# data[].attributes.body
M 1. Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being

M 4. Self-confidence in ability to succeed

B-SMS 7. Effective coping skills

B-SMS 10. Ability to manage transitions and adapt to change

# data[].attributes.body
No Timeline Needed is a closed support group designed for young adults ages 25-30 who feel pressure to have their life "figured out". This pressure can be from career uncertainty, life transitions, or societal expectations and often causes unwanted stress and constant comparison to others. This group offers a safe space to share vulnerabilities, build connections, and challenge the myth that we all need to follow a perfect timeline. With guided discussions, peer support, and self-reflection, members will explore what it means to go down their own path at their own pace and embrace the uncertainty the experience that comes with it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
No Timeline Needed Group Action Plan - Alex Porras EDG 6321

# data[].attributes.body
This group encourages honest conversations about societal and personal pressures, helping the members recognize that growth is not linear and does not have to follow a fixed timeline. As they reflect on their unique paths, they begin to build self-confidence in their path. With effective coping skills, they will learn to navigate the feelings of stress, comparison, and uncertainty. combined with peer support and feelings of belonging, members can become more comfortable with life transitions and strengthen their ability to adapt to change.

# data[].attributes.body
I plan to share the information about this group by creating two types of flyers. One will be a digital flyer for social media and local coffee shops, libraries, or colleges can share it (these places can also be given physical flyers). A physical flyer will also be created with the plan to distribute to colleagues so they can recommend appropriate participants.

# data[].attributes.body
For the pre-group screening process, I will include the following:

A small introduction that explains the reason for the group, expectations, and meeting times/days (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015).

Example) "No Timeline Needed is a closed support group for young adults aged 25-30 who might be feeling overwhelmed to have their life "figured out". Whether it comes from career uncertainty, life transitions, or societal expectations, this group is meant to be a supportive, judgement free space to share your vulnerabilities, connect with others, and challenge the idea that life needs to be on a specific timeline. This group would have about 6 to 8 members with 90-minute sessions held once a week on Wednesdays at 6 pm in person for 6 weeks and if selected you will be expected to maintain confidentiality, respectfulness, and consistency in attending."

A pre-assessment that participants take individually that includes a survey scale to measure how often they feel "behind", if they find themselves comparing their life to their peers, if uncertainty about the future causes overwhelming feelings of stress, if they have a sense of belonging/connection to people in their daily life, and if they feel confident about their ability to cope with life transitions. There will also be open-ended questions, like what pressures/expectations do they currently feel about the stage of life they are in and how they would normally cope with the uncertainty.

A question along the lines of "Are you currently experiencing or recently experienced any major mental health challenges (crisis or recent hospitalization) that might make a group setting difficult right now?" the purpose of this question during the pre-screening is to protect the well-being of the person in distress and the other members in the group to make sure everyone is getting the right kind of support (Gedwed, 2025). If someone answers yes to this question, I will offer an outside referral.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a free resource from Mentally Fit Pro (n.d.).

# data[].attributes.body
Informed consent forms are important to give to the participants once they are selected and prior to starting sessions. It is important to have this document signed because it provides the participants with informed decision making, transparency on expectations, a foundation of trust, and protection of rights (Melchor, 2024). As for myself, this form provides legal protection and safeguards, shows clear professional boundaries, and my commitment to adhering to ethical guidelines (Melchor, 2024).

# data[].attributes.body
I plan to plan to utilize this resource to set ground rules and expectations for the group by making sure I include:

Predetermined rules, these are non-negotiables

confidentiality

respectful communication

regular attendance and being on time

participation is encouraged but will not be forced

no tolerance for harassment or harmful behavior

Rules that can be determined as a group

how to signal when someone wants to speak

managing speaking times

since cell phones are a big part of society, how will we address this? phones off? phones on silent put away? put phones in your own bag or put in a group bowl at the start and will get back once it's over?

a group discussion about what other rules they feel should be applied

# data[].attributes.body
Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators (2015) helped me explore the three stages of group dynamics. Below is how I would go through each stage:

Stage 1 - I plan to build relationships and trust between group members and myself by starting rapport starting at the pre-screening. Once selected, I will make sure to introduce myself and be open and honest about the reason for the group and how this was an issue that I once struggled with. I plan to be warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental and create meaningful ice breakers. It is important to me that the group is collaborative with different rules and norms they would like to see implemented so they know their opinion is important too. As for continentality, I will make sure to always let it be known at the start of each session that it is expected but since we are in a group setting it cannot be guaranteed.

