Welcome Session Facilitator Guide Counseling Intake & Rapport Series • Session 1
Welcome Bridge Session Guide
30–40 Minutes
Grade 6 (Reading Level: Gr. 3)
Primary Goals
Establish trust, clarify safe-space rules, explore student interests, and set 1–2 simple personal goals.
Literacy Support
Read prompts aloud together, use visual icons, keep text chunks under 10 words, prioritize talk and choice.
Safe Harbor Frame
Emphasize confidentiality with clear, concrete safety exceptions using the "Safe 3" rule.
Session Pacing & Structured Agenda
5 MIN
1. Warm Welcome & Energy Check-in
Welcome warmly, offer seating choice, do the quick visual "Battery & Weather Meter" check.
Visual Meter
5 MIN
2. Why We Are Here & Safe Space Rules
Demystify counseling: "This is not tests or detention; it's your spot to recharge and solve problems."
Safe Space Pact
10 MIN
3. "This or That" Choice Card Game
Draw 4–6 visual prompt cards. Counselor and student both answer to build reciprocal comfort.
Prompt Cards
10 MIN
4. "My World" Visual Activity Sheet
Student circles favorites, draws what calms them, and identifies trusted people at school.
Activity Sheet
5 MIN
5. Hope Map & Next Time Preview
Pick 1 focus goal on the Quest Tracker (e.g., friend stuff, calm mind, school focus). Choose an exit token.
Goal Tracker
Kid-Friendly Confidentiality Script (Read Together)
Counselor Script: "What we talk about stays right here in this room between you and me. You are not in trouble, and this is your safe space. There are just 3 times I have to tell another adult to keep everyone safe:"
Someone is hurting you
You might hurt yourself
You might hurt someone else
Page 1 of 2 • Counselor Facilitation Guide Welcome Bridge Counseling Kit
Facilitation Strategies & Response Guide
Session 1 Notes
Low Reading Level Best Practices
Never ask the student to read cold without offering to partner-read.
Point to icons while reading words aloud naturally.
Accept drawing, circling, or verbal answers over writing.
Keep explanations under 15 seconds before inviting response.
If the Student Is Guarded or Shy
Start with "This or That" cards instead of asking direct questions.
Answer the card first to model that there are no wrong answers.
Offer a fidget tool or coloring pencil to relieve eye contact pressure.
Validate: "It's totally okay to take your time settling in."
Middle School Rapport Hooks
Ask about preferred music, gaming (Roblox, consoles), or sports.
Acknowledge 6th grade transitions (lockers, multiple teachers, lunch).
Respect independence by giving choices on session order.
Avoid babyish tone; treat their thoughts with genuine curiosity.
Red Flag / Crisis Triggers
If safety concern surfaces, pause agenda smoothly and compassionately.
Remind student of the 3 safety rules gently: "Remember how we keep you safe..."
Follow school crisis protocol and notify designated administrator.
Never promise absolute secrecy if harm is disclosed.
Post-Session Counselor Observation Checklist & Notes
Observed Affect & Body Language:
Relaxed Guarded Animated Distracted
Primary Interest / Engagement Hook:
Key Takeaways & Session 2 Focus:
Page 2 of 2 • Facilitation & Observation Guide Welcome Bridge Counseling Kit
My World Activity Sheet Counseling Check-in
My World Activity Sheet
MY NAME
TODAY'S DATE
1. How is your energy and mood today? (Circle one on each line)
My Energy Battery:
Empty Tired / Low
25% A bit slow
50% Doing okay
75% Feeling good
100% Super ready
My Inside Weather:
Sunny Happy / Calm
Partly Sunny Mixed
Cloudy Unsure / Blah
Rainy Sad / Down
Stormy Mad / Stressed
2. Safe Space Promise (Put a checkmark in each box)
Safe to Talk What I say stays in this room.
No Judgment No wrong answers here.
Stay Safe Adults help if anyone is hurt.
