Mental Health Toolkit

Mind Matters 2.0: A Map for Thriving

Young people experiencing trauma and toxic stress often have difficulty regulating their emotional responses when facing challenges in school, life, and relationships. Mind Matters 2.0 help young people take charge of their emotions and improve their states of mind. Participants learn to address their physical, relational, and mental health needs.

The twelve lessons of Mind Matters 2.0, based on  current research and neuroscience, are designed to be taught by a teacher or other non-clinician in the classroom or out-of-school program.

• Self-Soothing and Regulating Emotions: Learn practical tools for calming the nervous system, including focused breathing, grounding techniques, and the Reboot Sigh.
• Discovering and Managing Emotions: Develop emotional intelligence through body scans, emotion identification, and the Internal Journal.
• The Observing Self: Learn to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment, creating space between an experience and a response.
• Empathy and Co-Regulation: Build compassion and strengthen relationships through deep listening, the Loving Kindness exercise, and co-regulation practices.
• Support Networks: Map and strengthen personal support systems; practice asking for help.
• Self-Compassion and Resilience: Explore how adversity shapes the brain and body, recognize Positive Childhood Experiences, and build a resilience toolkit grounded in self-compassion and a positive growth mindset.
• Healing Through Rhythm and Reflection: Use music, movement, and Memory Release techniques to process and integrate difficult experiences.
• Tapping and Efficient Sleep: Learn Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/Tapping) and evidence-informed sleep practices.
• Movement and Self-Care: Design a personalized movement plan and explore the role of physical activity, play, and rest in healing. Practice effective habit formation strategies.
• Life of Intention: Develop SMARTER goals, create a Road Map for Life, and practice ethical decision-making.
• Code of Honor and Asking for Help: Clarify personal values, build the Honor Shield, and identify people who can support your goals.
• The Ongoing Journey: Review, commit, and create a Game Plan for continued growth—including a new “Track It to a Habit.”