Stress Management Plan Exemplar 3
Stress Management Plan Exemplar 3
Stress Management Plan Exemplar 3
SITUATION #1: A student new to our school is anxious about having no friends
STRESS BUSTER: SWOT Activity
DETAILS: If this new student is feeling alone and afraid, I would use the SWOT activity to help them
understand how to use their strengths and resources to reach a goal. In this case, I would ask the student to list
their strengths, perceived weaknesses, opportunities of interest (i.e. goal) and threats (i.e. the barriers
impacting their ability to achieve the goal). If the goal is to make friends, a SWOT chart might look like this:
SWOT CHART
Strengths: Weaknesses:
- Empathetic - Shy
- Athletic - Scared to be turned down
- Team player -
Opportunities (to make new friends) Threats
- Talk with students in class - Being turned down (i.e. not being accepted in
- Join a sport response to an attempt to reach out)
- Join a school club - Being made fun of
- Speak with students on the bus - Being too different
In completing this activity, the student could learn that their fears and weaknesses (being shy, afraid of
rejection) might be the only things preventing them from making friends. If the focus is instead on strengths, the
student might decide to join a team activity (school club, group project, sports). If they join something that
aligns with their strengths and use their personal resources, then their perceived weaknesses and threats wont
be as likely to get in the way of reaching the goal of making friends.
SITUATION #2: Student is feeling depressed and hopeless, and comes to counseling
STRESS BUSTER: Gratitude journal and Resources list
DETAILS: If a student were struggling with depression, it would be helpful for them to make a list of their
resources, and to identify the he things in their life for which they are grateful. To start a gratitude journal, I
would help them to list these things on paper. It would be recommended after creating the list and discussing the
resources, that they student keep the list in a safe place where they have access (i.e. night stand or book bag). I
would also recommend that they continually edit the list (add or delete items as needed) throughout their life.
Then, when they are feeling especially down, they can turn to this list for a reminder of all the positive things
that they can be thankful for in life. I would also then help them to make a list of their resources. We would
complete this activity by having the student create a chart with their name in the middle. They would write their
resources in a resource diagram, and keep access to during times of greatest need. The purpose would be to 1.
remind them that they always have support and 2. remind them who specifically then can turn to.
Resource Chart Example: by category, including home, family, friends, teachers, activities and
internal resources. The point is for her to see that shes not alone.
Family & Friends
(names)
Teachers &
Coaches/Advisor Internal
s Student Resoucres
(names) (traits, etc.)
Activites
SITUATION #3: Student cant focus in school because theyre angry at their parents
STRESS BUSTER: Stress Letter Letter
ETAILS: If a student were angry with a parent, I would use the stress letter activity to help them to Mom
relieve stress. As suggested in class, the student would be advised to write a letter to their parent ----------
detailing all their frustrations. At the end of this activity, he/she would be given the option to rip up ----------
and throw out the paper, or if appropriate, to give the letter to their parent to initiate a conversation. ----------
-
Stress Management Plan for ME
ex. complete stress class assignment ex. prep for junior conferences schedule dentist appointment