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My goal is to help address some of the mental health concerns for military spouses with stress, anxiety, and depression.

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The following Mindset and Behavior standards for participants will be mastered upon completing this 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-SS 1. Effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills.

B-SMS 7. Effective coping skills.

B-SMS 10. Ability to manage transitions and adapt to change (ASCA, 2021).

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To advertise for this group, I plan to contact military support organizations to find out if there’s any partnership opportunities available, where they could help promote the group to support military spouses’ wellness. I will also post information about the group on social media, such as the military spouse Facebook groups and create flyers to post on local community boards and near the military installation. This way spouses that live outside the military installation can still receive information about the group.

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I will inform the participants of my group by using the “TAP-in” process.

First, I would tell the participants briefly about the group, such as the topics, meeting times, expectations, goals and how they may benefit from the group (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). Next, I would assess their readiness by asking about their willingness to participate, interest and if they are ready to participate (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). Lastly, I would pick my members based on their willingness to participate, motivation and reasons for wanting to participate (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). The participants will be screened as a group; this way I could pay close attention how each participant work within a group setting.

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"A.2.a. Informed Consent clients have the freedom to choose whether to enter into or remain in a counseling relationship and need adequate information about the counseling process and the counselor. Counselors have an obligation to review in writing and verbally with clients the rights and responsibilities of both counselors and clients. Informed consent is an ongoing part of the counseling process, and counselors appropriately document discussions of informed consent throughout the counseling relationship" (ACA, 2014).

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During the first meeting, I plan on passing out handouts with a copy of the rules. Together we will go over the rules and make sure everyone understands. Additionally, everyone will sign the handout, stating that they understand the rules. All rules should be followed.

Predetermined rules

· All group members understand and respect confidentiality.

· One person speaks at a time.

· Everyone has an opportunity to participate and share.

· Use only respectful words and responses.

· All group members will treat each other with respect.

· Make every effort to be on time.

· All group members are encouraged to actively participate.

· Group members have the right to pass on an issue.

· Group members will be encouraged to have an open mind and accept where other group members are in their development.

· Group members will have the opportunity to develop other guidelines (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015).

Determined rules

· Group members will discuss whether snacks or drinks will be allowed.

· Group members will have the opportunity to decide to power off cell phones or place on silent mode.

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Stage 1- My plans to build relationships and trust between myself and the group members consist of helping each group member adjust their life (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). I would need to be encouraging and motivating so that each member could be their authentic self each session (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). Ensuring that the members understand the lessons and know how to apply them to their lives (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). Group norms would be established through explicit expectation since the rules and guidelines are already established for the group (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). Limits of confidentiality can be addressed by informing group members that confidentiality is the expectation but be mindful of what you share with others (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015).

Stage 2- I plan to keep the members working cohesively by checking in frequently and reassuring that things are going well (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). Acknowledging their improvements and providing feedback as needed (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). To manage each member’s progress, I will keep a log for each session. This way we can compare progression and growth during each session.

Stage 3- During the week of group closure, I plan to close the session with follow-up questions, in case something throughout the session was not clear. Next, I will remind the members of confidentiality and the importance of continuing it outside of the group (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). Lastly, I will speak to each member of the group individually, so that they all could leave with confidence. Additionally, I will provide them with my contact information in case they need anything in the future.

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Participative leadership style would be most beneficial for this group. This approach would be best because mental health issues need to be approached with compassion and empathy. Building a trusting relationship with participants along with participating in activities and sharing similar stories would help the participants feel that they’re in a safe environment to open up and share their experiences (Cherry, 2023).

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In this group, several of Yalom's Therapeutic Factors could be present. First, Instillation of Hope would be a huge factor in this group. Providing the participants with faith that this support group will be a success helping with some of their mental health concerns (Yalom ID, 1995). Second, Universality would also be another huge factor present in this group. Since most of the participants struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, stress and depression, being a part of this group would help the participants feel supported and heard (Yalom ID, 1995). Lastly, Imparting of Information would be the last huge factor presented in this group and the most important. Since mental health is the main concern in this group, learning pertinent information about mental health and its characteristics would provide the participants with a better understanding to help with their overall well-being (Yalom ID, 1995).

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"A.2.a. Informed Consent

Clients have the freedom to choose whether to enter into or remain in a counseling relationship and need adequate information about the counseling process and the counselor. Counselors have an obligation to review in writing and verbally with clients the rights and responsibilities of both counselors and clients. Informed consent is an ongoing part of the counseling process, and counselors appropriately document discussions of informed consent throughout the counseling relationship" (ACA, 2014).

Informed consent protects the counselor by ensuring participants understand their rights while attending the group, such as the purpose of the group, what to expect, any potential risk, confidentiality limits and that participation is voluntary.

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"A.7.b. Confidentiality and Advocacy

Counselors obtain client consent prior to engaging in advocacy efforts on behalf of an identifiable client to improve the provision of services and to work toward removal of systemic barriers or obstacles that inhibit client access, growth, and development" (ACA, 2014).

Managing and establishing confidentiality supports the counseling role because it manages any potential risk and it builds a trusting atmosphere. It allows the clients to have a safe space to be open and express themselves freely.

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

American School Counselor Association (2021). ASCA

Student Standards; Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success. Alexandria, VA: Author. Retrieved September 10, 2025, from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/7428a787-a452-4abb-afec-d78ec77870cd/Mindsets-Behaviors.pdf

Cherry, K. (2023). How to Lead: 6 Leadership Styles and Frameworks. Retrieved September 10, 2025, from https://www.verywellmind.com/leadership-styles-2795312

Madeson, M. (2023). 29 Best Group Therapy Activities for Supporting Adults. Retrieved September 4, 2025, from https://positivepsychology.com/group-therapy-activities/

Military One Source. (2025). Understanding and Supporting the Military Spouse in Your Life. Retrieved September 4, 2025, from https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-basics/extended-family-friend/support-for-military-spouse-in-your-life/

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.

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