A 90-minute Tier 2 group lesson for young adults focused on identifying and challenging the cognitive distortion of 'mind reading' to improve communication and reduce anxiety.
Introduce the activity. Explain that they will role-play scenarios to understand mind-reading and its solutions.
Activity Instructions
1
Read your group's scenario card.
2
Part 1: Role-play the scenario with mind-reading.
3
Part 2: Role-play again, but reframe using strategies.
4
Be ready to share your reframed plays!
Explain the instructions for the activity clearly.
Strategy 1: Ask!
The best way to know what someone is thinking?
Just Ask Them!
"Are you upset about something?"
"Did I do something to bother you?"
"I noticed you're quiet. Is everything okay?"
Transition to strategies for challenging mind reading. Start with the most direct approach.
Strategy 2: Check for Evidence
Before you jump to conclusions, ask yourself:
What actual facts do I have?
Is there another explanation for their behavior?
Am I basing this on past experiences or the current situation?
What would I tell a friend in this situation?
Introduce checking for evidence as a key skill. This helps ground thoughts in reality.
Strategy 3: Communicate Openly
Share your own feelings and observations without accusing.
"I'm feeling a bit worried because you haven't responded. Is everything alright?"
"When you don't make eye contact, I sometimes wonder if you're upset. Is that what's happening?"
Emphasize open communication as a broader skill that helps prevent mind reading.
Key Takeaways
1
ASK clarifying questions.
2
CHECK for real evidence.
3
COMMUNICATE openly.
Summarize the key strategies and reinforce the goal of improved communication.
One Big Idea
What's one thing you'll try to do differently this week to avoid mind reading?
Introduce the cool-down activity.
You've Got This!
Practice makes progress. Be patient with yourself!
See you next time
Thank them and encourage continued practice.
Part 1: Act out the mind-reading assumption and its negative impact.
Part 2: Act out the same scenario, but apply our strategies: Ask, Check for Evidence, and Communicate Openly.
Teacher: "I'll give you about 15 minutes. Be ready to share your reframed plays!"
Slide 10-12: Strategies
Teacher: "The absolute best way to know what someone is thinking is surprisingly simple: Ask them! Instead of assuming, try asking clarifying questions. 'Are you upset about something?' or 'I noticed you're quiet. Is everything okay?'"
Teacher: "Next, check for evidence. Pause and ask: What actual, concrete facts do I have right now? Is there another explanation for their behavior? Maybe they're just tired or stressed about something else."
Teacher: "Finally, communicate openly. Share your feelings without accusing. 'I'm feeling a bit worried because I haven't heard back. Is everything alright?'"
Worksheet & Wrap-Up
Teacher: "Now, I'm going to hand out the Challenging Mind Reading Worksheet. We'll go through the first couple together, then you'll finish on your own or in pairs."
Teacher: "To wrap up (Slide 13), remember: Ask, Check, Communicate. These are your tools for better communication."
Slide 14-15: Cool Down
"For our cool down, jot down one thing you'll try differently this week. Remember, practice makes progress. You've got this! Thank you for participating today."
