Counselor Session Guide Facilitator Playbook
SESSION 1: BREAKING THE SILENCE
SMALL GROUP: 2 STUDENTS
Session Goals
• Normalize the fear of being vulnerable.
• Identify "Internal" vs "External" emotional states.
• Practice "Micro-Sharing" in a safe 1:1 peer environment.
Materials Needed
Inner World Map Worksheet
Script Starter Cards
Colored Pencils / Fine-tip Markers
Folder for session work
Session Flow (45 Mins)
5 min
Check-In: The Weather Report
"If your mood today was a weather pattern, what would it be? Is there a storm coming, or is it a cloudy-but-stable day?"
Tip: Allow both girls to share. If one is quiet, use a neutral "I notice" statement to encourage without pressure.
15 min
Activity: The Inner World Map
Hand out the worksheet. Students draw their "Mask" vs. their "Reality."
Discussion Prompts:
• "What is the hardest emotion to show others right now?"
• "What are you afraid will happen if you show what's under the mask?"
15 min
Practice: Script Starters
Use the Script Cards to roleplay "Micro-Sharing." Students take turns being the 'Speaker' and 'Listener.'
Focus: Practice saying the words "I'm having a hard time" or "I'm not okay today" out loud in a neutral tone.
10 min
Closing: The Anchor Note
Each student writes one "truth" they want to remember for the week. It can be as simple as "My feelings are valid."
Trauma-Informed Tips
Handle with Care
Depression in middle school often looks like irritability or withdrawal. If a student becomes defensive, pivot to the "Mask" concept—it allows them to talk about their feelings in the third person.
Managing Silence
For these two students, silence might feel heavy. Use "Think Time"—give them 60 seconds of quiet to write or draw before they are expected to speak.
Inner World Map Worksheet Inner World Map
What the world sees vs. what you carry inside.
Name:
Date:
Today's Reflection
Sometimes, we wear a "mask" to protect ourselves or to make others feel more comfortable. In the two spaces below, use colors, symbols, or words to map out the difference between your External Mask (what you show the world) and your Internal Reality (the feelings you keep hidden).
The Mask
Words others use to describe me, how I act in public, the "happy" face.
The Reality
Fears, heavy thoughts, physical feelings, the things I'm scared to say.
1. If your "Reality" had a color, what would it be? Why?
2. What is the scariest part about letting someone see what's under the mask?
3. Who is one person you *wish* you could be more honest with?
Voice Box Cards Voice Box Cards
Sometimes the hardest part of sharing is finding the first few words. Use these cards to practice "Micro-Sharing" with a partner.
How to use:
Choose a card that feels "low-stakes" first. Practice saying the words out loud to your group partner. Notice how your body feels when you speak. You don't have to share the whole story—just the opening sentence.
Friend / Peer
"I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. I'm okay, but just a little quiet."
A way to explain why you're not yourself without saying too much.
Any Situation
"I'm having a hard day and I'm not really ready to talk about it yet. Can we just hang out?"
A way to keep the connection without the pressure to explain.
Family / Trusted Adult
"I've been carrying some heavy stuff. Can you just listen for five minutes? I don't need a fix yet."
A way to ask for listening without being "solved."
Close Friend
"Sometimes I feel really alone even when I'm with people. I just wanted to share that."
A brave sentence for someone you really trust.
Friend / Peer
"Hey, I'm feeling a bit out of it. If I seem distant, it's not you."
A way to prevent friend misunderstandings.
Create your own
Write a starter that feels like you.
Practice saying these words out loud. Your voice is yours to share when you're ready.
Heart Speak Session Slides Small Group Series
Heart Speak
Finding words for the heavy things.
Today's Session: Breaking the Silence
Check-In
If your mood today was a weather pattern, what would it be?
☀️
Stable
☁️
Heavy / Cloudy
⛈️
Storming
Wait, Vulnerability?
"Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome."
Brave
Necessary
Activity Time
The Inner World Map
Draw the "Mask" you wear at school.
Draw the "Reality" of what you feel inside.
"You don't have to explain it yet. Just get it on paper."
Workspace Area
The "Micro-Share"
Practice your scripts in a safe space.
Step 1
Pick a card that feels brave but doable.
Step 2
Say the words out loud to your partner.
Your Voice Matters.
"Sharing your heart isn't about being perfect. It's about being honest with the right people."
See you next time!
Listening Ear Facilitator Guide Facilitator Playbook
SESSION 2: THE LISTENING EAR
SMALL GROUP: 2 STUDENTS
Session Goals
• Understand that listening is just as brave as sharing.
