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Informed consent and confidentiality will be discussed during the first session. During this session an informed consent form will be distributed. We will go over the contents together to allow the participants to ask any potential questions they may have. Additional consent forms will be provided for any mothers bringing their children to the meetings for the on site childcare. Included in the consent form the parents will be informed that child care staff have been background checked for the safety of their children.

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Pre-screening is a way for group facilitators to determine if someone is a good fit for the group and ready to commit to the entire course (Screening Selection Process, n.d.). It also gathers information to determine a baseline for the participants progress and growth to compare to the post-assessment afterwards.

For the sake of The Balanced Moms Group pre-screening, we will distribute a questionnaire via email or mail to those that have reached out to sign up for the group.

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The ‘Balanced Moms Circle’ is a group designed for mothers, aged 25-40, of young children, from infants to elementary school aged, that are struggling to balance the multiple responsibilities of motherhood. For example, these can include caring for children, managing household tasks, self-care, maintaining relationships, and sustaining a career and/or pursuing education.

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The group organizers will distribute flyers at local daycare centers, pediatric doctors’ offices, and community centers. They will also utilize social media to reach out to some of the local moms groups such as on Facebook with posts sharing the information for the group meetings.

These flyers and social media posts will include basic information such as ideal participant descriptions, dates, times, location, and what the participants can expect to get out of the group.

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It it’s important for any group of individuals to establish ground rules to create a safe space and effective experience for all participants. These rules will foster a sense of trust, safety, and community. They will also allow for confidentiality to be followed.

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Stage 1 (Forming):

This stage is the foundation of the group. It is when relationships and trust are built (Group Dynamics, n.d.).

In the first session, I will use icebreakers to help the group members to get to know each other. This will be something light-hearted to reduce anxiety and help the members to feel more comfortable. For example, participants could share something funny that their kids have done.

We will review the group rules together and allow the members to discuss and add to these rules together as they see fit. This helps to create a feeling of it being a safe space that they control.

I will also go over confidentiality again to ensure the members feel safe and secure with what they choose to share within the group.

Stage 2 (Norming):

In this stage the members have already become comfortable with each other and they are able to discuss more deep or intimate experiences (Group Dynamics, n.d.). This is also where they are starting to really learn the skills they have come for.

During this stage I will check in with the members periodically to ensure they feel they are getting from the group what they need. I will also continue to review learning outcomes that we have previously gone over and request for feedback as members would like to share.

In order to maintain group cohesion I will ensure to address any conflict between members in a calm and respectful way to ensure the group stays a strong, safe community where they can support each other.

Stage 3 (Closing):

As the last few meetings approach, the closing stage begins. This is when some members may become emotional due to the ending of the community they have built (Group Dynamics, n.d.). It is also where the group reviews progress and begins for planning life outside of the group.

We will, as a group, discuss the journey the members have undergone. This means they will reflect on what they have learned, what progress has been made, and where they plan to go from there. It is a celebration of their successes together.

In order to ensure the members feel they can go it alone after the group ends, we will go over follow up plans. The members will be recommended other ways they can connect with other moms and how they can support each other outside of a formal support group setting. Members may also choose to exchange contact information to stay in touch.

Even if members choose to stay connected they will still be reminded to maintain confidentiality of the group.

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In this group I will establish a democratic approach. This will allow the members to have a say in how the group is managed, such as adding to the group rules, deciding what topics to cover, etc. (citation here)

I have chosen this leadership style as the members are grown adults with children of their own. They do not need to be ‘babied’ and likely want to feel more in control when they frequently are at the mercy of their children and family during their everyday lives.

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Of the many therapeutic factors, this group will focus on two: Universality and Instillation of Hope (Yalom, 1995). Members will feel comfortable in knowing they are not alone in their struggles with motherhood. They will also inspire each other by sharing how they’ve successfully applied coping strategies learned in the group to their home life.

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In the state of Texas LPCs conducting group counseling sessions must adhere to informed consent laws (Texas Administrative Code, 2019). This means the LPC must ensure they have obtained clear informed consent from the members before beginning the group meetings. This includes, but is not limited to, group counseling and individual counseling.

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Counselors have an ethical obligation to end the counseling relationship when appropriate (American Counseling Association). In the case of group counseling this means counselor should inform the members of how and when the group meetings will end. This also means they should provide recommendations or resources to help the member even after the meetings have ended. In more extreme cases, the counselor should provide the client or group member with a referral, should their needs be outside the scope of the group meetings or the counselor’s scope of practice.

