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This group will explore social anxiety and its causes. The goal is to work to overcome the challenges associated with face to face communication in today’s world. The group will be for qualifying high school students in grades 9-12.

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These mindset and behavior standards for students will be met through this group:

M 1. Sense of acceptance, respect, support and inclusion for self and others in the school environment

M 2. Self-confidence in ability to succeed

B-SS 1. Effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills

B-SS 2. Positive, respectful and supportive relationships with students who are similar to and different from them

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Students will receive an email with information advertising the group. Anyone interested will be instructed to contact their counselor for more details.

In addition, teachers will receive information including details about how to "screen" students who may be a good fit for the group. Those names will be sent to the counselors for review.

Counselors will seek the students who they feel are the best fit for the group and conduct interviews to determine who may benefit most. Those not selected will be considered for another round of this group in the future or for other potential group sessions held at a later time.

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Students who answer the email about being interested in participating in the group will be contacted by the counselor and interviewed/ assessed for entrance into the group. Once the counselor has collected referrals from teachers, students will be contacted to gauge interest. For those interested, interviews and assessments will be conducted as well.

Students will be individually screened and be given details about group participation. At this time, students will be encouraged to ask questions. Once this is completed the counselor will determine who is the best fit for the group.

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Group members (up to 8) will be selected to participate in this group over a period of 6 weeks. Once selected, students will take home a copy of this consent/release form to be signed and returned prior to the start of the group.

Additionally, a packet detailing the group lessons will be sent as well.

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1. Respect - give and take.

2. Confidentiality - non-negotiable.

3. Be prepared to participate, but never to the extent that you are uncomfortable.

Group "ground rules" will be talked through with each group candidate at their interview. At the first group meeting, students will be reminded of the rules and additional group norms will be discussed and established, as needed.

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Stage 1 - Students will begin session one with an "easy" ice breaker to lighten the mood, get to know each other and open the conversation. The goal is for this exchange to set the tone for further sessions. Once some communication has begun, students will openly discuss their ideas and expectations for confidentiality within the group. Limitations and potential roadblocks will be openly discussed among the group.

Stage 2 - Students will be expected to focus on the task of working through the lessons as we progress through the group work. Students will begin working independently, sharing only as they are comfortable. As the group progresses, partner work, and eventually whole group sharing, will occur at everyone's level of comfort. Norms and expectations will be set forth in an easy to digest format as the group proceeds through the lessons.

Stage 3 - Group closure will occur in the form of a time of private reflection after the final session of the group. Students will be encouraged to share as they are comfortable, but not required to do so. For all students, one on one reflection time with the counselor will be a final part of the group journey. At this time, the counselor will reiterate the importance of confidentiality of all parties.

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In an effort to encourage active participation, I will aim to lead this group with a participative leadership style. This is a great way to encourage participants to speak up when they feel led, but also ultimately maintain control when it comes to making decisions (Cherry, 2023). Overall, this leadership style aims to value the worth of each member of the group and will be intregal to the group's success.

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Many of Yalom's therapeutic factors could be witnessed during these group sessions; however there are two that stand out more than the others. The first in universality. Within this group, students will likely feel hopeful and united with others who share in facing social anxiety, as they do. The other is the development of social techniques. Overcoming social anxiety, and therefore building upon social skills, is a primary focus of this group (Yalom ID, 2015).

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The Texas Education Code, Sec. 33.005 outlines comprehensive school counseling programs and what they should include. By conducting specific group sessions on a school campus, students personal concerns or problems are able to be addressed in a manner that is in the best interest of students (2 TEC § 33). Needs assessments are also a critical part of a comprehensive school counseling program. These needs assessments are the basis for making decisions about what types of group sessions need to be conducted. This, in turn, supports teachers, staff, and parents in supporting the development and well-being of students. All of this is also encompassed within this section of the Texas Education Code.

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The Texas Administrative Code details the role of a school counselor. Title 19 Chapter 239 discusses this in detail. A series of group sessions relating to social anxiety has the potential to level the playing field for students who are struggling with this potentially debilitating condition. Standard IV of this code focuses on learner centered equity and excellence for all learners (19 TAC §239.15). This directly ties to a counselor providing assistance such as this for those students in need.

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

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. Retrieved from https://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/guid-respon-serv-small-group-counseling-guide-2015.pdf

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

2 Texas Education Code § 33

19 Tex. Admin. Code §239.15