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I will abide by American Counseling Association (2014) Laws and Statutes ensuring I am subject to abide by laws in the state I am conducting sessions in as well as the home states of participants while conducting distance sessions (H.1.b.).

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Stage 1:
During the initial group session, I will incorporate the three stages of group dynamics as outlined by (Missouri Professional School Counselor Educators, 2015). I as the facilitator will begin introductions starting with introducing myself. I will then go over rules and guidelines, consent form information, and group expectations. One of the primary expectations of the group is confidentiality although participants will be informed that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.  I will explain that it is up to the individual's discretion as to how much information they share since what other participants in the group share with others cannot be controlled. I would make sure to stress the importance of confidentiality as it is important to build trust. I will conduct an icebreaker activity such as two truths, one lie to build rapport as it will be the cornerstone of the group.
Stage 2:
At the beginning of each session as the group facilitator, I will outline to the group the focus and topics to be discussed during the session. As the facilitator, I will also distribute handouts pertaining to the topics at hand. I will go over the concerns and barriers participants may be having.  Interactions with one another will also be discussed with participants as outlined in the action plan. As the facilitator, I will touch base with the group by conducting open discussions with the group.
Stage 3:
At the conclusion of the eight-week sessions, as the facilitator, I will encourage the group to share what they have gained from taking part in the group. Participants will share useful tips and resources they acquired while taking part in group sessions. As a group, we will go over key points such as resume building and submitting housing and employment application tips. As the facilitator, I will encourage the group to share contact information to promote continued support and encouragement beyond group meetings. I will reiterate to the group the importance of confidentiality. I will conduct a post-group follow-up in nine weeks after the close of the last session to assess if the participation in the group was beneficial in navigating and completing resume building, and housing leases.

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

Cherry, K. (2022, May 23). Transformational leadership: A closer look at the effects of transformational leadership. Verywellmind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-transformational-leadership-2795313

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

Yalom's ID. (1995). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (4th ed.). New York: Basic Books.

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As the facilitator, I will abide by the American Counseling Association (2014), as outlined in section A.9. Group Work and A.9. Screening which states, that counselors will screen participants and choose individuals who have like-minded goals so as not to halt the progression of the group's progress.

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The Esperanza group will practice Yalom's Curative Factors of Group Treatment (1995) including Instillation of Hope and the belief that taking part in treatment will be beneficial. Imparting information includes sharing and learning about mental illness. Altruism is important for this group as the group's focus is to foster independence and cultivate oneself feelings of purpose. Universality affords the participants the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles.

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Inspirational Phone Wallpapers - Allpicts

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Add these special inspirational phone wallpapers to your collection. This article consists of more than 50 short inspirational quotes and wallpapers for a better life.

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Ethical requirements will be adhered to as outlined by the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics.

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The guidelines and expectations for the group sessions will be shared during the initial session. As the group facilitator, I will open up the discussion for any questions or concerns in regard to the guidelines and expectations just outlined. Once everyone feels their questions have been addressed, participants will sign and submit consent forms before exiting the first meeting.

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Pre-group screening & Informed consent form

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Pre-group screening & Informed consent form

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The screening process will entail a referral process by other clinicians once assessment plans and recovery agreements have been completed. All levels of care are eligible as long as they are meeting with their prescribers and assigned case managers. Participants are required to meet The Center for Health Care requirements. Participation in Esperanza group is voluntary. If participants have a history of substance use, they are required to attend weekly substance use meetings.

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To bring awareness to the group; emails will be sent to our organization, clients, partners, and mental health facilities. Flyers will be posted throughout our campuses focusing on the dorms and Commons area. Esperanza group will also post in The Center for Healthcare newsletter.

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This group will be a closed group with a duration of eight weeks and reopening at the beginning of the ninth week. The ninth week will mark and establish the beginning of a new group of eight to ten participants. The group will consist of 18-24 young adults with a mental diagnosis, criminal, and substance use histories. One goal of the group is to facilitate and direct participants toward resources for employment and housing. Another goal of the group is for participants to collaborate to identify barriers, build rapport, and a support system to seek solutions to obstacles. Sharing lived experiences is another method for participants to build trust and camaraderie. As the group facilitator, I will direct participants toward resources.

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The purpose of the group is to assist young adults 18-24 diagnosed with a mental illness, criminal and substance use histories with resources, employment, and life skills. As the facilitator, I will utilize a Transformational leadership style. According to Cherry (2022), Transformational leadership offers positive feedback, fosters, and encourages participants to be creative in seeking solutions to barriers, and communicate freely.

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During the initial group session, as the facilitator, I will go over the expectations and guidelines all participants are expected to adhere to. Participants will sign consent forms to further solidify participants understanding and willingness to abide by the expectancies and parameters agreed to. The facilitator will open the floor to questions regarding the consent form and group expectations. All consent forms will be submitted after the first meeting.