Group Therapy

Communication Skills

100

Instead of saying, "You're making me mad", what could you say to communicate your feeling more clearly?

"I feel angry when ___"

200

Name two ways you can tell someone how you're feeling without yelling.

Use an "I statement", talk calmy, write it down, ask to talk calmly, mediation with staff

300

What is the difference between saying "I'm fine" and actually communicating how you feel?

"I'm fine" may hide what you're actually experiencing instead of helping someone understand you

400

Give an example of an "I statement" about feeling left out by your friends

"I feel left out when everyone plays without me"

500

Someone asks, "what's wrong", and you don't feel ready to talk. Give an example of a healthy response. 

"I'm not ready to talk right now, but I might be later and will let you know"

Anger Management

100

Name one physical sign that you might be getting angry

clenched fists, tense muscles, fast heartbeat, feeling hot, sweating, jaw tightening, etc.

200

What is the purpose of taking a time-out when you're angry?

To give yourself time to calm down before reaction or making the situation worse

300

You're arguing with someone and notice your heart racing and fist clenching. Name two things you could do.

Walk away, take space, breathe slowly, count, ask for a break, grounding

400

True or false: Being angry is bad.

False. Anger is a normal emotion. What matters is how you respond to it.

500

Someone insults you in front of your friends and you feel like hitting them. What's one thing you could do that protects you and prevents the situation from escalating?

Create distance, walk away, get staff, use calming strategies, or respond assertively rather than physically

Coping Skills

100

Name one coping skill you can use when you're stressed

deep breathing, music, exercise, drawing, talking to someone, etc.

200

What type of breathing can help calm your body when you're angry or anxious?

Slow, controlled, deep breathing

300

You're having a terrible day and want to isolate yourself. Name two healthy things you could do instead

Talk to someone, exercise, listen to music, take a shower, go outside, play a game, etc.

400

True or false: Avoiding every problem is a healthy coping strategy.

False. Taking a temporary break can help, but problems usually still need to be addressed.

500

You have 10 minutes before a stressful event (ex. presentation, court, etc). Create a 10-minute coping plan to help you prepare and de-stress. 

Any reasonable combination of breathing, music, movement, positive self-talk, talking to someone, grounding, etc.