ASE FIRST CONTACT PROTOCOL
The ASE Academy — intern-resources.html
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BEFORE THE SESSION
[ ] Review referral information — hold it loosely.
[ ] Check your own regulatory state. If not regulated: 60-second somatic reset.
[ ] Prepare the physical space: clear desk, soften lighting, chairs at equal height.

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PHASE 1: ARRIVAL (first 2–3 minutes)
Goal: Co-regulatory settling before any content

Notice their state: How did they arrive? Activated? Flat? Uncertain?
Match their energy slightly, then gently lead.

Simple opener (choose one):
  - "Thanks for coming in. I don't have an agenda yet — I just wanted to meet you."
  - "I know these conversations can feel a little weird at first. We can take it slow."
  - [For mandated referrals] "I know you didn't ask to be here. That's okay."

Do NOT recite rights-and-limits yet.

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PHASE 2: OPENING THE CONVERSATION (5–10 minutes)
Goal: Invite narrative; listen for governors

Suggested openers:
  - "Tell me a little bit about what school has been like for you lately."
  - "What do you notice most about your days here — what's hard, what's okay?"
  - "Is there anything you were hoping this conversation might be?"

While listening, track:
  Constitutional: What is their body communicating?
  Cultural: What cultural scripts might be shaping how they engage with you?
  Circumstantial: What events or conditions are referenced, even in passing?

Do not rush to reflect or reframe. Tolerate pauses.

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PHASE 3: RIGHTS AND LIMITS (when relational safety is established)

Key elements:
  What counseling is (and isn't): "I'm not here to report back or fix you."
  Confidentiality: "What you share stays between us — with a few exceptions."
  Mandatory exceptions:
    - Safety (harm to self or others)
    - Abuse/neglect reporting
  FERPA basics (for older students)
  Questions: "Does that make sense? Any questions?"

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PHASE 4: CLOSING (last 5 minutes)
Goal: Leave the door open; establish next contact

Reflect what you heard — not just content, but environmental texture.
Avoid premature problem-solving or goal-setting in Session 1.
Ask: "Is there anything you'd want me to know before we meet again?"
Set a next appointment or clarify how they can reach you.
End warmly: "I'm glad you came in."

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POST-SESSION REFLECTION (complete within 24 hours)

What is the most important thing I noticed — beyond the presenting concern?


Which governor do I understand least about this student?


What in my own response do I want to bring to supervision?


Start EPM — Part 1 while memory is fresh.

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