• Identify "Listening Blocks" (The Fixer, The Distracter).
• Practice validation without "fixing."
Materials Needed
Listening Style Reflection Sheet
Validation Cheat Sheet
Two small "tokens" (stones/beads)
Session Flow (45 Mins)
5 min
Check-In: Highs & Lows (with a twist)
Share one thing from the week, but the partner's only job is to say: "I hear you, and thanks for sharing."
15 min
The "Fixer" Trap
Discuss why we try to "fix" people when they are sad. (Often because we are uncomfortable with their pain).
The Mirror Exercise: One student shares a minor annoyance. The other student *must not* offer advice, only summarize what they heard.
15 min
Activity: Validation Cheat Sheet
Review the cheat sheet. Practice responding to three scenarios with "That sounds really hard" instead of "You should try..."
10 min
Closing: The Holding Space Token
Give each student a token to keep in their pocket. It represents their ability to "hold space" for someone else's feelings (and their own).
Empathy vs Sympathy
Empathy
Feeling *with* people. "I'm in this with you." Empathy fuels connection.
Sympathy
Feeling *for* people. "Poor you." Can sometimes create a distance or a power imbalance in friendships.
Listening Styles Worksheet Listening Styles
Which one are you when a friend is struggling?
Name:
Date:
"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." When friends share "heavy" feelings, we often react in one of these four ways. Read the descriptions and see which one feels like your "default."
The Fixer
"You should just try [this]!"
You want to solve the problem immediately so your friend isn't sad anymore.
The Distracter
"Let's just go get ice cream!"
You feel awkward with big emotions and try to change the subject to something "fun."
The Judge
"Well, what did you expect?"
You look for who was right and who was wrong instead of how your friend feels.
The Vault
"That sounds so hard. I'm here."
You just sit with the person in their feeling. You are a safe place to hold the secret.
1. When a friend is sad, my "default" style is usually:
2. Why do you think it's hard for you to just be "The Vault" sometimes?
3. When YOU are sharing something heavy, which of these styles do you want your friend to use?
Safe Harbor Facilitator Guide Facilitator Playbook
SESSION 3: SAFE HARBOR
SMALL GROUP: 2 STUDENTS
Session Goals
• Identify "Safe Harbors" (people who are safe for sharing).
• Distinguish between "Surface" and "Deep" connections.
• Prepare a plan for a "difficult" but important conversation.
Materials Needed
The Safety Circle Worksheet
Bravery Prep Handout
Small paper boat or anchor symbol
Session Flow (45 Mins)
5 min
Check-In: The Safe Word
"If you could describe a 'safe person' in only one word, what would it be? (e.g., quiet, non-judgmental, funny)."
15 min
Mapping: The Safety Circle
Students fill out the worksheet, placing people in concentric circles based on trust and safety.
Discussion: "Who is currently in the middle circle? Who would you *want* to be there who isn't yet?"
15 min
Preparation: The Bravery Plan
Use the Bravery Prep Handout to plan one conversation. It doesn't have to be today, but it needs to be ready.
"Talking to parents/family can be the scariest. Let's practice one opening line together."
10 min
Closing: The Anchor Ritual
The students write one "safe person's" name on a small paper anchor. They carry this as a reminder that they aren't alone.
Safety and Family
When Family isn't "Safe"
If a student feels they have no safe family members, pivot to "chosen family" (mentors, coaches, or very close friends). Avoid forcing a connection that isn't safe.
Setting Expectations
Remind students that even "safe" people can make mistakes or be bad listeners sometimes. It's okay to try again or try someone else.
The Safety Circle Worksheet The Safety Circle
Mapping the people in your life.
Name:
Date:
Not everyone deserves to hear your "Inner World." This map helps you identify who is a "Safe Harbor" for your big feelings and who is a "Surface Connection."
Outer Circle
Middle Circle
Your Safe Harbors
OUTER CIRCLE:
People you say "Hi" to, but don't share feelings with. (Classmates, neighbors).
MIDDLE CIRCLE:
People you trust with small things. (Casual friends, distant family).
INNER CIRCLE:
The people who hold your heart safe. (Best friend, counselor, trusted adult).
Thinking about your circles...
1. Who is someone in your "Inner Circle" you can talk to today?
2. What makes them feel "safe" compared to others?
3. If you're feeling depressed or low, who is the FIRST person you think of calling? Why them?
Remember: It's better to have ONE person in your Inner Circle than twenty in your Middle Circle. Quality is what counts.
