Choice Loop Facilitator Guide Group Therapy Resource
Choice Loop
Actions & Consequences • Real Life Choices Guide
FACILITATOR GUIDE
Emotional Learning & Social Thinking
Game Purpose
A reusable group game designed to demystify social choices and reduce cognitive overload. Players practice identifying feelings, tracing consequences, and applying active repair strategies. Works exceptionally well for neurodivergent individuals and mixed-ability peer groups.
Ages 8–18 15–45 Mins 2–10 Players
Core Insights
"What I do affects what is next."
Feelings always precede reactions.
Pausing unlocks healthy choices.
The Choice Loop Turn Flow
Step 1
Draw Action
Introduce card situation
Step 2
Feeling Check
"How might they feel?"
Step 3
Consequence
Trace direct outcome
Step 4
Fix It Option
Suggest repair options
Step 5
Try Again
Roleplay better response
Materials & Setup
Game Cards: Print and cut the card deck. Keep them in 4 distinct color-coded piles or bowls: Actions, Feelings, Consequences, and Fix Its.Tabletop Play Mat: Lay the poster/mat in the center. Place a single tracking token on Step 1 to move as the turn progresses.Reward Tokens: Hand out buttons, chips, or standard board game tokens to celebrate repairs and positive roleplay attempts.
Play Formats
Option A: Circle Loop (Recommended)
Best for small clinical sessions. Players sit in a circle, take turns drawing, and collaborate on choices.
Option B: Station Rotation
Ideal for larger classrooms. Set up 3 color-coded tables with specific categories. Groups rotate tasks.
Option C: Show Host Style
Excellent for high energy. Facilitator acts as gameshow host, engaging teams in lightning-fast scenario battles.
Choice Loop Therapy Companion Page 1 of 2 © 2026 Choice Loop
Play Modes & Scripts
Active Facilitation
How to run discussions, scaffold answers, and review choices
FACILITATION
Classroom-Ready Guide
Adaptive Play Modes (Select One)
🟢 Calm Mode
Slower pace, heavily supported discussions. Focus on learning.
🔥 Challenge Mode
10-second rapid timer per response. Boosts fast focus.
🤝 Team Mode
Consensus-driven choices. Targets cooperative strategy.
🎲 Random Mode
Roll a standard die to determine focus action type.
Step-by-Step Facilitator Script
📢 Introducing the Game
"Welcome back, team! Today we are playing 'Choice Loop'. In this game, there is no winning or losing against each other. Instead, we are all working together to find the healthiest ways out of messy real-life situations. Every action has a feeling and consequence attached. Our job is to close the loop with a 'Fix It' choice."
💬 Prompting Step 2: Feeling Check
"Look at this Action card. Let's step into their shoes. How might the other person feel? Pick a feeling from our board. Is it just one feeling, or could it be a mix of two?"
🛠️ Guiding Step 4 & 5: Fix It & Replay
"Oof, that consequence is tough. But wait—we have tools! What 'Fix It' choice can help mend this situation? Let's act it out or re-do that original scenario using the Fix It card. Show me how it sounds!"
Post-Game Reflection & Debrief
Trace the Patterns
"When we felt angry, did our default actions match our goals? Which 'Fix It' option did you find yourself wanting to use the most during our play?"
Apply to Reality
"Can you think of a time this week when you needed a 'Fix It' option but didn't know how to use it? How can we spot that pause moment tomorrow?"
Facilitator Tip: De-escalating Rigid Thinking
If players argue over "correct" feelings or consequences, validate them immediately: "That's a very interesting perspective. People often experience identical scenarios in vastly different ways. Let's see how our characters can move toward a repair anyway."
Choice Loop Therapy Companion Page 2 of 2 © 2026 Choice Loop
Choice Loop Game Cards Choice Loop: Action Cards
Extra-Large Cards • Cut along dashed lines. (Page 1 of 4)
Actions
Action Card
You ignore someone when they say "Hi" in the hallway.
"Why might you turn away?"
Action Card
You share your favorite snack or game with a classmate.
"What does sharing build?"
Action Card
You raise your voice when someone disagrees with you.
"How does your body feel?"
Action Card
You politely ask a teacher or friend for help with a task.
"Asking shows real strength!"
Action Card
You walk away to a quiet spot during a disagreement.
"Taking a safe-reset pause."
Action Card
You interrupt someone to tell your own story.
"What was the impulse?"
Action Card
You grab a game piece or toy without asking first.
"What can we do instead?"
Action Card
You high-five and say "good game" even after losing.
"Sportsmanship win!"
Choice Loop Deck • Actions Page 1 of 4 © 2026 Choice Loop
Choice Loop: Feeling Cards
Extra-Large Cards • Cut along dashed lines. (Page 2 of 4)
Feelings
Feeling Card
Left Out
Feeling like you are not welcome or aren't a part of the group.
"Where do you feel this inside?"
Feeling Card
Appreciated
Feeling that your help or presence is truly valued by others.
"What makes you feel appreciated?"
Feeling Card
Confused
Not understanding what is happening or why someone did something.
"Confusion is a sign to pause."
Feeling Card
Angry
A hot surge of energy that makes you want to push back or yell.
"Anger is a normal safety alarm."
Feeling Card
Included
Feeling wanted, invited to join in, and a part of the fun.
"How do you share this feeling?"
Feeling Card
Frustrated
Feeling blocked or stuck when trying to make things go your way.
"Breathe out the tension."
Feeling Card
Worried
Feeling nervous that you might make a mistake or get into trouble.
"It's safe to try again here."
Feeling Card
Choice Loop Play Mat TAPE / ALIGN LEFT HALF HERE
Cooperative Tabletop • Mega Mat (Part 1)
CHOICE LOOP PLAY MAT
Print both pages, tape together side-by-side
Left Side
1
Draw Action Card
2
Identify Feelings
Slot 1: Action
PLACE ACTION CARD
Draw and read the real-life situation out loud to the group.
"An action starts the loop."
Slot 2: Feeling Check
PLACE FEELING CARD
How does the other person feel? Pick from your options.
"Empathy guides us."
Setup Instructions
Place Action and Feeling card piles next to these spots for easy group access.
Choice Loop Tabletop Component • Left Side Part 1 of 2 © 2026 Choice Loop
TAPE / ALIGN RIGHT HALF HERE
Right Side
Continue the loop from left to right
Cooperative Tabletop • Mega Mat (Part 2)
3
Trace Consequence
4
Choose Fix It
5
Try Again / Reward
Slot 3: Consequence
PLACE CONSEQUENCE
What was the direct consequence of that action?
"Every path has an outcome."
Slot 4: Fix It Option
PLACE FIX IT CARD
Select a repair strategy to complete the choice loop.
"A bad start can end well!"
Team Repair Tally
Tally checkmarks here for every successful replay/repair roleplay!
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Choice Loop Tabletop Component • Right Side Part 2 of 2 © 2026 Choice Loop
