Crisis Support & Safety

A comprehensive lesson for 6th graders on understanding mental health, identifying warning signs, and knowing which trusted adults to turn to for support.

A lesson designed to empower homeless high school students in Colorado to navigate public benefit systems, understand their rights, and create a concrete action plan for stability.

A set of first-session materials for a 7th-grade counseling student, focused on rapport building, identity exploration, and safety planning.

A high school guidance lesson focused on mental health awareness, destigmatization, and resource navigation using the Sources of Strength framework. Students will identify warning signs, debunk myths, and map out their support systems.

A workshop designed to help parents navigate sensitive conversations with their 7th-grade sons about depression, focusing on empathy, active listening, and building trust.

Focuses on the transition from early sobriety to long-term maintenance, using digital tools to track personal growth and prevent relapse.

Focuses on integrating digital tools into daily routines to maintain sobriety and manage mental health long-term.

An introductory session focused on identifying and downloading the essential digital tools for sobriety and mental health management.

A 40-minute Social-Emotional Learning lesson for grades 7-8 focused on identifying healthy and unhealthy relationship patterns. Students explore the characteristics of respect and trust, recognize red flags like control and isolation, and discuss the nuances of digital-age relationships.

A comprehensive mental health awareness lesson for high schoolers focusing on identifying anxiety and depression, mapping support resources, and creating help-seeking action plans. Aligned to ASCA B-SMS 9.

A comprehensive high school counseling lesson designed to help students distinguish between healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics, identify red flags, and master assertive communication. Aligned with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors B-SS 9, this lesson uses scenario-based learning to build social maturity and ethical relationship skills.

A supportive lesson for 7th-grade students to understand depression, identify emotions, and build a toolkit of coping strategies and self-care practices.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students focused on mental health literacy, stigma reduction, and proactive help-seeking strategies, aligned with Massachusetts SEL standards.

A 30-minute life skills lesson focused on identifying and executing help-seeking strategies for high-intensity (Level 3-5) problems, including using the 'Help Hand' signal and scripts for different emergency levels.

This lesson provides parents and caregivers with tools to distinguish between helpful and harmful stress, apply the 4 A's of stress management, and practice relaxation techniques with their children.

A trauma-informed SEL lesson designed to help middle schoolers understand grief as a natural process, identify complex emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies through creative expression and discussion.

A comprehensive SEL lesson for high schoolers exploring the differences between stress and anxiety, featuring CBT coping tools, self-assessment, and stigma reduction strategies.

A school-wide initiative focused on identifying bullying behaviors, practicing empathy, and committing to an inclusive school culture through shared pledges. Includes tiered activities for K-12 students.

A collaborative parent workshop designed to support the mental health of both teenagers and their families through practical, calming strategies and community connection.

A trauma-informed, high school social work lesson focusing on the science of substance use, risk factors, refusal skills, and harm reduction strategies. This lesson prioritizes a non-judgmental approach to empower students with practical safety and decision-making tools.

Students design and pitch a sustainable community care initiative tailored to their specific academic or professional cohort.

Develops skills for leading group stress check-ins, managing dynamics, and ensuring psychological safety in group settings.

Focuses on preventing compassion fatigue through emotional and temporal boundaries and professional referral protocols.

Practical workshop on active listening, validation, and holding space for peers without the pressure to provide immediate solutions.

Examines the buffering hypothesis and the psychological mechanics of how social connection mitigates stress, contrasting co-rumination with constructive disclosure.

Students design a framework for a community care plan, producing a 'Community Charter' for peer support in a specific campus context.

A facilitated dialogue session focusing on common undergraduate stressors, practicing normalization and collective coping strategies.

Training on recognizing the limits of peer support and when to refer to professionals, with a focus on setting emotional boundaries to prevent burnout.

A skill-building session on non-judgmental listening, reflecting, and validating emotions, focusing on 'holding space' rather than problem-solving.

Students explore the 'Buffer Hypothesis' and how social connection mitigates the health impacts of stress, focusing on the difference between instrumental, emotional, and informational support.

Students synthesize their learning by creating a personal Digital Citizen Pledge and earning their Super Citizen badges.

Students practice the "Stop, Walk, and Tell" strategy to respond to unkind behavior or scary content online, focusing on seeking help from trusted adults.

Students learn to identify kind and unkind digital behaviors, focusing on the feelings of others behind the screen and the basics of cyberbullying prevention.

