Therapeutic Approaches

Synthesizing their learning, students create a 'Break the Glass' emergency plan for days when they feel low or anxious. They select their most effective pleasure and mastery activities and write specific implementation intentions (If I feel X, then I will do Y).

Students review the results of their personal experiments or case study data to identify patterns in how specific activities impact mood. They discuss the variability of results (what works for one person may not work for another) and begin curating their personal 'top hits' for mood improvement.

Students create a 'Go-To' card listing three simple actions they can take when they feel down and share their strategies with a partner.

Using a story about a character having a bad day, students role-play giving advice and suggest specific actions to help the character feel better.

Students identify their personal 'Spark Activities'—things that light them up inside—and distinguish between active play and quiet relaxation.

Students analyze how different activities lead to specific feelings, mapping 'action' cards to 'feeling' cards to see cause-and-effect.

Students engage in a card sorting activity to distinguish between comfortable and uncomfortable feelings and practice using 'I feel' statements using a feelings chart.

This lesson introduces the concept of 'acting opposite' to an emotion. Students design a short experiment to test the hypothesis that engaging in a positive activity—even when they don't feel like it—can improve their mood rating on a 1-10 scale. They prepare a data collection sheet for a homework experiment.

Synthesize assessment data into a coherent case conceptualization and practice delivering feedback to clients.

Transitions from acute intervention to long-term maintenance, applying habit formation principles and creating relapse prevention plans to ensure sustainable lifestyle changes.

Students analyze mood and activity data to evaluate intervention effectiveness, practicing the role of the scientist-practitioner in a clinical setting.

Utilize the ABC model to conduct a functional analysis of avoidance behaviors and understand their reinforcing contingencies.

Distinguish between goals and values and use assessment tools to identify intrinsically motivating activities for clients.

Introduces the TRAP/TRAC framework for identifying avoidance patterns and implementing alternative coping strategies when clients face internal or external barriers.

Learn the technical skill of activity monitoring and baseline assessment using mastery and pleasure scales.

Analyze the behavioral cycle of depression, focusing on how life events lead to avoidance and a lack of positive reinforcement.

Focuses on the technique of breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable micro-steps to build self-efficacy and momentum in clients.

Students bridge the gap between abstract values and concrete behaviors by creating structured schedules. The focus is on identifying activities that provide 'Mastery' and 'Pleasure' to counteract depressive withdrawal.

Students distinguish between activities that feel good in the moment (Pleasure) and those that make us feel accomplished (Mastery). Through a sorting workshop, they brainstorm examples for both categories, understanding that a balanced diet of experiences includes both fun and achievement.

Students participate in a discussion and mapping activity to visualize the cycle between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They identify how doing nothing often leads to feeling worse (the downward spiral) and how small actions can reverse this.

Students investigate the physical manifestations of low self-esteem and depression. They learn to identify the 'Bio-Feedback Loop' where body language and physical sensations reinforce negative self-perception.

Students conduct movement experiments to see how physical activity impacts their mindset. They observe the difficulty of maintaining a low mood while engaging in high-energy positive actions.

Using complex character scenarios, students apply behavioral activation principles to analyze social-emotional challenges. They diagnose negative feedback loops and prescribe evidence-based action interventions.

Students practice role-playing the transition from recognizing a negative feeling to choosing a positive action. They use 'Joy Menus' to simulate real-world application of emotional regulation strategies.

In this culminating lesson, students create a personal 'Bounce-Back Plan' emergency card. They identify three specific actions they can take when feeling low to build resilience and autonomy.

A 3-hour intensive session for adults with depression, focusing on task initiation, value-based motivation, and professional boundaries through scenario-based learning.

An introductory and practical lesson focusing on the CBT principles of task isolation, the 10-minute rule, and integrating spiritual mindfulness into daily productivity.

A comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning lesson for 10th graders focused on emotional regulation. Students will explore the 'Emotional Thermostat' metaphor to identify emotional shifts, practice regulation techniques, and build a personalized toolkit for mental well-being.

Synthesizing their learning, students create a 'Break the Glass' emergency plan for days when they feel low or anxious. They select their most effective pleasure and mastery activities and write specific implementation intentions (If I feel X, then I will do Y).

Students synthesize their learning by creating a personal 'Activation Plan' to use when they feel stuck or unmotivated.

Students learn and practice 'Opposite Action,' doing the reverse of what a negative emotion suggests to shift their mood.

Students identify emotional barriers ('The Wall') and practice breaking large tasks into 'Ladders' or small, manageable steps.

