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Description: The needs assessment for this group is determined by environmental factors such as political implications, lack of social support, and the lack for already-present gender-affirming care accessibility. The age group meant for this small group session is catered towards young people from the ages of 14-years-old to 18-years-old.

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The following Mindset Standards for students will be met
through participation in the Growing Pains: Gender-Affirming small group:

- 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

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The subject matter surrounding this small group requires utmost confidentiality, so I would approach advertising this group through public signs and social media postings, and the help other of mental health professionals to refer their clients to the group if they believe it would be helpful.

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Slide Four: Pre-Group Interview and Screening

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Slide Four: Pre-Group Interview and Screening

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As stated before, to advertise this group, the use of social media postings, referrals, and public signs will be utilized to inform possible group participants. Additionally, in the place of setting, I would love to implement a sign-up sheet. When a potential group attendee inquires about the group, an intake form will be completed on behalf of the individual.

Furthermore, after gathering all intake forms, I will assess participant readiness to participate, willingness, and interest on an individual scale. In doing so, I will assess each individual response and how I feel the group could potentially benefit each attendee, ultimately leading to accepting no more than 20 small group attendees.

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Given that this group is intended for youth in need of gender-affirming care, the age requirement for this group is between the ages of 14-years-old and 18-years-old. For the 18-years-old participants, a consent form will not be required. However, participants who are minors will require an informed consent form before participating in the group.

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According to the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics, section B.1.c states, "Counselors protect the confidential information of prospective and current clients. Counselors disclose information only with appropriate consent or with sound legal or ethical justification." This ethical standard is substantial to this group, as well as every professional counseling setting. When seeking out counseling, it's imperative to know that you will in safe place, which requires confidentiality.

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The following group rules are predetermined by the group leader (myself) and will be established prior to beginning the group:

1. Be respectful of everyone.
2. Confidentiality is required to participate.

Per the group rules handout, I will go through the information with the the group attendees at the first session.

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According to the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics, section A.9.b states, "In a group setting, counselors take reasonable precautions to protect clients from physical, emotional, or psychological trauma." This ethical standard is substantial to this group, as well as every professional counseling setting. In participating in group counseling, the group attendees are looking for support. Section A.9.b demonstrates an irrefutable standard that should be respected and encouraged, especially that most people who seek counseling are in need of help.

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Stage 1- This first stage is an integral step in our group because, from the beginning session, we must build trust with the professional counselor (myself) and the other small group participants. As a group, we will go over the group rules and confidentiality requirements of the group.

Stage 2- Through the use of testimonials, small group breakout sessions, and large group (meaning all participants) interactive exercises, I plan to monitor, track individual progress, and ensure group members are engaging productively. Furthermore, I will track progress by checking in with group participants and asking for their thoughts about the small group subject matter and exercises.

Stage 3- In the closure of the group, I will conduct a closing survey to assess the overall progress of each participant. The purpose of the survey is to monitor how each group attendee is feeling towards the end of the group, and better support their specific needs in the future. At the conclusion of the group, I will implement a follow-up plan for the participants that consists of community outreach support, tools to help their emotional needs, and a lesson on how to apply what they have learned so that they can carry it out in the future.

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This group will benefit best from a participative leadership (democratic) style because it offers guidance to group members, but also allows the profession counselor (myself) to participate in the group and allow input, which is substantial for a gender-affirming care group.

According to psychologist Kurt Lewin, by facilitating a democratic leadership style, "Group members feel engaged in the process and are more motivated and creative."

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In conjunction with Yalom's Curative Factors of Group Treatment, the Growing Pains: Gender-Affirming group would potentially practice the following factors: Instillation of Hope, Universality, Development of socializing techniques, Catharsis, and Direct Advice. All of the previously mentioned factors exemplify a supportive nature that the group member will heavily rely on potentially. When someone is in the position of seeking gender-affirming care, a caring community that offers advice, feedback, and emotional stability is imperative.

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References:
ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success - American School Counselor Association (ASCA). (n.d.). https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Standards/ASCA-Mindsets-Behaviors-for-Student-Success

MSEd, K. C. (2023b). How to Lead: 6 Leadership Styles and Frameworks. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/leadership-styles-2795312

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

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA 2014 code of ethics - American counseling association. ACA 2014 Code of Ethics. https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf