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This group was created to address the needs of certified academic advisors working in a community college setting, particularly during peak times when time is limited and student demands are high. The primary goal of the group is to equip members with strategies for managing elevated stress levels in the workplace.

A needs assessment revealed that stress management during peak periods was a common challenge, which is why I chose this focus for my group counseling project.

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The following Mindset standards will be met through participation in this group:

B-SMS 6. Ability to identify and overcome barriers

B-SMS 7. Effective coping skills

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Individuals interested in joining the group will have the opportunity to meet with me voluntarily for a discussion and assessment. Based on their expectations, motivation, and goals, five participants will be selected. Prior to making my selection, there will be a discussion to align expectations and goals related to stress, both from the individual’s perspective and mine. My focus will be on candidates who demonstrate a strong interest in learning and problem-solving.

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Once five group members have been selected, they will receive an informed consent form. This document will outline the group's expectations, including confidentiality requirements and guidelines for joining the online Zoom sessions.

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The following ground rules will be established prior to the first session:

1. You are not obligated to share unless you want to.

2. Be respectful of your peers.

3. Confidentiality

Additional rules may be discussed during the first session before individuals sign their informed consent forms.

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This group will consist of certified academic advisors who work together at a community college.

Stage 1: In this initial stage, although group members will have previously met and worked together, this will be a dedicated space for them to openly discuss their work-related stressors. The focus will be on building trust among members and setting expectations and goals for the group.

Stage 2: During Stage 2, the group will engage in discussions about the stressors they encounter at work and the strategies they have employed to manage them. As the group develops cohesion, I hope to see members collaborate to share and refine effective strategies and tools for managing stress.

Stage 3: In the final stage, we will focus on the application of the tools and strategies learned throughout the sessions. A support plan will be developed to address situations where stress becomes overwhelming, with an emphasis on mutual support among coworkers.

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To promote this group, I will design a flyer to be posted in the advisor breakroom. The flyer will feature a QR code that allows interested individuals to easily contact me. Additionally, I will make an announcement during one of our Friday meetings to provide more information and address any questions about the group.

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For this group, I believe Participative Leadership will be the most beneficial. By encouraging open dialogue, members can share their experiences and realize they are not alone in their struggles. This leadership style fosters active discussion, helping everyone feel supported and understood.

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In this group, I believe the following of Yalom's Therapeutic Factors will be present: Universality, Direct Advice, and Interpersonal Learning.

Universality will be evident as group members recognize that they are not alone in experiencing stress and burnout. This shared understanding helps alleviate feelings of isolation.

Direct Advice will play a key role as I share practical techniques to minimize or combat stress. Providing actionable strategies will empower members to address their challenges effectively.

Interpersonal Learning will occur as group members have the opportunity to learn from each other. By sharing their experiences and what has worked for them in reducing stress, they will gain valuable insights and support.

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The Texas Administrative Code outlines the general ethical requirements for Professional Counselors.

RULE §681.41 (e) states that Technological means of communication may be used to facilitate the therapeutic counseling process.

RULE §681.41 (h) states that a licensee must not evaluate any individual's mental, emotional, or behavioral condition unless the licensee has personally interviewed the individual or the licensee discloses in the evaluation the licensee has not personally interviewed the individual.

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ASGW Guiding Principle: C.6.d Telehealth and Professional Disclosure

This principle addresses the legal and ethical considerations for conducting group work in a telehealth or virtual setting. Key considerations include maintaining confidentiality and being aware of the physical locations from which group members join the meeting.

Since this group will be conducted virtually, I believe this guideline supports the group rules and informed consent form provided to members.

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American School Counselor Association. (n.d.). Mindsets and behaviors for student success: K-12 college- and career-readiness standards for every student. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/7428a787-a452-4abb-afec-d78ec77870cd/Mindsets-Behaviors.pdf

Association for Specialists in Group Work. (2021). ASGW guiding principles (May 2021). https://asgw.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ASGW-Guiding-Principles-May-2021.pdf

California State University, Dominguez Hills. (n.d.). School of Professional Studies forms. https://www.csudh.edu/sps/forms/

Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators. (2015). Professional school counselor small group counseling guide: A professional school counselor’s guide to planning, implementing, and evaluating school-based counseling groups. https://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/guid-respon-serv-small-group-counseling-guide-2015.pdf

Texas Administrative Code. (n.d.). RULE §681.41 General ethical requirements.

Yalom, I. D. (1995). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (4th ed.). Basic Books.