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Title 22 RULE §681.41 states (l) A licensee must set and maintain professional boundaries.
This legal requirement is vital in all areas of counseling. Because conversations in this certain support group will be very personal and intimate, the counselor must remain professional at all times and know when there may be circumstances where other personnel need to be involved.

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(a) A licensee must not make any false, misleading, deceptive, fraudulent or exaggerated claim or statement about the licensee's services, including, but not limited to: (1) the effectiveness of services; (2) the licensee's qualifications, capabilities, background, training, experience, education, professional affiliations, fees, products, or publications; or (3) the practice or field of counseling. (b) A licensee must not make any false, misleading, deceptive, fraudulent or exaggerated claim or statement about the services of a mental health organization or agency, including, but not limited to, the effectiveness of services, qualifications, or products. (c) A licensee must discourage a client from holding exaggerated or false ideas about the licensee's professional services, including, but not limited to, the effectiveness of the services, practice, qualifications, associations, or activities. If a licensee learns of exaggerated or false ideas held by a client or other person, the licensee must take immediate and reasonable action to correct the ideas held. (d) A licensee must make reasonable efforts to discourage others whom the licensee does not control from making misrepresentations; exaggerated or false claims; or false, deceptive, or fraudulent statements about the licensee's practice, services, qualifications, associations, or activities. If a licensee learns of a misrepresentation; exaggerated or false claim; or false, deceptive, or fraudulent statement made by another, the licensee must take reasonable action to correct the statement. (e) Regardless of setting, a licensee must provide counseling only in the context of a professional relationship. Prior to providing services, a licensee must obtain from an individual a signed informed consent, signed written receipt of information, or in the case of involuntary treatment a copy of the appropriate court order, including the following: (1) fees and arrangements for payment; (2) counseling purposes, goals, and techniques; (3) any restrictions placed on the license by the Council; (4) the limits on confidentiality; (5) any intent of the licensee to use another individual to provide counseling treatment intervention to the client; (6) supervision of the licensee by another licensed health care professional including the name, address, contact information and qualifications of the supervisor; (7) the name, address and telephone number of the Council for the purpose of reporting violations of the Act or this chapter; and (8) the established plan for the custody and control of the client's mental health records in the event of the licensee's death or incapacity, or the termination of the licensee's counseling practice. (f) A licensee must inform the client in writing of any changes to the items in subsection (e) of this section, prior to initiating the change. (g) Technological means of communication may be used to facilitate the therapeutic counseling process. (h) In accordance with §503.401(a)(4) of the Act, a licensee must not intentionally or knowingly offer to pay or agree to accept any remuneration directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to or from any person, firm, association of persons, partnership, corporation, or entity for securing or soliciting clients or patronage. (i) A licensee employed or under contract with a chemical dependency facility or a mental health facility must comply with the requirements in the Texas Health and Safety Code, §164.006, relating to soliciting and contracting with certain referral sources. Compliance with the Treatment Facilities Marketing Practices Act, Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 164, will not be considered as a violation of state law relating to illegal remuneration. (j) A licensee must not engage in activities for the licensee's personal gain at the expense of a client. (k) A licensee may promote the licensee's personal or business activities to a client if such activities, services or products are to facilitate the counseling process or help achieve the client's counseling goals. Prior to engaging in any such activities, services or product sales with the client, the licensee must first inform the client of the licensee's personal and/or business interest therein. A licensee must not exert undue influence in promoting such activities, services or products. (l) A licensee must set and maintain professional boundaries. (m) Except as provided by this subchapter, non-therapeutic relationships with clients are prohibited. (1) A non-therapeutic relationship is any non-counseling activity initiated by either the licensee or client that results in a relationship unrelated to therapy. (2) A licensee may not engage in a non-therapeutic relationship with a client if the relationship begins less than two (2) years after the end of the counseling relationship; the non-therapeutic relationship must be consensual, not the result of exploitation by the licensee, and is not detrimental to the client. (3) A licensee may not engage in sexual contact with a client if the contact begins less than five (5) years after the end of the counseling relationship; the non-therapeutic relationship must be consensual, not the result of exploitation by the licensee, and is not detrimental to the client. (4) For purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the licensee must be able to demonstrate there has been no exploitation and the non-therapeutic relationship is not detrimental to the client in light of all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the factors set forth in §681.42(b)(4)(A) - (G) of