Healing Connection Lesson Plan Healing Through Connection
Individual Tier 3 Support Session
45 Minutes
8th Grade (Individual)
Objective
To help an 8th-grade girl process grief through emotional scaling, normalizing feelings, journaling, creative expression, and maintaining social connections after the sudden loss of her boyfriend.
The Why
This lesson provides a safe, structured environment for a student to explore intense emotions, offering practical tools for emotional processing and healthy coping during acute grief.
Session Approach
Empathetic: Focus on validation and active listening.Supportive: Create a container where any emotion is acceptable.Structured: Provide tools (scaling, journaling) to ground the experience.
Materials List
Session Script (facilitation guide)
Emotional Scaling Guide
My Healing Journey: Grief Journal
Creative Expression Activity Sheet
Art Supplies (paper, markers, pencils)
Session Prep
1
Review the Session Script and Journal Prompts to familiarize yourself with the emotional flow.
2
Gather high-quality art supplies (markers, colored pencils, crayons) for the creative portion.
3
Ensure the space is private and uninterrupted . Dim lighting or soft music can help foster safety.
Instructional Steps
5 MIN
Welcome & Check-in
Warmly greet and explain the purpose: exploring feelings and finding coping ways.
Introduce the Emotional Scaling Guide .
Identify current state and validate any expressed emotions.
10 MIN
Normalizing Grief
Explain that grief is a natural, overwhelming response with no "wrong" way to feel.
Share common reactions (sadness, anger, numbness).
Refer to Session Script for key talking points.
10 MIN
Journaling & Reflection
Introduce journaling as a personal tool for processing thoughts privately.
Provide the Grief Journal .
Offer a prompt or two; allow space for drawing if preferred.
15 MIN
Creative Expression
Art can express emotions that are difficult to put into words.
Guide through Creative Expression Activity .
Encourage use of colors and shapes to represent feelings or memories.
5 MIN
Closure & Coping
Discuss social connection and wrap up strategies.
Identify trusted people for support.
Summarize discussed tools and schedule a follow-up check-in.
Emotional Scaling Worksheet Emotional Check-in
My Feelings Scale
Sometimes it can be hard to put a name to how we're feeling, especially when things are really tough. This scale can help you describe how you're doing right now. There's no right or wrong answer—just what feels true for you in this moment.
How are you feeling today? (Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10)
9-10
Intense Overwhelm
"I feel completely consumed by my emotions. It's hard to breathe or think. I might feel like I can't handle this feeling."
7-8
Significant Distress
"I feel overwhelmed with sadness, anger, or worry. It's hard to think clearly. My body feels tense or heavy."
5-6
Moderate Discomfort
"I feel noticeably sad or anxious. My feelings are getting harder to ignore. It's taking effort to stay focused."
3-4
A Little Unsettled
"I feel a bit sad or uneasy. Things are a little off, but I'm okay. I can still focus, but there's a low hum of discomfort."
1-2
Feeling Calm & Okay
"I feel peaceful and grounded. I'm managing my emotions well. I feel a sense of calm or acceptance."
Reflect and Share
1. What number are you at today?
2. What does that number feel like for you? (You can describe emotions, physical sensations, or thoughts).
3. What might help you move down a number or two on the scale, even just a little bit?
Grief Journal My Healing Journey
A Grief Journal
This journal is a safe and private space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. There are no right or wrong answers, just your own honest reflections. Feel free to write, draw, or simply doodle. You don't have to share anything you write here unless you choose to.
1. Remembering Him
What is a cherished memory you have of [Boyfriend's Name] that brings a smile to your face, even now? Describe it in detail.
2. Waves of Emotion
Grief can feel like waves, coming and going. What emotions are you feeling most strongly today? Try to describe them without judgment.
3. Unspoken Words
If you could say one more thing to [Boyfriend's Name], what would it be? Write it down as if you're speaking directly to him.
4. Holding On and Letting Go
What is something you want to hold onto about [Boyfriend's Name] and your time together? Is there anything you feel ready to let go of, even a little bit?
5. My Support System
Who are the people in your life who make you feel safe and loved right now? How can you reach out to them when you need support?
6. Finding Moments of Peace
Even amidst sadness, can you think of one small moment today or recently where you felt a tiny bit of peace, comfort, or even a distraction? Describe it.
7. Looking Ahead (Gently)
What is one small hope or wish you have for yourself in the coming days or weeks, as you continue on your healing journey?
"Healing takes time, and you are doing the hard work."
Creative Expression Activity Sheet Creative Expression Through Art
A Path to Healing
Sometimes it's hard to find the words to describe how we feel. Art can be a wonderful way to express emotions, remember special moments, and process difficult experiences without having to say anything at all.
Colors of My Heart & Memories
1
Find Your Space
Take a moment to find a comfortable and quiet spot where you can focus on your feelings.
2
Connect with Your Emotions
Close your eyes for a moment. Gently think about your feelings right now. Don't try to change them, just notice them.
3
Choose Your Colors
Which colors represent your feelings today? (e.g., blue for sadness, red for anger, yellow for a happy memory, grey for confusion).
4
Create Without Rules
Let your hands and colors express what's inside. You can create shapes, patterns, or just a wash of colors. You can draw a specific memory or a symbol of love.
My Color Palette
Shade in the colors you feel drawn to today...
Reflect (Optional)
What do you notice about your creation?
How does looking at it make you feel?
Workspace
"There are no rules, only your feelings."
Session Script Facilitation Guide Session Script
Healing Through Connection
Tier 3 Individual Support
Time: 45 Minutes Total
Counselor Notes
This script is a guide. Use your professional judgment to adjust the pace based on the student's needs. If she needs more time in one area, allow it. The goal is connection and processing, not completion of every page.
5 MIN
1. Welcome & Check-in
Counselor Dialogue:
"Hi [Student's Name], thank you for coming today. I know this is a really difficult time, and I appreciate you being here. This is a safe and confidential space for you to talk about anything you need to. My goal today is just to talk about some ways you can understand and cope with the feelings you're having. How does that sound?"
"To help us get a sense of how you're feeling right now, I want to introduce this Emotional Scaling Guide. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is feeling completely calm and 10 is feeling overwhelmed, where would you say you are right now?"
Student Response / Notes:
10 MIN
2. Normalizing Grief
Counselor Dialogue:
"Losing someone suddenly is incredibly painful. What you're experiencing is your heart and mind's natural way of reacting to a big loss. There's no 'right' or 'wrong' way to grieve. Many people feel waves of sadness, anger, confusion, or even numbness. All of these are normal."
"Have you noticed yourself feeling any of these things, or perhaps other emotions?"
Student Response / Notes:
10 MIN
3. Journaling & Reflection
Counselor Dialogue:
"Journaling is a private space where you can write without judgment. I have a Grief Journal here for you. Would you like to try writing for a few minutes, or perhaps draw if that feels better? We can start with a happy memory or just how you're feeling right now."
Observation Notes (during journaling):
15 MIN
4. Creative Expression
Counselor Dialogue:
"Sometimes words aren't enough. Art can be a powerful way to let those emotions out. Using these colors, can you create anything that comes to mind when you think about your feelings or memories? There's no right or wrong way."
*(After activity)* "Would you like to share anything about what you created?"
Student Response / Notes:
5 MIN
5. Coping & Closure
Counselor Dialogue:
"You've shared so much today. Remember, you don't have to go through this alone. Who are some people in your life that you feel safe talking to? It's okay to lean on them. How are you feeling about our session today?"
