One of the activity that I normally do is let the students write the "Journel." There are two keys reason for them to write it. Firstly, it is to improve english writing and it is a great way to learn as well. Secondly, it is like a secret sharing space between me and the students. Normally, the students are very shy or hesitate to share their feelings inside the classroom no matter how you are close to them as a teacher. It can be because of the peers or maybe they aren't use to with sharing feelings. By letting them write a journel, you can somehow know what happening to them in their daily life and that you can be a part of it. Though, the students might not believe in you at beginning when they write a journel, you can build a mutual trust between you and the students overtime. But for sure, you have to read it carefully to every journel and also, give them feedback if you have to. I would normally let the students write for 2 weeks and collect it at the end of the second week. This might not be effective as counseling but you can know the emotional level of the students and you can understand the students' behavior inside the classroom a little bit better.