Using the toothpaste analogy, students learn that online actions are permanent and practice the "Think Before You Click" strategy to manage their digital presence.

Students explore how digital actions leave trails by connecting physical footprints to their digital history, emphasizing that computers remember our paths.

A mastery session where students apply all learned strategies in live role-play stations representing common school-based conflicts.

Focus on empathy and active listening techniques, teaching students to mirror emotions and summarize statements to help agitated peers feel heard.

Exploration of personal space (proxemics) and body stance to understand how non-verbal cues impact an agitated person and how to maintain a supportive stance.

Students practice verbal de-escalation techniques, focusing on tone, volume, and phrasing (the 'Verbal Judo' approach) to lower the temperature of tense interactions.

Students learn to assess the safety of a situation using a 'scan and decide' protocol to determine if they should approach a peer or seek adult help immediately.

A functional travel training lesson focused on using Google Maps to plan a trip and practicing safety and etiquette on the MBTA. Students will navigate a step-by-step planning process and evaluate safe vs. unsafe behaviors in transit environments.

A final review of all 5 levels and strategies, where students solve complex scenarios to earn their 'Expert Investigator' certification.

Practicing specific strategies and 'lab tools' to solve problems of different sizes effectively.

Students learn to match the size of their emotional reaction to the size of the problem, understanding that overreacting or underreacting can complicate situations.

Focus on Big and Huge problems (Levels 4 and 5), identifying emergencies and serious situations that require immediate adult intervention.

Focus on Medium problems (Level 3) that require help from an adult or a friend and may take more time to resolve.

Focus on Tiny and Small problems (Levels 1 and 2), teaching students that these are 'glitches' they can often solve themselves or ignore.

Introduction of the 5-level problem scale: Tiny, Small, Medium, Big, and Huge. Students learn to categorize different situations based on intensity and impact.

Students are introduced to the concept of a 'problem' and begin to identify everyday challenges in the classroom and at home.

A lesson for grades 3-5 to teach the DEAR MAN skill for effective communication, called 'Clear Requests,' helping students learn how to ask for things or say no while maintaining relationships.

A lesson for grades 3-5 on the 'ABC' and 'PLEASE' skills, called 'Healthy Habits,' focusing on building a life that reduces emotional vulnerability through accumulation of positive events and physical health.

A lesson for grades 3-5 focused on Problem Solving, using the 'Solution Lab' metaphor to teach a step-by-step approach to resolving situations that can be changed.

A lesson for grades 3-5 focused on the concept of Radical Acceptance, called the 'Acceptance Lab,' where students learn to accept reality as it is to reduce suffering and move toward problem-solving.

A lesson for grades 3-5 to teach the 'Check the Facts' skill. Students learn to use a 'Facts Filter' to determine if their emotional reaction matches the reality of a situation.

The final Interpersonal Effectiveness lesson for grades 3-5, teaching the GIVE and FAST skills for maintaining relationships and self-respect.

A Distress Tolerance lesson for grades 3-5 focusing on strategic distraction using the IMPROVE and Distraction skills (renamed Stress Shield).

A lesson for grades 3-5 students to teach the 'Opposite Action' skill. Students learn to identify action urges and perform behaviors that are opposite to an emotion that doesn't fit the facts.

A Distress Tolerance lesson for grades 3-5 focusing on using strategic distraction (SEA: Sensations, Emotions, Activities) to manage high emotional arousal without acting impulsively.

A follow-up lesson for grades 3-5 students to learn the 'CAP' skills (Cold Water, Active Exercise, Paced Breathing) to change their body's physiology and reduce intense 'RED zone' emotions quickly.

A lesson for grades 3-5 to teach the Three Mindfulness 'What' Skills: Observe (noticing without labels), Describe (using factual language), and Participate (fully engaging in an activity).

A final review of all 5 levels and strategies, where students solve complex scenarios to earn their 'Expert Investigator' certification.

Practicing specific strategies and 'lab tools' to solve problems of different sizes effectively.

Students learn to match the size of their emotional reaction to the size of the problem, understanding that overreacting or underreacting can complicate situations.

Focus on Big and Huge problems (Levels 4 and 5), identifying emergencies and serious situations that require immediate adult intervention.

Focus on Medium problems (Level 3) that require help from an adult or a friend and may take more time to resolve.

Focus on Tiny and Small problems (Levels 1 and 2), teaching students that these are 'glitches' they can often solve themselves or ignore.

