MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS ACTIVITIES Small Group Counseling Curriculum HIGH SCHOOL

Our Mind Matters Small Group Counseling Curriculum (High School Edition) is our comprehensive, trauma-informed mental health small group counseling curriculum designed to support high school students in developing emotional awareness, healthy coping strategies, self-understanding, and help-seeking skills. Grounded in research-based practices and aligned with ASCA Mindset & Behavior Standards, this program provides school counselors and mental health professionals with a structured yet flexible framework to support student well-being in a safe, supportive group setting.

This program emphasizes that mental health exists on a continuum and can change over time based on stress, support, sleep, relationships, and life experiences. Students are supported in understanding their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment, while learning strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions, and seek support when needed.

The program consists of 10 structured sessions, each designed to build upon the previous one, allowing students to develop insight, confidence, and resilience over time.

TEN SESSIONS INCLUDE:

Session 1: Welcome & Introduction to the Group

Session 2: Understanding Mental Health

Session 3: Emotional Awareness

Session 4: Stress, Pressure, and the Body

Session 5: Coping, Regulation, and Resilience

Session 6: Thoughts, Beliefs, and Mental Patterns

Session 7: Helpful vs Unhelpful Thinking

Session 8: Identity, Values, and Sense of Self

Session 9: Suicide Prevention, Help-Seeking, and Support Systems

1Session 10: Reflection, Growth & Moving Forward

Our Mental Health – “Mind Matters” Small Group Counseling Curriculum includes:

• Note to Counselors

• Objectives & Goals

• Group Session Overview

• ASCA Mindset and Behavior Standards

• Binder Cover Page & Spine Options

• Teacher Nominations and Follow Up Forms

• Parent/Guardian Letter and Consent Form

• Group Planning Sheet

• Name Tags

• Group Member Reminders

• Group Attendance Record

• Student Pre & Post Outcome Measures

• Teacher Pre & Post Outcome Measures

• Additional Data Collection

• Confidentiality Sign

• Passes – Hall, Class, Counselor, Social Worker & Psychologist

• Student Desk Reminders

• Counselor Chats Handout

• Certificates

TEN SESSIONS INCLUDE:

Below are the specific details for each individual session which can be used in isolation or as a comprehensive social skills and friendship curriculum.

Session 1: Welcome & Introduction – Creating Safety and Connection – Establish group purpose, expectations, confidentiality, and norms. Focus on building trust, psychological safety, and respectful participation.

Session 2: Understanding Mental Health – Explore what mental health is, why it matters, and how it exists on a continuum that can change over time. Normalize mental health experiences and reduce stigma.

Session 3: Emotional Awareness – Develop emotional literacy by identifying and understanding a range of emotions. Emphasize emotions as signals that provide information, not weaknesses.

Session 4: Stress, Pressure, and the Body – Examine how stress affects the brain and body. Identify common adolescent stressors and personal stress signals or warning signs.

Session 5: Coping, Regulation, and Resilience – Practice evidence-based coping and self-regulation strategies. Support students in building a personalized coping toolkit.

Session 6: Thoughts, Beliefs, and Mental Patterns – Explore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Increase awareness of thinking patterns without pressure to “think positive.”

Session 7: Helpful vs. Unhelpful Thinking – Identify unhelpful or rigid self-talk and practice flexible, balanced thinking strategies that support emotional regulation and confidence.

Session 8: Identity, Values, and Sense of Self – Explore identity development beyond emotions or academic performance. Focus on strengths, values, culture, and self-acceptance.

Session 9: Suicide Prevention, Help-Seeking, and Support Systems – Provide trauma-informed suicide prevention education. Increase awareness of warning signs, protective factors, and how to seek help for self or others.

Session 10: Reflection, Growth, and Moving Forward – Reflect on learning and growth, review key skills, identify ongoing supports, and provide intentional group closure.