Stage 2- I plan to keep members working cohesively and productively by reinforcing the reason for the group, this will keep them focused on the goal of the session that day. I can also keep them productive by highlighting the connections between each other and other sessions, to help them notice the progress being made. doing check ins with participants either individually or as a group reflection can help me gauge the progress in the group as well.

Stage 3 - My plan for group closure is to give each person time to reflect on what mindset change are they most proud of, weather it is escaping the comparison cycle, getting comfortable with uncertainty in life changes, increase self-compassion, or increased sense of belonging. I want to make sure that I revisit condifentality and how even though the group is ending, that does not change. I will offer follow up resources if they need it and possible scheudle a check in session for the group for some time in the future. My intention is to make sure that the participants reflect on their growth, come to terms with the group ending and feeling confident and support, while also reinforcing the importance of continued confidentiality.

# data[].attributes.body
The leadership style that i might use is Democratic Leaderships because it is collaborative in nature and that i show i want my group to be. I want to be able to guide the participants rather than dictating them. This style will promote creativity, productivity, and stronger sense of unity (Cherry, 2024). I feel this approach will work best with this specific population because it encourages everyone to contribute and creates a space where multiple perspectives are valued, which is important for people who feel they are "behind" in life. This style also builds trust and openness vs if I were in a more dictatorial style, I feel participants would not want to open up as much and would be more uncomfortable in a group setting.

# data[].attributes.body
The Yalom’s Therapeutic Factors (Yalom ID, 1995) that I can potentially see during the group sessions are:

Universality because it shows that other people are struggling with the same issue as them, which is why they are all in the group.

Instillation of Hope because seeing growth and improvement in other group members, can give them hope to breakdown the pressures they feel on having to live life on a specific timeline and learn how to appreciate their unique path

Existential Factors because the group can help members embrace the uncertainty of life and trust their path in life.

# data[].attributes.body
American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=55ab73d0_1

Cherry, K. (2024, June 19). Is democratic leadership the best style of leadership? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-democratic-leadership-2795315

Gedwed, H. (2025, May 12). Conducting group counseling sessions: A complete guide. Southlake Integrative Counseling + Wellness. https://www.southlake-wellness.com/post/how-to-conduct-a-group-counseling-session

Melchor, G. D. (2024, November 7). Understanding Informed Consent: a cornerstone of ethical Counseling practice (Downloadable template). https://www.lpctexas.com/post/understanding-informed-consent-a-cornerstone-of-ethical-counseling-practice-downloadable-template

Mentally Fit Pro. (n.d.). Group therapy Informed Consent form. https://www.mentallyfitpro.com/c/share-a-resource/group-therapy-informed-consent-form

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.

Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code §681.35 (2023)

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

# data[].attributes.body
The 22 Tex. Admin. Code § 681.35 talks about how before providing counseling, we need to obtain signed informed consent, and this code supports my role as a counselor in conducting group counseling sessions because it ensures that participants understand what the group will involve and give them clear expectations. This informed consent document protects both the participant and myself.

# data[].attributes.headline
American Counseling Association - A.9.a Screening

# data[].attributes.subject
American Counseling Association - A.9.a Screening

# data[].attributes.body
The American Counseling Association (2014) has code A.9.a Screening which mentions that counselors need to assess potential participants before they join the group counseling sessions and select individuals whose needs and goals align with the group and can contribute positively to the group and will not be at risk for harm to themselves or others in the group.

This ethical requirement supports my role as a counselor in conducting group counseling sessions because it reduces potential harm and helps my pre-screening process ensuring participants are a good fit so they can benefit from the group.