# data[].attributes.body
A Group of new freshman experiencing stress and anxiety due to change in a school setting. They will learn how to manage stress and anxiety, gain understanding of what anxiety and stress is and how it may feel when it is happening. This group will allow students to share and learn with each other in a safe space.

# data[].attributes.body
The following standards will be met by participants of the group:

M 1. Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being
M 5. Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes

B-SMS 7. Demonstrate effective coping
skills when faced with a problem
B-SMS 8. Demonstrate the ability to balance school, home and community activities
B-SS 2. Create positive and supportive relationships with other students

# data[].attributes.body
This group will be made of students who have voluntarily showed interest. These students will meet individually with the counselor to be assessed on if they are the right fit for the group. Once the students have been assessed & chosen (no more then 8), the counselor will hold a pre-group meeting to identify group dynamics and address any questions the students may have. Parent consent forms will be given out at this time.

# data[].attributes.body
This group will be publicized by using flyers around school, and putting announcements on the school news. There will also be a informational letter sent out to all freshman parents, teachers and students.

# data[].attributes.body
On the group has been established, a parent consent form will be sent home. Along with the consent from a information packet pertaining all the group details (purpose, time, dates, etc.) will also be included. Students will also need to sign a consent form in order to participate in the group.

# data[].attributes.body
These are the 3 stages our group will experience.
Stage 1
This stage will set the tone for the group. First, rules will be defined and discussed. Group norms will be established. The group will understand the importance of confidentiality. We will have group introductions and discuss what outcome they hope for themselves. The group leader will model behavior and observe group interactions.
Stage 2
This session will focus on group trust and safety. Members will have opportunities to share how they are progressing and what they are continuing to struggle with. The group leader will encourage group members to connect by sharing what they have in common. Participants will be given tools to practice outside of the group.
Stage 3
The final stage focus on reflection for the participant and the group leader. Students share what they have learned and how they will continue to practice their new skills. Participants will be congratulated and gives a post-assessment. Students will be encouraged to maintain healthy friendships with each other. A check-in will happen again after a few weeks.

# data[].attributes.body
The following rules will be established before the group begins.
1. All participates will be respectful towards each other.
2. Everything that is shared during the group is confidential and must not be shared.
3. You are not obligated to share, you can choose.

Additional rules will be discussed, added & agreed upon by the group prior to signing student consent forms.

# data[].attributes.body
For this group a corporative leadership style will be used. This specific population (freshman 14-15) need to know that their input and emotions are valid. The leader has to make sure that the students feel like this group is their responsibility and they have a say in what happens. Of course, some rules will already be established but, the students will be able to add and share their opinions. These students are also experiencing stress and anxiety, they do not need a leader forcing their participation and emotions.

# data[].attributes.body
This group will have to main therapeutic factors. The first being Universality. This demonstrates that one is not alone in their misery or problems. This group is all about knowing that others are experiencing the same difficulties. The other factor is Direct Advice. The leader of this group will be giving the participants advice and tools to cope with their stress and anxiety. They will be expected to practice what they have learned.

# data[].attributes.body
A.2.d. Inability to Give Consent
When counseling minors, incapacitated adults, or other persons unable to give voluntary consent, counselors seek the assent of clients to services and include them in decision making as appropriate. Counselors recognize the need to balance the ethical rights of clients to make choices, their capacity to give consent or assent to receive services, and parental or familial legal rights and responsibilities to protect these clients and make decisions on their behalf.

This will help me establish a group because, I am dealing with minors and without consent from a parent or guardian they cannot participate.

# data[].attributes.body
American School Counselor Association (2014). Mindsets and Behaviors for   Student Success: K-12 College- and Career-ReadinessStandards for Every    Student. Alexandria, VA: Author.

19 Tex. Admin. Code §239.15

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

# data[].attributes.body
Sec. 33.005.  COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAMS.  (a)  A school counselor shall work with the school faculty and staff, students, parents, and the community to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program that conforms to the most recent edition of the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs developed by the Texas Counseling Association. (3)  an individual planning system to guide a student as the student plans, monitors, and manages the student's own educational, career, personal, and social development.

This will aid connect to my group because, I am developing a plan to help students monitor their social and emotional development.