Healing Hearts Facilitator Guide Healing Hearts, Growing Stronger
Facilitator Guide: 6-Session Grief Support Series
9th Grade
Objective
Students will be able to identify and express different emotions associated with grief, develop personal coping strategies, and build a supportive community to navigate loss effectively.
Why This Matters
Grief is a natural response to loss, and teenagers often face unique challenges in processing it. This lesson helps students understand their emotions, learn healthy ways to cope, and recognize they are not alone, promoting long-term emotional well-being.
Session Logistics
6 Sessions / 30 mins each
Tier 2 Support Group
Interactive Discussion & Reflection
Materials Needed
presentation Slides
Journey Journals
Coping Skills Worksheet
Support Circle Map
Exit Tickets
Session 1: Understanding Grief's Landscape
Focus: Normalizing grief and identifying types of loss.
Introduction (5 min): Establish safety and confidentiality. Introduce the series using Slide 1.
What is Grief? (10 min): Discuss misconceptions and the variety of losses (death, divorce, moving, friendship). Use Slides 2-3.
Activity (15 min): Hand out My Grief Journey Journal . Have students complete Prompt 1 (What grief means to them).
Session 2: The Emotional Rollercoaster
Focus: Identifying the "faces" of grief and physical reactions.
Opening (5 min): Brief check-in. Review Slide 3 (Emotions).
Deep Dive (10 min): Discuss the 5 Stages of Grief (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance). Emphasize that these are not linear.
Activity (15 min): Journaling Session 2. Prompt 1 & 2 (Stages and physical feelings).
Session 3: Building Your Toolbox
Focus: Healthy vs. unhealthy coping.
Discussion (10 min): Brainstorm healthy coping strategies using Slides 5-6.
Activity (15 min): Complete Coping Skills Worksheet . Identify current tools and choose new ones to try.
Closing (5 min): Commitment to try one new skill this week. Journal S3 Prompt 2.
Session 4: Your Support Circle
Focus: Community and reaching out.
Lesson (10 min): Discuss the "Power of Connection" and identify support roles using Slide 7.
Activity (15 min): Complete Community Support Activity map. Students identify their trusted adults and peers.
Closing (5 min): Journal S4 Prompt 2 (Feelings on asking for help).
Session 5: Honoring Memories and Self-Care
Focus: Maintaining connection to the lost while moving forward.
Lesson (10 min): Explore ways to remember (Slides 9-10). Define self-care as "being kind to yourself."
Activity (15 min): Journaling S5. Draw/write a memory and list three self-care acts for the week.
Discussion (5 min): Sharing (optional) one self-care goal.
Session 6: Growing Through Loss
Focus: Resilience and closure.
Lesson (10 min): Define resilience (Slide 11). "Growing through what you go through."
Activity (15 min): Complete Reflection & Growth Cool Down . Final journal entry (S6 Prompt 1 & 2).
Closing (5 min): Final circle reflection. Distribute information on continued support resources.
Healing Hearts Facilitator Guide • Confidential & Compassionate Care
Healing Hearts Presentation Slides Healing Hearts, Growing Stronger
"A safe space to explore emotions, build resilience, and find hope together."
Confidentiality is key
All feelings are valid
We support one another
Respect each journey
Session 1: Understanding Grief's Landscape
What is Grief?
The Definition
Grief is the natural response to loss . It's a complex set of emotional, physical, and social reactions.
Discussion Question:
What comes to mind when you hear the word 'grief'?
Types of Loss Include:
Death of a loved one or pet
Divorce or separation
Moving to a new place
Loss of a friendship
Change in health or ability
Grief's Many Faces
"Everyone experiences grief differently."
Emotions
Sadness, Anger, Guilt, Anxiety, Relief, Numbness
Physical
Fatigue, Sleep issues, Loss of appetite, Tight chest
Personal
It’s a journey, not a destination. There is no "right" way.
Can you think of other emotions someone might feel?
Your Grief Journey Journal
A private place to write, draw, or simply reflect on your thoughts.
Purpose
Helps process messy emotions and track your progress over time.
Privacy
You never have to share anything you don't want to.
What Helps When It Hurts?
Healthy Coping
Coping mechanisms are the ways we deal with difficult emotions. Healthy ones help us process grief without causing further harm .
"What are some things you do to feel better when you're sad or stressed?"
Common Healthy Strategies:
Talking to trusted friends
Physical exercise
Creative expression (art/music)
Mindfulness or meditation
Seeking professional help
My Coping Skills Toolbox
Identify and commit to strategies that realistically work for YOU .
Reflection Question:
Why is it important to have a variety of coping skills?
You Are Not Alone
Even though grief is personal, you don't have to go through it alone.
My Grief Journey Journal My Grief Journey Journal
This journal is a personal and private space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. There is no right or wrong way to use it.