Students conduct a personal experiment to gather evidence on how a short burst of activity affects their energy and mood levels.

Students learn the basic concept that thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, using a loop diagram to understand how actions can change emotional states.

Students review the results of their personal experiments or case study data to identify patterns in how specific activities impact mood. They discuss the variability of results (what works for one person may not work for another) and begin curating their personal 'top hits' for mood improvement.

Students create a 'Go-To' card listing three simple actions they can take when they feel down and share their strategies with a partner.

Using a story about a character having a bad day, students role-play giving advice and suggest specific actions to help the character feel better.

Students identify their personal 'Spark Activities'—things that light them up inside—and distinguish between active play and quiet relaxation.

Students analyze how different activities lead to specific feelings, mapping 'action' cards to 'feeling' cards to see cause-and-effect.

Students engage in a card sorting activity to distinguish between comfortable and uncomfortable feelings and practice using 'I feel' statements using a feelings chart.

A psychology lesson focused on the mechanics of panic attacks and the therapeutic principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, featuring a 'Rewriting the Script' activity to practice cognitive restructuring.

Students apply reframing skills through a creative art activity and group discussion, transforming negative narratives into visual masterpieces.

Students learn to identify the 'Inner Critic' and the mechanics of cognitive reframing through the 3 Cs: Catch it, Check it, and Change it.

Introduces mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques to help clients ground themselves in the present moment and manage physiological arousal.

Utilizes behavioral experiments and structured activity scheduling to test anxious predictions and increase engagement in rewarding activities.

Guides clients through the process of systematic desensitization and exposure therapy to reduce avoidance behaviors and build courage.

Focuses on identifying, challenging, and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns and cognitive distortions associated with anxiety.

Level 1 focuses on 'The Bio-Scan,' teaching students to identify internal physiological signals (heart rate, breathing) that indicate their 'CPU' is overheating before a behavior occurs.

Teaches self-awareness and self-advocacy skills, focusing on identifying needs and requesting breaks.

Students synthesize their learning by constructing a Professional Resilience Manifesto and practicing cognitive rehearsal to prepare for future academic challenges.

Participants distinguish between adaptive excellence and maladaptive perfectionism, exploring the 'law of diminishing returns' in academic work and its anxiety cost.

This lesson focuses on detaching self-worth from academic critique, practicing objective responses to harsh feedback and adopting a growth mindset toward evaluation.

Students learn to identify common cognitive distortions like catastrophizing and all-or-nothing thinking using CBT frameworks to provide a vocabulary for cognitive restructuring.

Students analyze the Impostor Phenomenon (IP) in higher education, identifying the five types of 'impostors' and normalizing their experiences within the academic community.

Synthesis of skills to create personal reframing guides, shifting from anxious spiraling to balanced, realistic internal narratives.

Exploration of perfectionism's role in undergraduate stress, utilizing the Pareto Principle to find balance in academic pursuits.

Application of Socratic questioning and evidence-based analysis to challenge and dismantle automatic negative thoughts (ANTs).

Deep dive into the Activating event, Belief, and Consequence (ABC) model to analyze the internal interpretations that trigger anxious responses.

Introduction to common cognitive distortions like filtering, polarization, and catastrophizing through interactive scenarios and a technical cheat sheet.

Develops clinical judgment for managing resistance, impasses, and the potential for thought records to become ruminative or safety behaviors.

Teaches the downward arrow technique to connect surface-level automatic thoughts to deeper intermediate assumptions and maladaptive core schemas.

Critically evaluates the use of cognitive restructuring in the context of systemic oppression and cultural diversity, distinguishing between distortions and valid perceptions.

Addresses the practical application of thought records as homework, assessing client readiness and using motivational interviewing to navigate resistance and barriers to compliance.

Focuses on meta-cognitive analysis of serial thought records to identify systemic patterns and 'signature' distortions in client thinking.

Teaches students how to guide clients toward constructing balanced, realistic alternative thoughts that acknowledge the grain of truth in negative thoughts while reframing the conclusion.

Explores the phenomenon of 'rational-emotional dissonance' and introduces experiential techniques to bridge the gap between cognitive understanding and emotional shift.

Uses the defense attorney metaphor to help students gather factual evidence for and against hot thoughts, practicing Socratic questioning to differentiate facts from interpretations.

Targets the skill of distinguishing between thoughts and feelings and identifying the specific 'hot thought' driving emotional distress through transcript analysis and intensity scaling.

