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Therapeutic Groups aim to provide a safe space to learn proven coping strategies, build community relationships, encourage self-care, and gain skills needed to overcome burnout.

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Groups are for adults. However, there are several lesson plans with learning objectives that are found in the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success. At the core groupsr focus on ASCA Category 1/Mindset

Standard M1.

"M1. Belief in development of whole self, including a health balance of mental, social/emotional, and physical well being.

Self-confidence in ability to succeed" (ASCA 2021).

Some groups will have lesson plans that have specific focus on the following ASCA Behavior Standards.

Learning Strategies:

"B-LS3: Time-management, organizational, and study skills

Self-Management Skills."

"B-SMS 6. Ability to identify and overcome barriers."

"B-SMS 7. Effective coping skills"

"B-SMS 8. Balance of school, home, and community activities

(ASCA 2021)."

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Based on ACA Ethical Standards for Group Work

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Group Therapy Leaders have a moral and ethical obligation that shields participants from those who would impede the group process or jeopardize the group experience. As such, for prior to participation all potential participants are subject to an initial pre-group "TAP-In" interview/screening. Potential participants will be: Asked about their level of interest and therapeutic expectations (Morganette, 1990). Conducting pre-screening or interviews maintains the integrity of groups by preventing attendance by those with conflicting goals or goals that may not be compatible with or conflict with group goals.

"A.9.a. Screening Counselors screen prospective group counseling/therapy participants. To the extent possible, counselors select members whose needs and goals are compatible with the goals of the group, who will not impede the group process, and whose well-being will not be jeopardized by the group experience" (ACA, 2014).

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All Group Participants will sign an Informed Consent Prior to their first group session.

The informed consent will communicate essential information about the group. This information will help potential members determine whether or not they would like to participate.

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Group Rules are established with the aim of protecting the group from actions that threaten it's developing sense of safety and trust. Each Group's Rules will also establish norms, and help maintain the integrity of group goals and the groups stated purpose.

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Groups will follow a traditional model of Group Dynamics carried out through 3 Stages

Stage 1: Getting acquainted/setting norms/building trust. Ice-breaking activities are scheduled for the first few minutes of each meeting. The activities are centered around acquainting group members with leaders and one another. The group will also have a structured format to help set norms and enforce consistency which builds confidence and trust within the group.

Stage 2: Working together to accomplish individual and group goals. Each meeting will have dedicated small group time for members to share individual progress. Each meeting will close with setting a group and personal goal related to the lesson. Each group will have dedicated small group time for members to share individual progress.

Stage 3: Ending the Group. Closure will allow group members to reflect on their collective and individual accomplishments. Participants will have an opportunity to review the knowledge and skills they have obtained throughout the duration of the group.

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Based on Yalom's Curative Factors of Group Treatment (The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, 1995).

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By nurturing a judgement-free, safe space, Groups will facilitate opportunities to experience many of the elements identified in Yalom's Curative Factors. Among the most important are Universality, which reveals a person is not alone in their struggles. Imparting Information, Direct Advice, and Interpersonal Learning will equip those facing potential burnout. Finally, Instillation of Hope assures that these methods learned will be effective, as well as Altruism, which will encourage strong support systems throughout the community (Yalom, 1995).

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Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors Rules

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As a graduate intern under supervision, facilitating group therapy I will be bound by Texas law to follow all rules and regulations set forth by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.

It is essential to acknowledge that all state mandates apply to Licensed Professional Counselors and will be applicable regardless of the counseling setting (BHEC, 2025).

I believe confidentiality is of paramount importance for group work, especially when dealing with sensitive topics.

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Groups will adhere to all standards outlined in the ACA Code of Ethics. Inclusive of any standards outlined by the ACA for counselors in group work settings.

This includes:

"A.9.a. Screening Counselors screen prospective group counseling/therapy participants. To the extent possible, counselors select members whose needs and goals are compatible with the goals of the group, who will not impede the group process, and whose well-being will not be jeopardized by the group experience" (ACA, 2014).

"A.9.b. Protecting Clients In a group setting, counselors take reasonable precautions to protect clients from physical, emotional, or psychological trauma" (ACA, 2014).

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American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

American School Counselor Association (2021). ASCA

Student Standards; Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success.

Alexandria, VA: Autho

Cherry, K. (2023, June 27.). How to lead: 6 Leadership styles and frameworks. Verywell mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/leadership-styles-2795312

Morganett, R. S. (1990). Skills for living: Group counseling activities for young adolescents (Volume 2). Research Press.

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council & Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors rules. (2025).  https://bhec.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-March-LPC-Rulebook.pdf

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