Impact Talk Guide
Counselor's Impact Talk Guide
Advanced Facilitation for Student One-on-Ones • Grades 5–8
MI Framework
Harm Reduction
Refined OARS Strategy
- Open: "If things were better tomorrow, what would be the first sign?"
- Affirm: "It takes strength to be this honest about your struggle."
- Reflect: "You feel a conflict between fitting in and staying healthy."
- Sum: "Vaping is stress relief, but you feel it's slowing you down."
Rolling with Resistance
Validate autonomy when a student shuts down or pushes back.
"You aren't ready to talk about this yet, and that's okay. You're the expert on your life."
Developing Discrepancy: The "Who vs. How" Approach
1. The "Who"
Identify values & true self.
2. The "How"
Connect behavior to identity.
Finding the Student
- "What's something you're proud of outside of school?"
- "If you could do anything this weekend, what would it be?"
- "Who is the person you want your siblings to see?"
Building the Bridge
- "You're an artist. How does vaping affect your focus?"
- "You value being a friend. How does conflict impact that?"
- "How does school fit your goal of graduating early?"
Vaping / Use
"What does this habit do for you that you're worried about losing if you changed?"
Cyberbullying / Digital
"If you looked back in 3 years, what story would this post tell about your character?"
Absenteeism
"What is the hardest part about walking in today? What could make it 5% easier?"
Conflict / Regulation
"That anger was trying to protect you. What did you notice in your body just before?"
The "My Wish" Clinical Strategy
Transition from "Fixing Behavior" to "Developing Potential." Use My Wish Tracker to bypass defensive cessation fatigue.
Cessation De-Emphasis
"My goal isn't to force you to quit today. Outside of school stuff, what's a 'wish' you have for your own life?"
Growth & Self-Care
"Let's look at your self-care battery. Which area—Body, Mind, or Social—needs a recharge today?"
Closing with Affirmation
"I appreciate your honesty today. Let's meet Tuesday—not to check if you're 'perfect,' but to see how your 'wish' is making you feel. You're building skills that matter."
Counseling Excellence • Harm Reduction • Developmental Assets • MI + Growth Mindset
My Wish Tracker
My Wish Tracker
A personal space for growth, self-care, and big ideas.
Check-in Date
What is a "Wish"?
It’s a positive goal for yourself this week. Not about school—just about what you want to grow.
My Wish for this week
Examples: "Finish my sketch," "Get 8 hours of sleep," "Learn a new song."
Why does this matter?
One small step to take
Self-Care Power Up
Body
Moved my body
Drank water
Mind
Took a break
Did a hobby
Social
Helped someone
Talked to friend
Next Check-In Reflection
What went well with my wish?
What did I learn about myself?
Progress • Growth • Possibility • Building Skills Every Week