A multi-component clinical counseling lesson designed for 6th-grade emotional regulation, decision-making, and anger management. Integrates evidence-based CBT and DBT frameworks to help students shift from impulsive reactions to thoughtful, regulated responses.
I agree that my emotions belong to me, and I have the power to decide how I respond to them. This week, when I feel a "Spark", I will use my S.T.O.P. skill and flip one "Hot Thought" into a "Cool Thought."
Student Signature:
Clinician/Teacher:
Pause & Pivot Counseling Workbook Page 2 of 2
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Observe: "I don't know the exact story." Say: "I'll ask them about it quietly later."
Card 7
Phone Lockdown
You come home from a tough school day, and your parents take away your phone/console because you forgot to do your room chore.
🔥 React: Scream "You guys are unfair!", slam your bedroom door, or hide the phone.
(Grounded for weeks)
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Take deep breath. Say: "I'm frustrated, but I did forget. I'll do it now so I can get it back."
Card 8
The Math Quiz Surprise
You studied for over an hour for your math quiz and felt confident, but the teacher hands it back with a red "C-" written on top.
🔥 React: Rip up the paper, throw it in the trash, and yell "Math is stupid, I quit!"
(Zeros on gradebook)
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Inhale/exhale. Observe: "I'm disappointed, but a C- is still passing. Let's see what I missed."
Cut out these cards along the dotted lines to practice CBT & DBT in action during role-play!
Printable Activity Kit • Deck B
Card 9
Pencil Crisis
A big quiz starts in 1 minute and you realize you have no pencil. You ask a classmate if they have an extra, and they roll their eyes and say "No way."
🔥 React: Sarcastic shout: "Fine, keep your dumb pencil!", getting the teacher's attention negatively.
(Lose focus)
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Take a breath. Raise your hand quietly and ask the teacher: "Excuse me, may I borrow a pencil?"
Card 10
Recess Exclusion
You go to join classmates playing basketball. One of them grabs the ball and says: "Sorry, our teams are completely even, go play somewhere else."
🔥 React: Kick the ball away, scream that they are mean, or start a physical pushing match.
(Recess ban)
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Reframe thought: "It's just recess basketball. I can play four-square or join another group over there."
Card 11
Game Interruption
You are at the absolute climax of an online multiplayer match. Your parent walks in and yells: "Turn that off and do your chores right now!"
🔥 React: Yell back: "Just 5 more minutes! You're ruining my game!", slam your desk.
(Lose console for week)
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Take slow breath. Say: "I'm in the middle of a team match. Can I shut it down in exactly 2 minutes?"
Card 12
Sarcastic Teasing
During gym, someone mocks your speed, saying: "Whoa, slow down Flash, don't want you hurting your legs running that slowly!"
🔥 React: Turn around and shout a personal insult about their appearance or intelligence.
(Gym teacher timeout)
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Observe: "They are trying to get a reaction. I won't give them one." Shrug and keep running.
Card 13
Misplaced Charger
Your brother took your Chromebook charger without asking. Your laptop is at 2% battery and you have a slide presentation next period.
🔥 React: Storm into their room, rip their charging cables out, and slam their door.
(Fistfight/Grounded)
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Inhale. Calm down. Trade him: "I have 2% left and a project right now. Can I borrow it for 30 minutes?"
Card 14
The Seating Chart
Your science teacher assigns seats. You get put right next to a student who was teasing you last week, while all your friends sit together.
🔥 React: Moan loudly, refuse to sit down, roll your eyes, or curse under your breath.
(Teacher conflict)
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Accept situation temporarily. Focus on work. Ask teacher privately later if seats can shift.
Card 15
The Secret Photo
You learn a classmate snapped an embarrassing photo of you asleep in social studies and shared it in a private 6th-grade group chat.
🔥 React: Confront them aggressively, steal their phone, or post an equally embarrassing rumor about them.
(Cyberbullying charge)
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Take deep breath. Save screenshots. Take evidence directly to a trusted counselor or principal.
Card 16
The Canceled Friday
Your best friend cancels Friday movie plans saying they're sick. Later, you see an Instagram story of them hanging out with other classmates.
🔥 React: Spam their phone with angry texts calling them a liar and ending the friendship.
(Ruined friendship)
❄️ Respond: S.T.O.P. Cool your mind. Reframing: "I feel hurt and lied to. I'll cool down first, then talk to them about it tomorrow."