Introduction of the 5-level problem scale: Tiny, Small, Medium, Big, and Huge. Students learn to categorize different situations based on intensity and impact.

Students are introduced to the concept of a 'problem' and begin to identify everyday challenges in the classroom and at home.

A comprehensive overview of Somerset ISD's Thrive Center model, transitioning from traditional barriers to a school-embedded mental health support system.

A lesson designed for 7th graders to identify the 'size' of their problems, match their emotional reactions accordingly, and build a toolkit of coping strategies for anxiety and stress.

A lesson for grades 3-5 to teach the DEAR MAN skill for effective communication, called 'Clear Requests,' helping students learn how to ask for things or say no while maintaining relationships.

A lesson for grades 3-5 on the 'ABC' and 'PLEASE' skills, called 'Healthy Habits,' focusing on building a life that reduces emotional vulnerability through accumulation of positive events and physical health.

A lesson for grades 3-5 focused on Problem Solving, using the 'Solution Lab' metaphor to teach a step-by-step approach to resolving situations that can be changed.

A lesson for grades 3-5 focused on the concept of Radical Acceptance, called the 'Acceptance Lab,' where students learn to accept reality as it is to reduce suffering and move toward problem-solving.

A lesson for grades 3-5 to teach the 'Check the Facts' skill. Students learn to use a 'Facts Filter' to determine if their emotional reaction matches the reality of a situation.

The final Interpersonal Effectiveness lesson for grades 3-5, teaching the GIVE and FAST skills for maintaining relationships and self-respect.

A Distress Tolerance lesson for grades 3-5 focusing on strategic distraction using the IMPROVE and Distraction skills (renamed Stress Shield).

A lesson for grades 3-5 students to teach the 'Opposite Action' skill. Students learn to identify action urges and perform behaviors that are opposite to an emotion that doesn't fit the facts.

A Distress Tolerance lesson for grades 3-5 focusing on using strategic distraction (SEA: Sensations, Emotions, Activities) to manage high emotional arousal without acting impulsively.

A follow-up lesson for grades 3-5 students to learn the 'CAP' skills (Cold Water, Active Exercise, Paced Breathing) to change their body's physiology and reduce intense 'RED zone' emotions quickly.

A functional travel training lesson focused on using Google Maps to plan a trip and practicing safety and etiquette on the MBTA. Students will navigate a step-by-step planning process and evaluate safe vs. unsafe behaviors in transit environments.

A final review of all 5 levels and strategies, where students solve complex scenarios to earn their 'Expert Investigator' certification.

Practicing specific strategies and 'lab tools' to solve problems of different sizes effectively.

Students learn to match the size of their emotional reaction to the size of the problem, understanding that overreacting or underreacting can complicate situations.

Focus on Big and Huge problems (Levels 4 and 5), identifying emergencies and serious situations that require immediate adult intervention.

Focus on Medium problems (Level 3) that require help from an adult or a friend and may take more time to resolve.

Focus on Tiny and Small problems (Levels 1 and 2), teaching students that these are 'glitches' they can often solve themselves or ignore.

Introduction of the 5-level problem scale: Tiny, Small, Medium, Big, and Huge. Students learn to categorize different situations based on intensity and impact.

Students are introduced to the concept of a 'problem' and begin to identify everyday challenges in the classroom and at home.

A comprehensive lesson for 6th graders on understanding mental health, identifying warning signs, and knowing which trusted adults to turn to for support.

A comprehensive overview of Somerset ISD's Thrive Center model, transitioning from traditional barriers to a school-embedded mental health support system.

This session focuses on identifying subtle and overt forms of peer pressure, practicing specific refusal strategies beyond simple 'no' responses, and mapping out support systems. It includes collaborative problem-solving activities and personal reflection to help 10th-grade students navigate complex social dynamics.

This lesson teaches 4th-grade students how to make safe and responsible decisions when they are unsupervised at home or in the community. It focuses on self-regulation, safety protocols, and the 'Pause-Think-Act' decision-making model.

A lesson designed to empower homeless high school students in Colorado to navigate public benefit systems, understand their rights, and create a concrete action plan for stability.

A set of first-session materials for a 7th-grade counseling student, focused on rapport building, identity exploration, and safety planning.

A 30-minute lesson for 3rd grade focused on overcoming the stigma of asking for help and identifying specific trusted adults for different types of challenges. Students will learn that seeking help is a sign of self-awareness and strength.