3. What I Like (Circle 2 or 3 favorites)
Video Games
Music / Beats
Sports / Gym
Drawing / Art
YouTube / TV
Animals / Pets
Snacks / Food
Hanging Out
Page 1 of 2 My World Activity Sheet
Counseling Check-in
My Reset & Comfort Kit
Page 2
4. When I feel angry, nervous, or sad, what helps me? (Circle your top 3)
Listen to music
Take a walk
Deep breaths
Draw or doodle
Talk to a friend
Quiet time alone
5. People who help me feel safe or supported (Check all that apply)
Best Friend
Teacher
Family Member
Counselor
6. Draw, doodle, or write: One place or thing that makes you smile
Use the box below to sketch or write anything you love.
Page 2 of 2 My World Activity Sheet
Chat and Choose Cards Icebreaker Activity Cards
Chat & Choose Prompt Cards
Cut or Flip
Cards 1–6
This or That #1
Gaming Power: Which one?
Big Screen / Console
Phone / Tablet
Counselor & student both pick!
This or That #2
Snack Attack: Pick one!
Cheesy Pizza
Warm Cookies
Why did you choose it?
Superpower #3
Pick your super hero skill:
Fly in the Sky
Turn Invisible
What would you do first?
Chill Vibe #4
Best Weekend Plan:
Movie & Couch
Outside & Moving
Rate this 1 to 5 stars!
School Style #5
How I Work Best:
Solo (My Own Way)
Team / Partner
Which feels calmer for you?
Cozy Pick #6
My Comfort Gear:
Comfy Headphones
Big Warm Hoodie
What's your favorite color?
Page 1 of 2 • Cut along dashed lines or point to choose Chat & Choose Cards
Icebreaker Activity Cards
Chat & Choose Prompt Cards
Cut or Flip
Cards 7–12
Adventure #7
Where would you explore?
Deep Outer Space
Deep Blue Ocean
What would you hope to see?
Pet Power #8
Animal Companion:
Playful Dog
Chill Cat
Or do you prefer reptiles / birds?
Daily Vibe #9
Energy Clock: When are you most awake?
Early Morning
Night Owl
How do you feel before 8 AM?
Time Travel #10
Time Machine: Jump where?
Past (Dinosaurs)
Future (Robots)
Would you bring a souvenir?
Weather Pick #11
Favorite Season Vibe:
Hot Summer Sun
Cold Winter Snow
What is your favorite clothes season?
Magic Door #12
Teleport anywhere right now:
Sunny Beach
Quiet Mountain Cabin
Who would you bring with you?
Page 2 of 2 • Cut along dashed lines or point to choose Chat & Choose Cards
Counseling Quest Tracker Counseling Quest
My Personal Goal Map
STUDENT NAME
COUNSELOR
1. What would you like to work on together? (Choose 1 or 2 quests)
Circle the boxes that matter most to you this semester:
Staying Calm Handling stress or anger when things get tough
Making Friends Connecting and getting along with others
School Focus Organizing lockers, classes, and tasks
Speaking Up Asking for help when I am stuck
Feeling Confident Believing in myself and my strengths
Safe Reset Spot Having a trusted place to take a breath
2. My Strengths & Superpowers (Circle 2 that describe you)
Kind Heart
Creative & Artsy
Funny & Fun
Good Listener
Hard Worker
Fast Learner
Brave & Honest
Helpful Friend
3. My Simple Step 1 Goal:
Complete this sentence together with your counselor:
"When I feel , I will try to ."
Page 1 of 2 Counseling Quest Tracker
Counseling Quest
My Session Roadmap
Page 2
Session Progress Badges (Stamp or Color after each session)
6 Milestones
1
Welcome Bridge Today! Get to know you
2
Calm Tools Reset strategies
3
School Hacks Class & routine focus
4
Friend Power Communication skills
5
Problem Solver Handling challenges
⭐
Quest Champion Celebrate growth!
My Comfort Menu: What makes our sessions best for me? (Check 2)
Using a sensory fidget tool
Doodling while we talk
Quick 1-minute stretch break
Reading prompts aloud together
Session 1 Welcome Complete! Ready for our next check-in.
READY TO ROCK Bridge Built! 🚀
Page 2 of 2 Counseling Quest Tracker