MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS ACTIVITIES Small Group Counseling Curriculum Suicide

Mind Matters is our comprehensive, trauma-informed mental health awareness small group counseling curriculum designed specifically for middle school students (grades 6–8). This research-aligned program supports students in developing emotional awareness, healthy coping strategies, self-understanding, and help-seeking skills in a safe and supportive group setting.

Our small group counseling curriculum focuses on Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention. Mind Matters empowers students to better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while building practical tools they can use both in and out of school for mental health. This curriculum is ideal for school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and SEL educators working with and implementing small group counseling curriculums, Tier 2 interventions, or advisory programs.

The overarching goal of our Mental Health Awareness Counseling Small Group Curriculum – “Mind Matters” is to support students in understanding their mental and emotional health while equipping them with tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, navigate thoughts, and seek support when needed. This curriculum promotes resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being in a developmentally appropriate and empowering way.

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: What is Mental Health?

Session 3: Understanding Emotions

Session 4: Stress and the Body

Session 5: Calming the Body & Mind

Session 6: Thoughts, Feelings & Actions

Session 7: Helpful vs Unhelpful Thoughts

Session 8: Identity & Self-Understanding

Session 9: Connection & Help-Seeking

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.

1.Session 1: Welcome to the Group – Creating Safety and Connection Students are introduced to the group’s purpose, expectations, and confidentiality. The focus is on building trust, rapport, and a sense of belonging.

2.Session 2: What Is Mental Health? Understanding the Mind and Emotions Students explore what mental health is, why it matters, and how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected.

3.Session 3: Understanding Emotions – Noticing and Naming Feelings Students learn to identify, name, and understand emotions, building emotional awareness and empathy.

4.Session 4: Stress and the Body – How Our Brain and Body Respond This session introduces the body’s stress response and helps students recognize personal stress signals.

5.Session 5: Calming the Body and Mind – Coping and Regulation Tools Students learn and practice coping and regulation strategies to manage stress and emotional overwhelm.

6.Session 6: Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions – How They Work Together Students explore how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors, increasing insight into thinking patterns.

7.Session 7: Helpful vs. Unhelpful Thoughts – Building Healthy Thinking Skills This session focuses on identifying and gently challenging unhelpful thoughts while building flexible thinking.

8.Session 8: Identity and Self-Understanding – Strengths and Values Students explore identity, strengths, and values in a supportive, non-judgmental way.

9.Session 9: Connection & Help-Seeking Students identify trusted supports and learn when and how to ask for help.

10.Session 10: Reflection, Growth, and Moving Forward Students reflect on their learning, review key skills, and intentionally close the group.