Establishing the Group by Marlene Adams

Establishing the Group by Marlene Adams https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd en-us 2023-09-18 00:16:01 UTC 2023-09-18 04:46:15 UTC hello@padlet.com Group Description madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2707777773 This small group is named Drug-Free Phoenix as it aims to help students become or continue to be drug free. Students involved in this small group will learn about the many risks of drug use, gain a deeper understanding on why they may feel the desire to partake in substance abuse, and learn strategies to help them abstain from drug use.]]> 2023-09-18 00:21:49 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2707777773 Publicity madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2707782572 Due to the selective criteria of this small group, I would like to talk to students individually to invite them to participate in the group. Along with this meeting, I would also create a flyer to send home with the student to present to their parent/guardian. Overall, I want the small group to feel a bit personal while also being fun and interesting. ]]> 2023-09-18 00:25:50 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2707782572 Screening madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2707834809 After narrowing down the number of students with previous substance abuse records, I will conduct individual meetings with this students. The purpose of this meeting is to inform them about the group and determine if they would be a good fit. While students may not necessarily show interest, they could be accepted into the group. However, if they show obvious discomfort or begin to get defensive, this would eliminate them from participating in the group. Preference would be given to students who ask questions and engage in conversation about the group. Another detail I will be looking for is a desire to fix drug related behaviors. For example, if a student admits that they realize their substance abuse use is a concern.]]> 2023-09-18 01:10:27 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2707834809 Informed Consent madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2707973428 The school at which I work follows district policy involving informed consent. This district policy is based on the education code, stating that "The consent form shall include specific information on the content of the program and the types of activities in which the student will be involved" (Education Code 33.004). Once the student has been fully invited to participate in the small group, a modified version of the attached consent form will be sent home for both the student and parent/guardian to sign. While this consent form was intended for research purposes, there are several aspects that I feel are important to have on the form. For example, it does discuss that participation is completely voluntary, and can be stopped at any time. Another key aspect is that the form discusses possible risks and discomforts. These are important for me to include to ensure that the students that agree to be in the small group are aware of what they are agreeing to, and therefore make a more educated decision of their participation. ]]> 2023-09-18 02:53:44 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2707973428 Mindset/ Behaviors madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708010388 The aim of this small group is to develop mindset 1, "Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being," mindset 3, "Self-confidence in ability to succeed," and mindset 5, "Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes" (American School Counselor Association, 2021). In theory, the small group should help students learn how to utilize healthy coping mechanisms as an alternative to substance abuse, which overall should lead to a healthier individual. Many of the self-management skills can be applied to this small group. However, B-SMS 6, "Ability to identify and overcome barriers," and B-SMS 7, "Ability to identify and overcome barriers," are the most prominent (American School Counselor Association, 2021).]]> 2023-09-18 03:18:58 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708010388 Guidelines madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708025370 I plan to use this resource to help guide my group collaborations and preparations. It notes in particular the use of reflection, which is an aspect I would like to incorporate within my small group. Some rules, such as those regarding mandating reporting and confidentiality, would be established by myself in the individual screening meetings, as well as at the start of each meeting. However, I want the students to be involved in establishing other rules and guidelines to ensure they feel comfortable and have a solid understanding of the expectations of the group. For example, students will decide what gives someone permission to speak (i.e. whoever is holding an assigned object, going in clockwise order). ]]> 2023-09-18 03:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708025370 Group Dynamic madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708044065 Stage 1: To begin building trust with the students, I would begin with sharing a story of my own involving substance abuse. I have had family members who had serious substance abuse issues, yet I still loved them dearly. I want the students to understand that while I do not support their substance use, I will support. During the first meeting, I will set aside time to discuss what expectations the students may have for the small group. This may include what goals they have for the group, but also what they expect from others in the group. I will also take time at the beginning of each meeting to remind the group that while everyone should not be discussing the contents of the group to those not in the group, there is no way to guarantee confidentially from other students, and ensure that students know to be mindful of what they choose to share; inform students that if they are caught sharing private information about others, there may be consequences.

Stage 2: In order to maintain a solidified group, I would include a short group discussion each session. I would also like to have small assignments for them to complete together in partners or groups of three. This allows for all members of the group to interact with each other. At the end of every other session, students will fill out short surveys to asses their progress. These surveys will include questions about how they feel about the small group, and a short self-assessment.

Stage 3: The small group will close with a session focused on self-reflection. Not only will this show me what the students learned, it will also hopefully help them comprehend the important of their new skills. At the end of this session, I will remind them that the things we discussed need to be kept private, even if the group is over. I would also make sure the students know where and when to find, and let them know that even though the group has ended, I am always there for them to talk to if wanted and/or needed.]]> 2023-09-18 03:45:15 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708044065 Leadership Style madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708059059 The leadership style I would use for this group is participative leadership. I do intend to spend a portion of sessions talking and educating students, I want there to be group interaction between the students. One of the goals of the small group is to help students feel supported and not alone. If students are able to work together in a group, it is more likely that they will feel a sense of belonging. ]]> 2023-09-18 03:59:00 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708059059 Yalom's Curative Factor madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708066385 The curative factor that would be the most applicable for this small group is direct advice. I will be directly teaching students skills that they may able to use in place of substance use. However, a large factor will be imparting of information. I want students to understand that substance abuse can lead to addiction, which is a medical disease, rather than simply bad choices, as well as provide statistics on the dangers and risks associated with substance abuse. Hopefully there will also be a degree of interpersonal learning. Students should feel comfortable sharing their experiences, and discussing what coping mechanisms work best for them.]]> 2023-09-18 04:04:52 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708066385 Legal and Ethical Requirement #1 madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708084473 One ethical concern is the boundary between providing counseling and referring to an outside party. According to the American Association of School Counselors, "School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools to address psychological disorders. However, school counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health crises and needs" (2020). Working with students with previous records of substance abuse can cause certain concerns to arise. While I am trying to help prevent further substance use, the intent of this small group is not to treat substance addiction. If it is brought to my attention that one of the students in the small group is currently engaging in substance use, I am still required to report it to the proper channels, to include the suspension of substance addiction.]]> 2023-09-18 04:23:34 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708084473 Legal and Ethical Requirement #2 madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708090882 Another serious legal requirement is ensuring confidentiality. The American School Counselor Association Ethical Standards for School Counselors states, "Inform students of the purposes, goals, techniques, rules and procedures under which they may receive counseling. Disclosure includes informed consent and clarification of the limits of confidentiality" (2022). As a school counselor, maintaining confidentiality is an important factor in establishing a rapport with students, however, it is important that students in the small group are informed on what type of statements or actions may cause me to have to break this confidentiality.]]> 2023-09-18 04:29:35 UTC https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708090882 References madams393 https://padlet.com/madams393/3x4k9f4xq4m180fd/wish/2708109257
American School Counselor Association. (2022). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/44f30280-ffe8-4b41-9ad8-f15909c3d164/EthicalStandards.pdf

Board policy manual. TASB. (n.d.). https://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline/PolicyDetails?key=166&code=BF

Kendra Cherry, Mse. (2023, June 27). 6 leadership styles and Frameworks. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/leadership-styles-2795312

The school counselor and Group Counseling. The School Counselor and Group Counseling - American School Counselor Association (ASCA). (2020). https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Group-Counseling

Thomas, R. V., & Pender, D. A. (2008, June). Association for Specialists in Group Work: Best Practice Guidelines 2007 Revisions. https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/513c96_93df348d51134a08b789df5374b6dfb7.pdf

University of Michigan. (2023, May 9). Informed consent guidelines & templates. Informed Consent Guidelines & Templates | Research Ethics & