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2014 ACA Code of Ethics. (2016). American Counseling Association.

American School Counselor Association. (2021). ASCA Student Standards; Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success.

Cherry, K. (2023, June 27). How to Lead: 6 Leadership Styles and Frameworks. Verywellmind.Com. 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, implimenting, and evaluating school-based counseling groups.

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

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B.4.a. Group Work

In group work, counselors clearly explain the importance and parameters of confidentiality for the specific group (2014 ACA Code of Ethics, 2016).

When working in a group, I am no longer the only person responsible for maintaining confidentiality and must stress the importance of keeping that trust with other group members. Also, it is important to realize that members may want to share about their journey with others and establishing appropriate parameters can help participants be able to share AND keep confidentiality.

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A.9.a. Screening

Counselors screen prospective group counseling/therapy participants. To the extent possible, counselors select members whose needs and goals are compatible with the goals of the group, who will not impede the group process, and whose well-being will not be jeopardized by the group experience (2014 ACA Code of Ethics, 2016).

As a group therapist, it will be my responsibility to make sure that my selection of participants will be a cohesive and positive group allowing all members to learn, grow and progress.

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Often, when we feel anxiety, it can be isolating. In this group, I would hope that members would feel universality, feeling as if they are not alone in their problems. Members will also get to experience interpersonal learning, due to the fact that they will have opportunities to listen and share with other group members (Yalom, 1995).

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I will be using a combination of participative or democratic leadership and transformative. A participative style allows for members to have a say in the group while I can still have the final say, if necessary. This style is the best for adhering to guidelines, rules, and expectations. Because group therapy is only for a short time, it is important to use a transformational leadership style to empower group members once the sessions are over (Cherry, 2023).

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Stage 1: I will build relationships and trust between group members and myself by establishing the ground rules and guidelines and following them closely. Adhering to the expectations and enforcing rules at the beginning will help build trust amongst the members and myself. While allowing for an organic flow of the group, I can still maintain leadership by staying true to the guidelines. Addressing confidentiality in a group setting can be difficult as people may think they can speak with others not involved in the group. I plan to address this by asking group members to put themselves in someone else's shoes and reminding participants that they do not know what they do not know about each other and may find themselves breaching trust unintentionally.

Stage 2: Once people start to know each other, it can be harder to stay on task, but following the session agendas closely can help members make progress. As the leader, it is my responsibility to keep sharing within the set time limits and to redirect when necessary. I will be able to check in with group members and gauge progress by reviewing homework assignments as cognitive behavioral therapy uses lists and journaling.

Stage 3: I will ask participants to do an annonymous survey about the group at its conclusion. Included in that survey, will be their thoughts on how they'd like to leave the group and options of how to reach me for help or resources. I will reach out with any updates to my contact information in the future if necessary. As far as confidentiality, I will remind participants that just as they have life outside of the group, so do the other members and keeping confidentiality will keep the trust that we have built over the 6 weeks.

(Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015)

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Guidelines or ground rules are necessary for a positive experience. The ground rules listed on this form will be set by me and are non-negotiables. Confidentiality, an open mind, the right to pass or politely refuse, and a commitment to attend are expected of members. During our first session, members will be able to add to our list in order to feel ownership of the group (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015).

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Acknowledgment of informed consent is mandatory before the selection period. Informed consent forms will be discussed and signed prior to the first session.

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Those who have expressed interest will be notified of the private screening process which includes:

1. A completed electronic GAD-7 questionnaire

2. An electronic Google form that includes personal questions such as age, gender, and brief history

3. Acknowledgment of review of informed consent

4. Acknowledgment of review of the group's ground rules and expectations

Selected participants will be notified via email of the decision and expected to respond with their acceptance within 48 hours. No answer will be considered a declination.

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This group will be shared via digital advertisement graphic on various social media platforms in local community groups and posted in paper form around the community to attract interest. These advertisements will direct potential members to contact me.

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What you can expect to leave the group with:

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What you can expect to leave the group with:

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

B-LS 2: Creative approach to learning, tasks and problem solving

B-SMS 7: Effective coping skills

(American School Counselor Association, 2021)

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Be glad with GAD! Anxiety doesn’t have to control you; take back your life, your enjoyment, and your independence! If you are a young woman, 20-35 years old, struggling with generalized anxiety disorder and possible codependency, group therapy might just be your next best step. Consider exploring therapy with other women who share your struggles to find coping skills for anxiety, worry, fear, and restlessness.