A 30-minute social-emotional learning lesson for 2nd grade focused on identifying trusted adults and practicing self-advocacy through the concept of a safety net. Students explore the courage it takes to ask for help and create a visual map of their support system.

A collection of intake and referral forms for school counseling programs, focused on building a holistic understanding of a student's social-emotional needs through student, teacher, and parent perspectives.

A comprehensive overview of Somerset ISD's Thrive Center model, transitioning from traditional barriers to a school-embedded mental health support system.

A suite of professional case note templates for school counselors, designed for efficiency and clarity in documenting student support sessions. These templates follow a blue and gold theme and utilize best-practice intervention checklists.

Explore the five core competencies of the CASEL framework and the positive impacts of Social-Emotional Learning on student success and school climate.

This lesson provides adjunct counselors with essential suicide risk assessment frameworks and intervention protocols, focusing on clinical confidence and ethical safety measures.

A kindergarten lesson focused on distinguishing between tattling and reporting, providing students with practical tools for independent conflict resolution.

A 45-minute core training session covering the ambassador role, safety boundaries, practical stigma-reduction strategies, and student self-care.

A 40-minute interactive lesson for middle schoolers to build practical peer support skills, focusing on active listening, empathy, and knowing when to seek adult help.

A comprehensive mental health awareness lesson for high schoolers focusing on identifying anxiety and depression, mapping support resources, and creating help-seeking action plans. Aligned to ASCA B-SMS 9.

A high-impact, 20-minute session for 8th-grade boys focused on building trustworthiness, maintaining confidentiality, and understanding the social consequences of gossip.

A professional presentation and administrative guide for school leaders regarding the end-of-year Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA) and Safe and Supportive School Program (SSSP) reporting processes and future planning.

An energetic, active learning lesson where students categorize scenarios into problem sizes 0-5 through a team relay race. Includes a movement-based warm-up, explicit review of problem scales, and a high-energy sorting game.

A 30-minute life skills lesson for middle schoolers on distinguishing between major crises (Level 4) and immediate life-threatening emergencies (Level 5), emphasizing when and how to get help.

A Life Skills lesson for middle schoolers to differentiate between medium and big problems, focusing on emotional regulation and appropriate response levels.

A 45-minute lesson designed for middle schoolers to navigate the social complexities of group chats, focusing on digital empathy, tone interpretation, and being a supportive 'upstander' in digital spaces.

A trauma-informed guide for high school students to master de-escalation techniques and crisis management, facilitated by school social workers. The lesson covers the C.A.L.M. framework, safety planning, and navigating conflicts.

A comprehensive set of tools for school social workers to screen, monitor, and support students' social-emotional needs through structured rubrics and student-facing trackers.

A comprehensive 20-minute professional development session for school staff focused on understanding childhood trauma, recognizing its symptoms in a classroom setting, and implementing practical trauma-informed teaching strategies.

A social-emotional learning lesson designed to help students identify the 'size' of various problems and learn how to match their emotional reactions to the scale of the situation. Students will investigate different scenarios and categorize them from tiny glitches to emergency situations.

A collection of administrative forms and resources to facilitate student support and intervention services.

Students design and pitch a sustainable community care initiative tailored to their specific academic or professional cohort.

Develops skills for leading group stress check-ins, managing dynamics, and ensuring psychological safety in group settings.

Focuses on preventing compassion fatigue through emotional and temporal boundaries and professional referral protocols.

Practical workshop on active listening, validation, and holding space for peers without the pressure to provide immediate solutions.

Examines the buffering hypothesis and the psychological mechanics of how social connection mitigates stress, contrasting co-rumination with constructive disclosure.

Students design a framework for a community care plan, producing a 'Community Charter' for peer support in a specific campus context.

A facilitated dialogue session focusing on common undergraduate stressors, practicing normalization and collective coping strategies.

Training on recognizing the limits of peer support and when to refer to professionals, with a focus on setting emotional boundaries to prevent burnout.

A skill-building session on non-judgmental listening, reflecting, and validating emotions, focusing on 'holding space' rather than problem-solving.

Students explore the 'Buffer Hypothesis' and how social connection mitigates the health impacts of stress, focusing on the difference between instrumental, emotional, and informational support.

Students synthesize their learning by creating a personal Digital Citizen Pledge and earning their Super Citizen badges.

Students practice the "Stop, Walk, and Tell" strategy to respond to unkind behavior or scary content online, focusing on seeking help from trusted adults.