Students practice the initial clinical setup of explaining the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to a novice client, using metaphors and simple diagrams to illustrate interpretation's influence on emotion.

A Tier III individual counseling lesson for 10th-grade students experiencing overwhelm, focusing on CBT-based thought reframing and practical stress management strategies through a 'System Reboot' theme.

Students will learn to challenge negative body image through cognitive reframing and functional appreciation. The lesson utilizes a TEDx talk by Iskra Lawrence to bridge the gap between aesthetic criticism and functional gratitude.

A 30-minute introductory lesson for pre-teens on using CBT techniques to navigate the transition to teenage years. It focuses on identifying eight specific cognitive distortions and replacing defiance with the 'Stop, Think, Act' model.

A comprehensive lesson designed to help students normalize rejection, practice positive self-talk, and develop healthy coping strategies through reading, discussion, and role-play.

A lesson introducing 7th-grade students to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques for managing anxiety, focusing on identifying 'glitchy' thoughts and replacing them with more balanced perspectives.

A lesson on cognitive reappraisal (reframing) for high school students to manage academic stress, featuring the Process Model of emotion.

A 30-minute lesson for 4th graders focused on identifying and challenging cognitive distortions like catastrophizing and mind-reading using the 'evidence-finding' strategy.

Students apply reframing skills through a creative art activity and group discussion, transforming negative narratives into visual masterpieces.

Students learn to identify the 'Inner Critic' and the mechanics of cognitive reframing through the 3 Cs: Catch it, Check it, and Change it.

A comprehensive lesson for high school students to identify and dismantle limiting beliefs using an architectural 'design' metaphor. Students will learn to recognize internal narratives and reconstruct them to foster self-efficacy and resilience.

Introduces mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques to help clients ground themselves in the present moment and manage physiological arousal.

Utilizes behavioral experiments and structured activity scheduling to test anxious predictions and increase engagement in rewarding activities.

Guides clients through the process of systematic desensitization and exposure therapy to reduce avoidance behaviors and build courage.

Focuses on identifying, challenging, and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns and cognitive distortions associated with anxiety.

A comprehensive collection of evidence-based coping strategy handouts for middle schoolers, focusing on the biological and psychological 'why' behind each technique. Designed for 7th-grade boys with a tactical, engineering-inspired 'Survival Guide' aesthetic.

A psychology lesson focused on the mechanics of panic attacks and the therapeutic principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, featuring a 'Rewriting the Script' activity to practice cognitive restructuring.

A 9th-grade lesson focused on future-oriented goal setting and the creation of a 'Confidence Ladder' to tackle upcoming academic or social challenges independently.

Introduces mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques to help clients ground themselves in the present moment and manage physiological arousal.

Utilizes behavioral experiments and structured activity scheduling to test anxious predictions and increase engagement in rewarding activities.

Guides clients through the process of systematic desensitization and exposure therapy to reduce avoidance behaviors and build courage.

Focuses on identifying, challenging, and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns and cognitive distortions associated with anxiety.

Teaches self-awareness and self-advocacy skills, focusing on identifying needs and requesting breaks.

Focuses on identifying safe spaces and trusted adults at school to build a foundation of safety and security.

A comprehensive home visit framework designed for social workers to support students experiencing school avoidance. This lesson focuses on building trust, identifying specific barriers to attendance, and co-creating a gradual return plan with the student and family.

A comprehensive lesson designed to help educators, parents, and students understand school refusal (school phobia) and develop supportive strategies for reintegration.

A lesson for middle schoolers focused on identifying signs of social anxiety and building a 'mental lighthouse' of coping strategies to navigate social interactions with confidence.

A culminating simulation where students synthesize all skills to create and present a comprehensive Care Plan for a complex fictional client.

Students connect exposure work to personal values, learning how to motivate clients by linking difficult tasks to what matters most to them.

A lesson focused on developing emotional intelligence through identifying and practicing various coping strategies and regulation techniques.

Consolidates coping strategies into a tangible 'Calm Down Kit.' The student creates portable strength cards and learns anchoring techniques for use during the school day.

Connects physical sensations, particularly nausea and stomach tightness, to emotional states through a guided body scan and a body mapping art activity.

Focuses on identifying and externalizing complex emotions through mindful observation and abstract art. The student explores the 'Storm' metaphor to understand their current feelings and physical sensations.

A psychology lesson exploring the difference between thought suppression (Ironic Process Theory) and metacognitive observation (mindfulness) using Andy Puddicombe's TED Talk as a framework.

