First Connection Facilitation Guide Facilitation Guide
First Connection
Establishing the foundation for high school counseling success.
Duration
30–45 Mins
Target
HS Freshmen
Required Materials
Privacy Handout, Dossier Card, Inner Blueprint Worksheet
Core Objectives
Humanize the counselor's role to reduce stigma and build trust.
Clearly define confidentiality using the "Privacy Promise" concept.
Gather initial baseline information via the "Inner Blueprint" activity.
Session Roadmap
1
Soft Launch (5 mins)
Vibe check: Ask "Scale of 1-10, how's your energy today?" to gauge baseline comfort.
2
Privacy Promise (7 mins)
Explain the "Safe Zone" and "Red Lines." Use the Privacy Promise handout to establish safety rules.
3
Dossier Guessing (10 mins)
Counselor shares hobbies from the Dossier Card; student guesses the 'lie' to humanize the relationship.
4
Inner Blueprint (15 mins)
Collaborative mapping of interests and goals. Use the worksheet as a visual anchor for the talk.
Wrap-Up Script
"Thanks for today. Next time we'll check in on the things we mapped out today. I'll see you at our next scheduled time."
* Hand student their copies of all cards to keep. End of Session 01
Inner Blueprint Worksheet Inner Blueprint
Status: Initial Calibration // Freshmen Year
BLUEPRINT OWNER:
CALIBRATION DATE:
Current Coordinates
What's your world look like outside of school? (Hobbies, music, gaming, sports)
Power Source
What are you naturally good at? What gives you energy when you're drained?
Navigation Obstacles
What's making it hard to focus? Be honest—it stays in the vault.
Future Horizons
One goal or change you want to achieve by the end of this semester?
Session Comfort Calibration
Too Intense
1
2
3
4
5
Just Right
Counselor Dossier Card Classified
Personnel Dossier
Official Support Specialist
Attach Photo
Primary Agent Name
_________________________
Strategic Objective
To provide navigation support, academic guidance, and mental health resources to help you thrive throughout high school.
3 Truths & A Lie (Hobby Edition)
1. __________________________________
2. __________________________________
3. __________________________________
4. __________________________________
Interrogation Zone
Write one question for your counselor:
Confidential Personnel File // First Contact
Counselor Prep: Write your name and 4 statements (3 true, 1 false) in the spaces provided before printing or meeting. This activity is designed to humanize the office and build immediate trust.
Privacy Promise Handout The Privacy Promise
Confidentiality Agreement
The Safe Zone
Almost everything we talk about in this office is confidential. I will not share your stories, feelings, or secrets with teachers, parents, or friends without your permission.
The Red Lines
Safety Limits
I am legally required to break confidentiality in these three cases:
Self-Harm
Plans to hurt yourself.
Harm Others
Plans to hurt others.
Abuse
If you are being abused.
"I understand that my conversations are private unless there is a safety concern. My counselor is here to help keep me safe."
Student
Counselor
