Lesson Plan
Beyond the Cut Plan
Students will learn and practice at least three healthy coping strategies to replace self-harm and build a personalized coping plan.
Self-harm is a critical concern in middle school. Equipping 8th-grade girls with alternative coping skills fosters resilience, self-compassion, and peer support, reducing risk and empowering safe emotion management.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
Step 1
Session 1: Introduction & Grounding
20 minutes
Step 2
Session 2: Identify Triggers & Emotions
20 minutes
Step 3
Session 3: Explore Healthy Coping Strategies
20 minutes
Step 4
Session 4: Personal Coping Plan & Closure
20 minutes
Slide Deck
Welcome & Group Norms
Self-Harm vs Healthy Coping
Grounding Exercise
Calming Visualization
Identifying Triggers & Emotions
My Triggers & Emotions
Categories of Healthy Coping
Coping Stations Instructions
Building Your Personal Coping Plan
Sharing & Support
Closing & Next Steps
Worksheet
Discussion
Activity
Journal
