Kickoff Lesson Plan Counseling Kickoff
Session 1: Establishing Connection & Clarity
Tier 3 Individual
15 Minutes
The "Why"
Establishing trust and clear expectations in the first session helps the student feel safe, engaged, and informed, laying a strong foundation for effective counseling and goal attainment.
Objective
Introduce the student to the counseling process, build initial rapport through an icebreaker, and collaboratively set a first counseling goal.
Preparation
Review session objectives and plan.
Print copies of Counseling Expectations & Process Worksheet .
Print and cut out Getting to Know You Activity Cards .
Arrange a quiet, comfortable space for a private session.
Materials Needed
Process Worksheet
Prompt Cards
Two Truths Worksheet
Facilitation Guide
Welcome & Introductions
"Hi! I'm so glad you're here. My name is [Name] and I'm the counselor here."
Introduce yourself and your role.
Briefly mention confidentiality (full explanation later).
Ask the student for their name and one thing they enjoy.
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| 5 MIN |
Icebreaker: Getting to Know You
Shuffle the Getting to Know You Cards .
Model first: draw a card and answer the prompt honestly.
Invite the student to draw and share. Aim for 3–4 cards total.
Validate their answers and find points of connection.
|
| 4 MIN |
Counseling Overview
Use the Counseling Expectations Worksheet .
Explain purpose: "A private space for thoughts and goals."
Review the "Safety Rules" (Confidentiality limits) clearly.
Discuss the counselor role vs. student role.
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| 3 MIN |
Set Initial Goal
Collaboratively identify one "First Step" goal.
Ask: "What is one thing you'd like to feel better about or get better at?"
Confirm meeting frequency (e.g., "We'll meet once a week on Tuesdays").
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| 1 MIN |
Wrap-Up
Summarize the session, thank them for sharing, and confirm the next meeting date.
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Getting to Know You Cards Activity Counselor Instructions
Cut out these cards and shuffle them. Place them face down. Model by drawing the first card yourself and answering. Invite the student to draw 3–4 cards to build rapport and comfort.
Prompt 01
What’s your favorite hobby, and why?
Prompt 02
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Prompt 03
What’s one of your favorite movies or books?
Prompt 04
What dish or food do you enjoy the most?
Prompt 05
Do you have a favorite animal? Tell me about it.
Prompt 06
What’s your ideal way to spend a weekend?
Prompt 07
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Prompt 08
Is there a fictional character you wish you could meet?
Prompt 09
Share one thing that always makes you smile.
Prompt 10
Which do you prefer: the beach or the mountains? Why?
Prompt 11
Tell me a fun fact about yourself.
Prompt 12
What’s your favorite subject in school, and why? Counseling Expectations Process Worksheet Counseling Kickoff
Understanding the Process & Setting Goals
Student Name:
Date:
1
What Is Counseling?
Counseling is a safe, private space where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, and goals. Your counselor is here to listen, support you, and help you develop skills and strategies to reach your goals.
In your own words, what do you think counseling is?
2
Confidentiality & Limits
Private
Most of what we share stays between us. I won't share your secrets unless there is a safety concern.
Safety Exceptions
• Danger to yourself or someone else.
• Suspected abuse or neglect.
• A court order.
Do you have any questions about confidentiality?
3
Roles in Counseling
My Role (Counselor)
• Listen without judgment.
• Teach new skills and strategies.
• Help you work toward goals.
Your Role (Student)
• Speak honestly and openly.
• Try new strategies between sessions.
• Share if something doesn't feel right.
In your own words, what is your role in counseling?
4
My First Counseling Goal
My First Goal:
First Step I Can Take:
5
Questions or Concerns
Use this space for any questions or thoughts you want to share now or later...
Two Truths and A Wish Game Icebreaker Game
Two Truths & A Wish
Share two true facts about yourself and one wish related to our time in counseling. This helps me learn about you and what you hope to achieve through these sessions.
Truth 1
Truth 2
My Wish
Reflection Questions
1. What does this wish mean to you?
2. How might we work together to make this wish come true?
3. Are there any small steps you feel ready to take today toward that wish?
