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The group name will be “Veteran Resilience Circle” which will be designed to support veterans age 25 to 40 who are transitioning from military service to civilian life. The group will provide a safe space for veterans to address the emotional, psychological, and social challenges they face during their adjustment period. The focus will be on developing resilience, fostering peer support, and building coping strategies for managing stress, to identify shifts and mental health concerns. This group will be tailored to veterans offering them a platform to share their experiences and work towards being a healthy, fulfilling civilian life.

The need for this group would be supported by both qualitative and quantitative data. Many veterans face difficulties during the transition from military to civilian life, things including mental health challenges such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression. The statistics from veteran support organizations and mental health institutes indicate that a significant percentage of veterans struggle with reintegration into civilian society. Qualitative data such as personal interviews with veterans will be used to highlight the need for peer support during the transitional phase. By adding these specific challenges within the group settings, veterans will have the opportunity to share experiences and learn from each other, thereby facilitating smoother transitions. This group is justified by veteran support services and can be offered through Veteran Affairs or nonprofit veteran organizations.

The purpose of the Veterans Resilience circle is to provide emotional and psychological support to veterans transitioning to civilian life. The group will empower veterans by equipping them with the resilience building strategies and fostering a sense of community among their peers who share similar experiences.

The small group will address the mental health and social adjustment needs of veterans as they reintegrate into civilian life. Many veterans experience isolation, anxiety, and difficulty finding purpose post service. By participating in this group, veterans will develop skills in stress management, identity reconstruction, and resilience. This will help reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall well-being, ensuring that the veterans are better equipped to manage the challenges of civilian life. The group will benefit veterans by providing practical coping mechanisms and fostering peer connections, which will ultimately enhance their mental health and reintegration experiences.

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Mindsets and Behaviors for Mental Health & Wellness Counselors:

1. Resilience: Participants will learn to manage post-service stress through resilience-building strategies.

2. Emotional Awareness: Veterans will improve their understanding of emotional responses and develop healthy ways to manage them.

3. Self-Efficacy: Participants will gain confidence in their ability to handle challenges during the civilian transition.

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Information about the group will be shared through newsletters sent to veterans support groups.

Flyers and email announcements will be distributed through the VA center and local veteran organizations.

Counselors will promote the group during individual sessions with potential participants.

The group will be posted on the community board of the VA website and shared with local veterans' social media groups.

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Participants will be informed about the group through 1 on 1 discussions with a counselor or via information flyers.

Each individual will be accessed through their willingness to engage in the group, interest, and their readiness to seek help.

The pre-screening process with focus the participants goal, challenges, and any mental health concerns related to their transition out of the service.

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Informed consent is a critical aspect of ensuring that participants fully understand the nature of the group they are joining, as well as their rights and responsibilities. Since this group involves adult veterans, parental consent will not be necessary; however, informed consent will be obtained to ensure that each participant enters the group voluntarily, with full awareness of the following key elements:

1. Purpose of the Group

2. Confidentiality and Its Limits

3. Voluntary Participation

4. Risks and Benefits

5. Documentation and Consent Form

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Establishing clear and supportive guidelines is essential for fostering a safe environment. The following rules will guide group interactions, promoting respect and trust:

1. Confidentiality: What is shared in the group stays in the group. Exceptions will be made in cases of legal or ethical obligations (harm to self/others).

2. Respectful Communication: Members will listen actively, avoid interrupting, and refrain from judgmental or confrontational language.

3. Active Participation: Everyone is encouraged to participate, but individuals can choose to pass when needed. Group input on participation guidelines will be sought.

4. Punctuality and Attendance: Members are expected to attend all sessions and arrive on time to build trust and cohesion.

5. Non-Judgmental Space: The group is a judgment-free zone, where open sharing is encouraged without fear of criticism.

6. No Crosstalk: Members should avoid talking over others or offering unsolicited advice during sessions.

7. Ownership of Emotions: Members should use “I” statements when sharing personal feelings and take responsibility for their own emotions.

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Stage 1: Forming

Focus: Build trust and rapport among group members.

Actions: Establish group norms and clarify confidentiality boundaries, making sure participants understand that while confidentiality is expected, it cannot be fully guaranteed.

Stage 2: Storming/Norming

Focus: Keep members engaged and address conflicts productively.

Actions: Reinforce the group’s goals, resolve any emerging conflicts, and regularly check in with members to monitor their progress and adjust support as needed.

Stage 3: Performing

Focus: Facilitate healthy group closure and reflection.

Actions: Encourage participants to reflect on what they have learned, while reinforcing the importance of maintaining confidentiality after the group ends. A follow-up plan may be established to ensure members feel supported beyond the group.

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Leadership Style: Democratic Leadership

In this group the leadership style will be a democratic style, so as the facilitator provides structure and guidance while encouraging active participation The group works together to shape discussions and outcomes.

Veterans often value autonomy and personal responsibility, making this approach highly effective. By allowing participants to contribute to the group’s direction, they take greater ownership of the process.

Veterans are familiar with teamwork and peer-based systems of support, making a democratic leadership style ideal for fostering collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support within the group.

By involving participants in decisions about group goals and activities, the democratic style keeps members engaged and committed to the process.

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During the group session several of Yalom's therapeutic factors are likely to emerge, which will contribute to the veterans healing journey.

Universality: Veterans often feel isolated in their struggles. By sharing experiences in the group, members will realize they are not alone, fostering a sense of connection and reducing feelings of isolation.

Altruism: Participants will have opportunities to support one another, which can enhance feelings of purpose and self-worth. Veterans often find meaning in helping their peers, and this group will offer a space for that to occur naturally.

Instillation of Hope: Seeing others make progress and successfully cope with challenges can inspire hope. Group members will witness resilience in their peers, which may motivate them to persevere in their own recovery and personal growth.

Cohesion: The group will work as a cohesive unit, creating a sense of belonging and mutual support. This is especially important for veterans, who are accustomed to working within team environments.

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Counselors are ethically required to ensure confidentiality but must explain the limitations of confidentiality in group settings (e.g., mandatory reporting). The American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics emphasizes protecting client privacy while acknowledging exceptions to confidentiality. It is important to clarify that what is shared within the group should remain confidential, but also to make it clear that the counselor cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality due to the nature of group dynamics. This requirement supports my role by helping me foster a secure environment for clients to work through personal issues while maintaining professional ethics. By ensuring group members understand confidentiality, I can help minimize the risk of breaches and promote ethical practice in the group setting.

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Counselors must obtain informed consent from all group members before participation. The ACA Code of Ethics mandates that participants be fully informed about the nature of the group, the potential risks, and their rights as group members. Consent should be obtained in writing, ensuring that participants understand what will happen in the group setting. Informed consent gives clients the opportunity to ask questions and opt out if they feel uncomfortable. This legal and ethical requirement supports my ability to establish transparency and respect for autonomy within the group counseling environment. It helps mitigate potential legal risks and ensures ethical practice by safeguarding clients' right to make informed decisions about their participation.

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American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/ethics

American Counseling Association. (2015). ACA legal and ethical requirements. Alexandria, VA: Author.

American Counseling Association. (2015). Mindsets and behaviors for mental health and wellness counselors. Alexandria, VA: Author.

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Authorization and consent to release information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) [Form 21-4142]. https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4142-ARE.pdf

Yalom, I. D. (1995). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.). Basic Books.