this title (relating to Sexual Misconduct). (5) The licensee must not provide counseling services to previous or current: (A) family members; (B) personal friends; (C) educational associates; or (D) business associates. (6) The licensee must not give or accept a gift from a client or a relative of a client valued at more than $50, borrow or lend money or items of value to clients or relatives of clients, or accept payment in the form of goods or services rendered by a client or relative of a client. (7) The licensee must not enter into a non-professional relationship with a client's family member or any person having a personal or professional relationship with a client if the licensee knows or reasonably should have known such a relationship could be detrimental to the client. (n) The licensee must not knowingly offer or provide counseling to an individual concurrently receiving counseling treatment intervention from another mental health services provider except with that provider's knowledge. If a licensee learns of such concurrent therapy, the licensee must request release from the client to inform the other professional and strive to establish positive and collaborative professional relationships. (o) A licensee may take reasonable action to inform medical or law enforcement personnel if the licensee determines there is a probability of imminent physical injury by the client to the client or others, or there is a probability of immediate mental or emotional injury to the client. (p) The licensee must take reasonable precautions to protect clients from physical or emotional harm resulting from interaction: (1) within a group; or (2) individual counseling. (q) For each client, a licensee must keep accurate records of: (1) signed informed consent, signed written receipt of information, or, in the case of involuntary treatment, a copy of the appropriate court order (2) intake assessment; (3) dates of counseling treatment intervention; (4) principal treatment methods; (5) progress notes; (6) treatment plan; and (7) billing information. (r) In the absence of applicable state and federal laws, rules or regulations, records held by a licensee must be kept for a minimum of seven (7) years from the date of termination of services with the client, or five (5) years after the client reaches the age of majority, whichever is greater. (s) Records created by licensees during the scope of their employment by agencies or institutions that maintain client records are not required to comply with (q) and (r) of this section. (t) Billing Requirements. (1) A licensee must bill clients or third parties for only those services actually rendered or as agreed to by mutual understanding at the beginning of services or as later modified by mutual written agreement. (2) Relationships between a licensee and any other person used by the licensee to provide services to a client must be so reflected on billing documents. (3) Pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 611, on the written request of a client, a client's guardian, or a client's parent (sole managing, joint managing or possessory conservator) if the client is a minor, a licensee must provide, in plain language, a written explanation of the types of treatment and charges for counseling treatment intervention previously made on a bill or statement for the client. This requirement applies even if the charges are to be paid by a third party. (4) A licensee may not knowingly overcharge a client. (5) With the exception of an unkept appointment, a licensee may not submit to a client or a third party payor a bill for counseling treatment intervention the licensee knows or should know is improper, unreasonable, or unnecessary. (u) A licensee must comply with all requirements of Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 611 and 181 concerning the release of mental health records and confidential information. (v) Prior to the commencement of counseling services to a minor client who is named in a custody agreement or court order, a licensee must obtain and review a current copy of the custody agreement or court order, as well as any applicable part of the divorce decree. A licensee must maintain these documents in the client's record and abide by the documents at all times. When federal or state statutes provide an exemption to secure consent of a parent or guardian prior to providing services to a minor, a licensee must follow the protocol set forth in such federal or state statutes. (w) A licensee must terminate a professional counseling relationship when it is reasonably clear the client is not benefiting from the relationship. (x) Upon termination of a relationship if professional counseling is still necessary, the licensee must take reasonable steps to facilitate the transfer to appropriate care. (y) A licensee must not evaluate any individual's mental, emotional, or behavioral condition unless the licensee has personally interviewed the individual or the licensee discloses in the evaluation the licensee has not personally interviewed the individual. (z) A licensee must not knowingly overtreat a client. (aa) A licensee must not aid or abet the unlicensed practice of professional counseling by a person required to be licensed under the Act. (bb) A licensee must report to the Council knowledge of any unlicensed practice of counseling. (cc) A licensee or an applicant must not participate in the falsification of any materials submitted to the Council. (dd) A licensee must not provide services while impaired by a physical, mental, or medical condition or by medication, drugs or alcohol

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(a) A licensee must not make any false, misleading, deceptive, fraudulent or exaggerated claim or statement about the licensee's services, including, but not limited to: (1) the effectiveness of services; (2) the licensee's qualifications, capabilities, background, training, experience, education, professional affiliations, fees, products, or publications; or (3) the practice or field of counseling.