Name
Started On
A Private & Safe Space
Session 1
Understanding Grief's Landscape
DATE: _________
Prompt 1: What does grief mean to you, and what kinds of losses have you or people you know experienced that caused grief?
Prompt 2: Describe a time you felt a strong emotion related to a loss. What was that emotion, and how did it feel in your body?
Session 2
Emotions of Grief
DATE: _________
Prompt 1: Think about the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). Do any of these stages resonate with your experience or observations? Why or why not?
Prompt 2: Choose one emotion you've experienced during a time of loss. Describe it in detail and reflect on what triggered that feeling.
Session 3
Healthy Coping Strategies
DATE: _________
Prompt 1: What are three healthy ways you currently cope with stress or sadness? How effective are they for you?
Prompt 2: Brainstorm two new coping strategies you'd like to try from the Coping Skills Worksheet. How do you think they might help you?
Session 4
Building Your Support System
DATE: _________
Prompt 1: Who are the key people in your support system? What kind of support do they offer (e.g., listening, practical help, comfort)?
Prompt 2: How do you feel about asking for help when you're struggling? What makes it easy or difficult?
Session 5
Honoring Memories and Self-Care
DATE: _________
Prompt 1: Describe a meaningful memory you have of someone or something you've lost. How do you keep that memory alive?
Prompt 2: What does "self-care" mean to you? List three specific self-care practices you can commit to doing this week.
Session 6
Reflection and Growth
DATE: _________
Prompt 1: Reflect on your grief journey throughout these sessions. What is one new insight you've gained about yourself or your experience with loss?
Prompt 2: What does resilience mean to you now, and how do you see yourself continuing to grow and heal in the future?
Coping Skills Toolbox Worksheet Coping Skills: Building Your Toolbox
Healing Hearts, Growing Stronger • Session 3
Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
Everyone experiences difficult emotions, especially when dealing with grief. Healthy coping skills help us manage these feelings in a way that promotes healing and well-being. This worksheet will help you identify and practice strategies that work for you.
Part 1: My Current Coping Skills
1. When you feel sad, angry, or overwhelmed, what are some things you currently do to try and feel better? List at least three.
2. Are these strategies always helpful? Why or why not?
Part 2: Exploring New Healthy Coping Strategies
Below is a list of healthy coping strategies. Circle the ones you have tried before and found helpful, and underline the ones you would be interested in trying.
Talking to a trusted friend or family member
Writing in a journal
Listening to music
Exercising or playing a sport
Spending time in nature
Drawing, painting, or creative arts
Deep breathing or meditation
Reading a book
Watching a comforting movie
Helping someone else (volunteering)
Spending time with a pet
Cooking or baking
Setting a small, achievable goal
Getting enough sleep
Eating nutritious food
Seeking advice from a counselor
Part 3: My Personal Coping Plan
Based on the list above and your own ideas, identify 3-5 coping skills you will commit to practicing regularly. For each skill, explain how you will use it.
Coping Skill #1
How I will use it
Coping Skill #2
How I will use it
Coping Skill #3
How I will use it
Reflection
What challenges do you anticipate in using these coping skills, and how might you overcome them?
How do you think consistently using healthy coping skills will impact your overall well-being?
Community Support Activity Your Circle of Strength
Healing Hearts, Growing Stronger • Session 4
Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
Part 1: Identifying Your Support Network
Think about the people in your life who offer you support. Write their names or roles in the sections below. Imagine you are at the center, and these people surround you with strength.
Close Family / Guardians
Extended Family / Relatives
Close Friends
School Staff / Mentors
Community / Other Trusted Adults
Part 2: What Kind of Support Do They Offer?
For each person or group, briefly describe the kind of support they provide. (e.g., "listens without judgment," "provides practical help," "makes me laugh")
Person/Group
Type of Support
Person/Group
Type of Support
Person/Group
Type of Support
Part 3: Reaching Out
Imagine you are having a particularly difficult day. Who from your support network would you reach out to first, and what would you say or ask for? Why would you choose them?
Reflection
How does seeing your support network laid out like this make you feel?
What is one new way you might try to connect with someone this week?
Reflection & Growth Exit Ticket Reflection & Growth
Healing Hearts, Growing Stronger • Final Session
Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
One Word / One Phrase Reflection
If you had to describe your biggest takeaway from these sessions in one word or a short phrase, what would it be?
Self-Assessment
On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree), how much do you agree with the following statements?
I have a better understanding of what grief is and how it affects people.
1 2 3 4 5
I feel more confident in identifying and expressing my emotions related to loss.
1 2 3 4 5
I have identified healthy coping strategies I can use when I am struggling.
1 2 3 4 5
I can identify specific people in my life who can offer me support.
1 2 3 4 5
I believe I have the ability to be resilient in the face of challenges.
1 2 3 4 5
Looking Ahead
What is one specific step you can take in the coming weeks to continue nurturing your emotional well-being?
Is there anything else you would like to share or ask about your experience?
"Healing is not a destination, but a journey of growth."