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

American School Counselor Association. (2014). ASCA mindsets & behaviors for student success: K-12 college- and career-readiness standards for every student. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Standards/ASCA-Mindsets-Behaviors-for-Student-Success

Group dynamics. (n.d.). [PDF file]. Blackboard: Angelo State University.

Screening selection process. (n.d.). [PDF file]. Blackboard: Angelo State University.

Texas Administrative Code, Rule §681.41, General ethical requirements, 22 Tex. Admin. Code §681.41 (2019). https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=9&p_dir=N&p_rloc=191819&p_tloc=&p_ploc=1&pg=4&p_tac=&ti=22&pt=30&ch=681&rl=41

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

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The ASCA’s mindsets and behaviors are geared towards school counselors, however several of these are applicable to this mothers’ support group.

The mothers in this group will develop the M1 belief in the whole self and M3 sense of belonging mindsets (American School Counselor Association [ASCA], 2014). Through M1 they will learn to maintain a balance between their own mental health, socialization, physical well-being, and their duties as a parent. Through M3 they will develop a sense of belonging via peer support as they share experiences and conduct community building exercises.

The behaviors that these mothers will develop include the B-LS 3 learning skill of time-management as they develop their abilities to manage their time as parents (ASCA, 2014). The next behavior will be the B-SMS 8 as they will learn to balance their home, work, and other activities. Lastly, they will develop their B-SS 6 behavior which is their ability to collaborate and cooperate as they communicate with and learn from the other moms in the group (ASCA, 2014).

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What motivated you to join the Balanced Moms Circle group?What are you hoping to get out of the group?

What challenges are you struggling with regarding balancing work, parenting, and self-care?

What specific areas of stress management or self-care would you like to focus on?

How comfortable do you feel discussing personal parenting challenges in a group setting?

Are there any concerns or hesitations you have about participating in this group?

Have you participated in group counseling before? If so, how was your experience?

Are you able to commit to attending all the scheduled group meetings?

Do you expect any potential conflicts or barriers that might prevent you from attending?

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1. What is shared within the group stays in the group.

2. Treat everyone with respect, even if their experiences or views are different from your own.

3. Only one person is to speak at a time so that everyone is able to be heard.

4. Sharing experiences and thoughts are purely voluntary. You are free to choose to pass if you do not wish to speak.

5. Be present in the group. Cell phones are to be used for emergencies/urgent calls/texts only.

6. No cross talk allowed. Please do not carry on conversations or discussions with other members while someone is sharing.

7. Avoid statements that make assumptions of others. Do your best to use “I” statements.

8. Please do not offer unsolicited advice to other members.

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Facilitator: Ashley Liano, LPC

Group Name: Balanced Moms Circle

The Balanced Moms Circle is a support group designed for mothers to share experiences, receive support, and learn coping strategies for balancing parenting, work, and self-care.

The group will meet every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, starting on September 15th and ending on October 30th.

I understand that the group facilitator will keep all shared information confidential unless required by law to disclose. However, I also understand that confidentiality among participants cannot be guaranteed.

I understand that participation in this group is voluntary and that I can withdraw from the group at any time without penalty.

I understand that I may experience emotional discomfort when discussing personal experiences in the group. However, I will gain valuable support and coping skills to help manage stress and improve my home-work-life balance.

By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the information provided above, and I consent to participate in the Balanced Moms Circle.

Participant’s Name: __________________________

Signature: _______________________________

Date: ____________________

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The Balanced Moms Circle provides on-site childcare during group meetings. This service is provided to reduce barriers to attendance and participation.

Childcare will be supervised by staff who are experienced in working with children and who have undergone a background check.

The childcare will be provided in a nearby room, allowing easy access to children if needed.

I understand that while every effort will be made to ensure the safety and well-being of my child, the group facilitator is not responsible for the childcare services provided.

I understand that group discussions are confidential, but conversations between childcare staff and parents may not be covered under the same confidentiality protections.

Child’s Name: __________________________

Child’s Age: __________________________

Allergies or Special Needs: ___________________________________________

Emergency Contact Information: ___________________________________________

By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the information provided above regarding participation in the Balanced Moms Circle and the on site childcare services. I consent to participate in the group and, if applicable, consent to the use of childcare services during group sessions.

Parent’s Name: __________________________

Signature (Parent/Guardian): _______________________________

Date: ____________________