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Voices Rising: Empowering Students Impacted by Bullying

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Voices Rising: Empowering Students Impacted by Bullying

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Bullying continues to be a critical concern for students, often leading to diminished self-worth, increased school avoidance, and emotional distress. The Voices Rising small group counseling program provides a safe, structured space for students who have experienced bullying to process their experiences, build self-esteem, strengthen communication, and develop tools for resilience and advocacy. This group aligns with the ASCA National Model's emphasis on supporting student social/emotional development and ensuring a safe, inclusive school climate.

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Help students understand and define bullying versus peer conflict.

Build self-confidence and identify personal strengths.

Teach assertive communication and coping skills.

Empower students to become self-advocates and effective bystanders.

Foster emotional healing and community among participants.

Target Group: 7th Grade Students (6–8 participants) identified as victims of bullying or at risk for peer aggression, based on teacher referral, behavior data, and counselor observation.

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6 weekly sessions, 45 minutes each

Closed group format (same students each session)

Individual pre- and post-assessment surveys

Group Rules/Norms (established in Session 1):

Respect each other’s privacy and stories.

One voice at a time.

Listen without judgment.

Participate in all activities.

Encourage and support each other.

Theoretical Foundation: This group is grounded in Person-Centered Theory, which promotes empathy, positive regard, and student empowerment. The group also incorporates Yalom’s curative factors such as universality, altruism, and instillation of hope.

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Screening & Selection Process:

Review discipline and teacher referral data

Administer bullying experiences screener

Counselor conducts brief individual interviews

Obtain signed parent/guardian consent

Pre/Post Assessment:

6-item student self-rating form on confidence, emotions, communication, and help-seeking behaviors (Likert scale)

Used to measure group impact and guide reflection

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Session Overview:

Session 1: Welcome, Group Norms, and Building Trust

Icebreaker & trust activity

Group rules

Feelings check-in wheel

Objective: Establish psychological safety and group cohesion.

Session 2: Understanding Bullying and Its Emotional Impact

Sorting activity: Bullying vs. Conflict

Emotion drawing or emotion card discussion

Story-based discussion: "Say Something" by Peter H. Reynolds

Session 3: Self-Esteem, Confidence, and Personal Strengths

Guided worksheet: "My Strengths Snapshot"

Mirror affirmation activity

Group poster: "We Shine Together"

Session 4: Assertiveness, Communication, and Coping Skills

Bibliotherapy activity (e.g., read and discuss "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon")

Scenario role-plays: Passive vs. Assertive vs. Aggressive

Coping skills wheel (breathing, journaling, walking away, asking for help)

Session 5: Advocacy and Seeking Support

Personal support map (three trusted adults)

"How to Be an Upstander" discussion

Peer praise circle

Session 6: Closure, Reflection, and Celebration

Written reflection: "What I Learned & What I Will Do"

Group post-assessment survey

Visual display project: Voices Rising Wall of Strength

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American School Counselor Association. (2019). ASCA National Model: A framework for school counseling programs (4th ed.). Alexandria, VA: Author.

StopBullying.gov. (2021, November 17). Bullying prevention for middle school students. U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/middle-school.

Texas Education Agency. (2015). Responsive Services: Small group counseling guide. https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/Responsive%20Services%20Small%20Group%20Counseling%20Guide.pdf

Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.). New York, NY: Basic Books.

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M1: Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional well-being

B-SMS 7: Demonstrate effective coping skills when faced with a problem

B-SS 5: Demonstrate ethical and safe behavior

B-SS 8: Demonstrate advocacy skills and ability to assert self, when necessary

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Voices Rising Group Action Plan_Michael Ince