A group-based lesson for 2nd graders focused on navigating conflicts with adults using emotional regulation and a growth mindset. Students learn to 'bounce back' from difficult moments and view disagreements as opportunities to learn.

Diving into "The Script"—an exploration of how habits, history, and triggers create default reactions, and how students can begin to "edit their code" for better outcomes.

This lesson introduces school leaders to the SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) through three realistic school-based scenarios, providing practical tools for emotional intelligence and conflict resolution.

A humorous and warm exploration of how high school students' choices and behaviors impact themselves and those around them, designed for a looping display in a therapeutic setting.

Students will learn and practice advanced coping strategies, including mindfulness (Body Scan) and cognitive strategies (Thought Swapping), to build a robust emotional toolbox for 4th-grade challenges.

Establish safety and connection while introducing the nervous system basics and the idea that imperfection is part of the human experience.

Final review of all strategies, celebration of progress, and group reflection on future goals.

Creating a personalized long-term plan for managing stress and maintaining positive behavioral changes.

Applying learned skills through realistic high school scenarios, emphasizing role-playing and peer feedback.

Teaches the 'Win-Win' philosophy and basic negotiation skills for peer and teacher interactions.

Practical self-regulation strategies for in-the-moment calming, from breathing to physical grounding.

Introduces 'I' statements and active listening as tools for clear communication that prevents escalation.

A comprehensive lesson designed for 7th grade students to identify and shift away from co-dependent 'trauma bonding' behaviors toward healthy, resilient friendship boundaries. It focuses on the 'both can be true' philosophy—acknowledging hard things while maintaining individual emotional ownership.

A comprehensive collection of evidence-based coping strategy handouts for middle schoolers, focusing on the biological and psychological 'why' behind each technique. Designed for 7th-grade boys with a tactical, engineering-inspired 'Survival Guide' aesthetic.

A lesson focused on developing emotional intelligence through identifying and practicing various coping strategies and regulation techniques.

A set of resources designed for a therapeutic program to address class and work avoidance using a witty, nautical winter theme. Focuses on self-regulation, coping skills, and the impact of individual behavior on the school community.

The foundational lesson for individual anger management, focusing on identifying internal physical signals of anger and building a customized toolkit for regulation. This lesson provides the essential 'blueprints' and 'tools' needed for the student to begin self-monitoring and proactive problem-solving.

Focuses on DBT-based Distress Tolerance skills (TIPP and STOP) designed to provide immediate 'body hacks' for high-intensity emotional moments where grounding alone isn't enough.

Establishes a formal safety plan (The Calm Protocol) that identifies safe spaces, trusted adults, and step-by-step actions for high-stress moments, ensuring the student feels secure even when home life is unpredictable.

Focuses on identifying the physical and emotional signs of dysregulation and building a personalized 'toolkit' of grounding strategies that work across different classroom environments.

A 30-minute introductory lesson on emotional regulation, teaching students how to identify 'internal weather' and use specific tools to stay in control during high-emotion moments.

A celebratory closing session that looks toward the future, reinforcing the skills learned and creating a personal 'Resilience Plan' for continued growth.

Focuses on internal resilience by building positive self-talk patterns and developing step-by-step problem-solving skills for difficult days.

Students identify the 'lighthouses' in their lives—trusted adults, peers, and community resources—and practice how to ask for help when needed.

This session introduces concrete, healthy coping mechanisms and mindfulness techniques to help students manage the 'waves' of intense emotion.

Students explore the non-linear stages of grief and create a 'landscape' of their own emotional journey, learning to identify and name complex feelings.

An introductory session focused on building group safety, defining grief in accessible terms, and normalizing the wide range of emotions that follow loss.

A specialized module focusing on the transition from impulsive verbal aggression to strategic, assertive communication. Students learn to use precise language to maintain social capital and resolve conflicts without escalation.

Provides a structured framework for collaborative problem-solving, guiding students from identifying the core issue to choosing a win-win solution.

Teaches the 'I-Statement' formula and the art of active listening to help students express needs and understand others without escalation.

Focuses on identifying the physical signs of frustration and practicing immediate 'cool-down' techniques to prevent aggressive outbursts before they start.

Students explore the science of happiness through Katarina Blom's TEDx talk, learning that while thoughts are automatic (negativity bias), actions are chosen. The lesson culminates in a gratitude challenge and a mental health 'workout' via a T-chart action plan.

Students synthesize their learning by constructing a Professional Resilience Manifesto and practicing cognitive rehearsal to prepare for future academic challenges.