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This group is designed for 8th Grade girls and boys struggling with anxiety in both the personal and educational environment. Participating students will be provided with strategies to cope and succeed.
The need for this group was determined using a needs assessment. The data collected indicated that students are managing to score in the "meets grade level" category in terms of their STAAR scores well above the district and state averages in all areas tested. However, they are still struggling to meet and master grade level. Gudiance counselors determined this may be due to testing anxiety or feelings of inadequacy.

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The following mindset and behavior standards will be met through participation in this group:

M 1. Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being

M 2. Self-confidence in ability to succeed

M 5. Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes

M 6. Positive attitude toward work and learning

B-LS 3. Use time-management, organizational and study skills

B-LS 4. Apply self-motivation and self-direction to learning

B-LS 6. Set high standards of quality

B-LS 7. Identify long- and short-term academic, career and social/emotional goals

B-SMS 6. Demonstrate ability to overcome barriers to learning

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

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According to the ASGW Best Practice Guidelines, section A.4. d., group workers will choose techniques and a leadership style appropriate to the type(s) of group(s) being offered.

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American School Counselor Association (2014). Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success: K-12 College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Every Student. Alexandria, VA: Author.

19. Tex. Admin. Code SS 239.15

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The Texas Administrative Code outlines the following requirement of school counselors as it pertains to group counseling:

Standard 2.2: Counsel individuals and small groups using appropriate counseling theories and techniques in response to students' needs.

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In this group, you may see the following types of Yalom's Therapeutic Factors:
1. Installation of Hope-There may be some students who are experiencing feelings they have never felt. This often leads to feeling strange and isolated. Most students may not know what anxiety is. It would give them a feeling of optimism knowing they are not alone in their struggles.

2.Universiality-Students would see other kids in the group who are struggling with the same feelings as well. They would not feel as alone as they may have before they joined the group.

3.Imparting of Information-Students will be learning about anxiety and given techniques and strategies to help better deal with it.

4. Imitative Behavior-By seeing others succeed with the techniques, other students may feel compelled to try them out for themselves. By providing students with more than one technique and helping them practice, the counselor is allowing students to find a technique that works best for them and share their experiences through talk therapy as well.

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The group will benefit best from a participative group leadership style.The counselor will be providing not only activities, but thoughts to help group members draw their own conclusions and create their own ideas. Because of the nature of the discussions and the fact that students need to understand the information being provided to them, the counselor would also have to frequently lead discussion.

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The counselor will begin the screening process by gathering the referrals from teachers for students they believe will benefit from the group sessions.This group will gather initially to discuss general thoughts and feelings that stem from being overwhelmed at home and in the school environment. Students who show interest on their own accord will be screened individually. The counselor will pose the same topic with those individuals she did with the referred students. After students are screened, the counselor will introduce the group and explain what it's mission is. Students will also be given the opportunity to ask questions if needed.

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The group that is established will be a group of 8th Grade girls and boys. Some topics may be sensitive.
Stage 1 will include methods to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. The counselor must establish trust. Students will be informed that although Rule 1 requires that everything said during the session stays amongst the group members, there is also the possibility that a breach in confidentiality will be broken. The counselor will explain to students what those situations are to provide more clarity. The counselor will provide the group rules with participants and go over the consequences for violating those particular rules. Discussion between students and the counselor about anxiety and feelings on the topic will be key.

Stage 2 will students will collaborate through discussion and activities that help them to acquire strategies and techniques that help their anxiety.

Stage 3 will conclude the group. Reassurance will be given to students that they are always free to visit the Guidance Office if they need anything.

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Advertising for the Anti-Anxiety Society will start at the beginning of the school year. Counselors will collaborate with teachers and encourage them to refer students to the Guidance Office for help if they feel it is needed. The counselor will also discuss what the topics of each group may be and how they could be beneficial to students. Flyers and sample copies of referral paperwork will be given to teachers so they understand the process and what it looks like.

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The following rules will be established during the first group session:
1. Anything that is said in the group will stay within the group.
2. Everyone will respect each other.
3. You are not required to share if you do not feel comfortable.

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Once ten group members have been chosen, a consent form will be sent home to parents. A letter detailing the purposes of the group will be sent home as well. Participants will also be provided with a consent form and the counselor will thoroughly explain it's contents.