Teen Refusal Skills

The Refusal Skills activity is designed to help clients understand and practice effective ways to respond when they are pressured to use substances or participate in risky behaviors. Clients will learn and practice realistic strategies they can use in everyday situations. This activity includes a Canva slide deck and can be used in both group and individual sessions. 

The worksheet and presentation help clients explore:

• What refusal skills are and why they matter
• Different types of peer and social pressure
• How to recognize situations that may increase pressure to use
• Verbal and nonverbal ways to say no
• Assertive communication and boundary setting
• Strategies for leaving or changing uncomfortable situations

Great for:

Individual Counseling • Group Counseling • Substance Use Education • Prevention • Early Intervention • Psychoeducation • School Counseling • Recovery Support

The approachable format makes it easy to introduce refusal skills without making the conversation feel overly clinical or lecture-based.

Why You'll Reach for This Group

✔ Easy-to-understand language
✔ Designed for meaningful discussion
✔ Helps clients practice practical skills
✔ Presentation offers roleplay scenarios 
✔ Useful for teens
✔ Fits easily into individual or group sessions

Use it as a standalone skill-building activity or pair it with other Counselor Club worksheets to create a more comprehensive conversation about substance use, peer pressure, boundaries, and healthy decision-making.

The Counselor Club
Practical tools for prevention, counseling & change.