3
1.2 Introduction to Mind Matters |15 minutes
Preparation Check
_____Lesson 1 PowerPoint
_____Flipchart/board and markers (for group values/rules)
_____Participant Journal
_____Online Material: Safety and Support Resources handout
Safety Note
Safety is Important in Mind Matters. When discussing emotions and thoughts, create a safe, supportive
environment, including the following:
1. Participation should be voluntary. Never call on anyone to share their emotions unless they are
willing. Respect each person’s choice to engage at their own comfort level.
2. Acknowledge discomfort as growth. Encourage participants to recognize that feeling
uncomfortable can be a natural part of learning and growth. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel
uneasy and that these feelings can lead to self-improvement.
3. Provide a supportive environment. Offer gentle encouragement while emphasizing that sharing
emotions is a personal decision. Provide alternatives—such as journaling or private reflection—for
those who prefer not to share publicly.
Important: In this setting, personal self-disclosure of traumatic events is not encouraged. If a participant
chooses to disclose, offer support without probing for details. For example, if someone mentions
being molested, do not ask for further elaboration. Discussing such narratives can unintentionally re-
traumatize individuals who may lack sufficient coping skills and can also trigger distressing memories
for others. This educational environment focuses on skill acquisition sharing traumatic experiences is
more appropriate for therapeutic settings, not this setting. If a participant misunderstands and feels
compelled to disclose personal experiences, use this three-step approach:
1. Support: Acknowledge their experience with empathy. For example: “You have had— or are having—
a very difficult experience.”
2. Empathize: Validate their feelings and the significance of the moment. For example: “That experience
has come up for you, and I can see it has brought discomfort and distress. You want to talk about it
right now.”
1.2 Introduction to Mind Matters |15 minutes
Preparation Check
_____Lesson 1 PowerPoint
_____Flipchart/board and markers (for group values/rules)
_____Participant Journal
_____Online Material: Safety and Support Resources handout
Safety Note
Safety is Important in Mind Matters. When discussing emotions and thoughts, create a safe, supportive
environment, including the following:
1. Participation should be voluntary. Never call on anyone to share their emotions unless they are
willing. Respect each person’s choice to engage at their own comfort level.
2. Acknowledge discomfort as growth. Encourage participants to recognize that feeling
uncomfortable can be a natural part of learning and growth. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel
uneasy and that these feelings can lead to self-improvement.
3. Provide a supportive environment. Offer gentle encouragement while emphasizing that sharing
emotions is a personal decision. Provide alternatives—such as journaling or private reflection—for
those who prefer not to share publicly.
Important: In this setting, personal self-disclosure of traumatic events is not encouraged. If a participant
chooses to disclose, offer support without probing for details. For example, if someone mentions
being molested, do not ask for further elaboration. Discussing such narratives can unintentionally re-
traumatize individuals who may lack sufficient coping skills and can also trigger distressing memories
for others. This educational environment focuses on skill acquisition sharing traumatic experiences is
more appropriate for therapeutic settings, not this setting. If a participant misunderstands and feels
compelled to disclose personal experiences, use this three-step approach:
1. Support: Acknowledge their experience with empathy. For example: “You have had— or are having—
a very difficult experience.”
2. Empathize: Validate their feelings and the significance of the moment. For example: “That experience
has come up for you, and I can see it has brought discomfort and distress. You want to talk about it
right now.”
