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Foundations for Change and Relationship Recovery

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Foundations for Change and Relationship Recovery

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This group will serve men between 30 and 60 who are dealing with relationship dissolution. Some may be considering separation, others may be in the midst of a divorce, and some may be adjusting to life after. The group will offer a structured and supportive place to work through those changes. Members will have the chance to reflect on their experiences, accept responsibility for their behavior in the relationship, and learn strategies to form healthier relationship habits. Sessions will include short lessons, skill-building activities, and discussion. The group will focus on learning how to regulate emotions, communicate more effectively, and create stronger and more stable relationships in the future.

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The ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors guiding the group’s learning outcomes are delineated below (ASCA, 2021).

Mindsets:

M1 (whole-self growth)

M4 (self-confidence to succeed)

M5 (use abilities fully)

Behaviors:

B-SMS 2 (self-discipline/self-control)

B-SMS 7 (effective coping)

B-SS 1 (effective communication)

B-SS 8 (assertive self-advocacy)

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Participant Guidelines and Ground Rules (Missouri Professional School Counselors & Counselor Educators, 2015).

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This group will utilize the Participant Guidelines and Ground Rules handout to establish expectations for the group. Prior to the first session, I will thoroughly review this with clients so they understand the basic guidelines for respect, confidentiality, and participation. Rules regarding confidentiality, respect for others, and no recording will be established in advance by the counselor to ensure safety and trust. Others, such as how clients want to handle giving feedback or signaling when they need a break, will be developed by the group to facilitate buy-in and accountability.

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Audiences: Internal referrals, local EAPs, men’s health PCPs, family law attorneys, community partners

Professional: Email a one-page flyer to providers, send referral emails, update the group listing on Psychology Today

Clinic: Add a short description with sign-up link to the clinic website, give receptionist a short script to share the group with callers or visitors, and place a flyer in the waiting room

Community: Post brief announcements on the clinic’s social media pages with the group’s sign-up link

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A brief pre-group interview lasting 20 to 30 minutes will ensure that each client's goals, readiness, and needs align with the group's goals. During the interview, clients will discuss their goals for change, review the attendance rules, and talk about their emotional readiness and comfort with group counseling. The criterion for screening will look at the client's motivation to join, capacity to attend consistently, and how well they fit in with the group as a whole. If there are safety issues or other needs, clients will be referred to individual counseling or a higher level of care as needed. I will only accept clients whose aims and readiness match those of the group. This will make sure they have a safe, constructive, and productive experience in the group.

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Each client will review and sign an informed consent form that explains the group’s purpose, confidentiality rules and limits, attendance expectations, benefits and risks, and what to do in an emergency. Clients will have the chance to ask questions first, and they will only sign after they fully understand and agree to the information provided.

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This group is comprised of adult men ages 30 to 60 navigating relationship distress, separation, or post-breakup adjustment. Due to the intense emotions often present in this population, the dynamics of the group will require structure, safety, and trust.

Stage 1 will focus on building a foundation of safety and respect. Early sessions will introduce the group’s purpose, review confidentiality and ground rules, and use low-risk sharing activities to help clients begin talking openly and comfortably (Missouri Professional School Counselors & Counselor Educators, 2015).

Stage 2 will address deeper emotional work as clients explore themes such as anger, grief, and personal accountability. Structured exercises and guided discussions will help them build coping skills, strengthen emotional regulation, and support one another while managing difficult emotions (Missouri Professional School Counselors & Counselor Educators, 2015).

Stage 3 will emphasize practical application and closure. Clients will share insights, give constructive feedback, and identify steps for continuing growth beyond the group. A follow-up plan will encourage ongoing support and the use of skills learned in the group in real-life settings (Missouri Professional School Counselors & Counselor Educators, 2015).

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A democratic leadership style will be used to balance the structure of the group with client input (Cherry, 2023). Early sessions will provide clear guidance on confidentiality, goals, and setting healthy boundaries. As clients become more comfortable, I will slowly shift to shared decision making, encouraging open dialogue and support while reinforcing boundaries. This style will empower clients and promote accountability, helping them to practice new communication and problem-solving skills in a supportive environment.

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Several of Yalom’s (1995) therapeutic factors will contribute to the growth of the group. Universality will show members that they are not alone in their challenges. This will help to diminish feelings of shame and isolation. Catharsis will occur as participants express challenging thoughts and emotions, while interpersonal learning will help clients exchange constructive feedback regarding relationship dynamics. As clients build trust, group cohesiveness will enhance and create a sense of belonging and support. Ultimately, the emergence of hope will stem from witnessing others confront similar challenges and grow, strengthening the idea that change is possible.

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Legal and Ethical Requirement: Confidentiality

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Legal and Ethical Requirement: Confidentiality

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Confidentiality is a foundational building block of ethical group counseling (ACA, 2014). I will clearly explain confidentiality and its limits to my clients prior to entrance into the group and the beginning of each session. They will also be informed of situations in which confidentiality must be broken (harm to self/others, imminent risk, etc.). I will also ensure that all records are stored safely and securely. This will build trust between me and my clients while ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

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Legal and Ethical Requirement: Informed Consent

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Legal and Ethical Requirement: Informed Consent

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Informed consent is equally important when creating a private practice group (ACA, 2014). It is critical for transparency and client autonomy. I will inform my clients about the nature of our group and its processes, the potential risks/benefits, confidentiality rules and expectations. I will also inform them about their right to withdraw from the group at any time. Expectations will be provided in clear, concise language prior to admission to the group, and clients will have the opportunity to ask me any questions prior to obtaining consent.