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My group counseling name is Rising Above Substance Abuse, which can be described as a counseling group that is focused on providing support, intervention, and resources to help college students who participate in problematic behaviors involving unhealthy substances. The group sessions would include college students aged 18-22 and involve students who are struggling with substance abuse, such as alcohol dependency or binge drinking behaviors, cannabis use, and other drug or unhealthy substance use while attending courses on campus. This counseling group would provide tools and coping strategies that promote healthy behaviors and outlets for possible pressures, such as peer pressure, social pressure, or academic pressure for college students.

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The mindsets and behaviors participants will master after completing this group include learning and adapting healthy coping mechanisms and strategies to handle stressful situations and emotions.

The attached PDF explains the overall mindset that would be achieved by college students participating in this group. Its important participants adapt these qualities and expectations as they proceed through the group, which would allow for better success in academics and rising above substance abuse.

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The information for my substance abuse counseling group will be provided to students through:

Flyers placed around the college campus

College campus email

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The participants of the group will be provided with an informed consent form that will be filled out before group sessions begin. This document will discuss:

Confidentiality of the group

Participant expectations

Information about the group

The attached informed consent form is an example of the type of informed consent that will be provided to the college students who are 18 years or older and will be participating in the group. According to the ACA Code and Ethics, clients have a right to decide to remain in the counseling sessions, and consent is an ongoing process throughout the duration of counseling sessions (ACA, 2014). Consent will be continuously discussed within this group.

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Pre-group interview/screening will occur before the group counseling sessions begin. The Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators (2015) discusses the screening process to include:

Students who received the email, or had been in contact through information on the flyer, and conducted the needs assessment on substance abuse, will be invited to participate in a group screening process.

During this group screening process, students will learn about the goals, expectations, and overall idea of what the substance abuse counseling group will entail.

Information regarding consent and confidentiality of becoming a member of the group will be addressed.

During this process, we will discuss the learning objectives and tools group members will gain from attending the sessions.

After students are familiar with the information of the group counseling sessions:

Each student will rate their level of interest in becoming a member of the group on a questionnaire assessment.

They will decide if they are willing to follow the instructions and expectations within the group.

Participants will then be chosen based on their willingness to participate within the group, follow group guidelines, and benefit from substance abuse group counseling.

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The three stages of group dynamics are highlighted and discussed through the Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators (2015):

Stage 1:

I will develop trust and build group relationships through safety and connection. We will discuss the support, sense of belongingness, and connection that can be gained through peers in the group and what each member wishes to gain after completion.

Group norms will be established by explicit rules and guidelines outlined in the first session. I will discuss group expectations, voluntary participation/discussion, and the structure of the group sessions.

Confidentiality will be addressed by explaining the limits to upholding confidentiality within a group setting but emphasizing the importance and expectations of remaining confidential within the group.

Stage 2:

I will keep group members working cohesively and productively by relating new information to past information within the sessions, and allowing group discussion towards their feelings and personal challenges. We will discuss the purpose for each session, and provide specific goals the group members can continue to work towards.

I will check in with group members to make sure progress and growth is occurring through sessions by ending each session with a reflection period where each member can share thoughts or concerns. I will ask the group how they are feeling after completing the session and offer specific advice, support, or validation towards group members.

Stage 3:

The closure of the group will encompass reflection and discussion about the information and skills learned throughout the counseling sessions. Resources and continued support will be provided to group members. We will discuss a post-group follow-up session that will take place in 4-6 weeks after our last session.

I will address group members feelings and thoughts about the end of the group sessions through direct discussion and reflection. Group members will share how the counseling has helped them and reflect on the growth and progress they have made in the group. We will discuss important plans following the closure of the group, and possible resources and tools available on campus to continue to support and help group members.

I will address the need for continued confidentiality following the end of the sessions, and provide explanation to the importance of respecting other group members and their personal journeys through the sessions.

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The attached document will be utilized within the counseling group throughout the duration of the sessions. Predetermined rules will include:

Sensitivity, respect, and confidentiality for group members

Participation in discussions and reflection

Self-knowledge and growth through group sessions

Other rules and guidelines that will be determined by the group could include:

Duration of reflection and discussion within group sessions

Group evaluation schedules

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The leadership style that will be used in this group will be participative or democratic leadership. This leadership style identified by Kurt Lewin, involves participation and input from group members with guidance and final say from the leader.

I chose this leadership style because it promotes engagement in the group which makes group members feel connected and important. This leadership style helps group members stay motivated within the sessions and stay committed to the goals highlighted in the group. (Cherry, 2023)

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Yalom's therapeutic factors included in The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy (1995) discusses:

Universality describes that we are not alone in our problems. This factor may exist within this counseling group as members realize they are not the only one struggling with substance misuse and addiction.

Instillation of Hope may be present within this group. This factor describes the treatment, or completion of counseling sessions, can and will be effective. It is a strong goal through the sessions that there will be a decrease in substance abuse and an increase in support, resources, and development of healthy coping mechanisms for group members.

Direct advice is another factor that will be present throughout this group. Members will reflect and share challenges and obstacles that can be supported through direct advice and helpful strategies to handle problems.

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The ACA code of ethics explains members of a group are selected by matching the needs and goals of the group, and will not disrupt the overall group process. These members will also not be harmed or jeopardized by experiencing the group sessions.

The ACA also highlights the importance of the counselor taking precautions within group counseling. These precautions protect group members from physical, psychological, or emotional trauma. This is essential for the counselor completing group sessions.

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The Association for Specialists in Group Work explains the ethical guidelines for counselors in group counseling settings.

Assessment of self is described within the guidelines, which explains the counselors need to consistently assess their knowledge and skills that are related to the specific group work they are providing and reflecting on the impacts it will have on the group.

Ecological assessment is also highlighted within the guidelines, which discusses the importance of assessing community needs and the organization’s resources when providing group counseling.

The importance of group counselors recognizing their professional development as an ongoing process that is continuous throughout their career is also highlighted within this document.