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Upon completing this group, participants will be able to master these Mindsets and Behaviors:

M1. Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being
M4. Self-confidence in ability to succeed
M5. Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes
B-LS 1. Critical thinking skills to make
informed decisions
B-SMS 2. Self-discipline and self-control
B-SMS 7. Effective coping skills
B-SS 4. Empathy

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Section A.1.c. Counseling Plans offers a thorough explanation on the importance of implementing a successful plan in counseling. One plan may not be successful, so it is important to improvise for the success of the group as sessions progress.

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This support group is designed for teenagers who are struggling with their mental health and well-being. Understanding our personal mental health needs and building a solid foundation for these needs is essential in living a full and healthy life.
Teenagers face many adversities. This support group strives to help those overcome conflict, adversity, and to grasp a full understanding of mental health.

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Different factors may be seen in this support group.
- Most importantly, I believe Universality will be most present and seen. This factor demonstrates that we are not alone in our problems. I think most members will eventually see that many other members also share the same difficulties. The students you see in the hallway might seem happy, but we will never know what occurs behind closed doors.
- Imparting of information. This factor will be present as information about mental health and coping strategies will be utilized throughout several sessions.
- Development of socializing techniques. This factor will be seen in this group as many of the activities we do will require members to socialize with others in the group they may not be acquainted with. It will promote a more strong and meaningful connection within members.

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Because many participants of this group will be minors, a consent form along with an information pamphlet will be sent home for parents or legal guardians to review and sign. Consent forms and pamphlets will be thoroughly reviewed on the first session for all members to understand and adhere to.

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When students come forward expressing interest in this group, the school counselor will meet with these students individually and as a group. Individual meetings will be held with students to assess their personal needs and interest in this group and ensure this group will be of benefit. A group meeting will then be held to visualize and observe how these different individuals interact prior to an official group session.

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The leadership style that will be most effective with this group is a Participative Leadership approach. Because input and communication from all members are essential in producing the most successful group, this leadership style is most appropriate. This style will bring guidance to these members and counselors will incorporate themselves into all discussions, activities, etc.

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American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2014-code-of-ethics-finaladdress.pdf

Texas Administrative Code. Texas administrative code. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=9&p_dir=P&p_rloc=201671&p_tloc=&p_ploc=1&pg=9&p_tac=&ti=22&pt=30&ch=681&rl=41

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Those participating in this group consist of teenagers ages 13-19. Because these ages range, it is important to build a proper and beginning foundation for all to feel comfortable.
Stage 1 - Will consist of building a foundation of trust for all members to rely on. Without trust, the group will not succeed. Trust needs to be implemented in each other and in the counselor. Conversation will always be carefully navigated to ensure that all members feel secure in the information they share or are willing to share.
Stage 2 - Will consist of the interactive activities members will participate in to connect with each other and themselves. Throughout these activities, it is important to keep an open mind and open dialogue to practice active listening and speaking.
Stage 3 - To successfully end this group, a post-assessment will be given to determine the success and satisfaction of each individual. There will be follow up meetings with each individual to observe the achievement of this group and its lessons. Meetings will also be held with parents or legal guardians to discuss if student's behaviors are seemed to be improved at home as well.

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To help advertise and gain publicity for this group, announcements will be made during school- mornings and evenings. Because many teenagers use social media, ads will be posted on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. Flyers will also be posted in and around the junior high and high school campuses. Information flyers will be handed out during homeroom periods for further advertising.

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Ground rules that will be implemented immediately are as follows:
1. No judgements. This group is made to be a safe place for everyone.
2. Respect. Members will respect other members and the counselor at all times.
3. Confidentiality & No Gossip. Members will keep anything said within the group, IN the group. Absolutely no gossiping in our outside the group will be tolerated.
Other ground rules will be discussed as a group to further secure each other's boundaries.