage in active and collaborative learning to develop empathy and realistic perspectives on their anxiety. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to manage anxiety, fostering emotional resilience and well-being.

This lesson aims to help adults understand and process grief and loss through restorative practices and trauma-informed teaching. Participants will engage in active and collaborative learning to explore their emotions and develop coping strategies. This lesson is important as it provides a supportive environment for individuals to express their feelings and learn from shared experiences, fostering emotional resilience and healing.

This lesson provides students with a comprehensive understanding of anxiety, including its causes, effects, and management strategies. Through a guest speaker session and a coping mechanisms workshop, students will gain practical insights and tools to handle anxiety effectively. This lesson is crucial for fostering emotional well-being and equipping students with skills to manage stress in their daily lives.

A 6-session, 30-minute Tier 3 support series guiding a high school female student through strategies to understand, confront, and overcome trauma-related fears. Through discussions, activities, games, and reflections, the student will build coping skills, self-awareness, and resilience to transform fear into personal strength.

This lesson plan is designed to educate teachers on the benefits of trauma-informed approaches in the classroom. By understanding and implementing these strategies, teachers can create a supportive and nurturing environment that enhances student learning and well-being. This lesson will help teachers recognize the impact of trauma on students and equip them with practical tools to foster a positive classroom atmosphere.

This one-on-one session introduces a student to the concept of anxiety, its effects on the body, and common stressors. The student will engage in a personalized discussion and activities to identify personal stressors and practice strategies to manage anxiety. This session is important as it equips the student with essential skills to handle stress, promoting mental well-being and resilience.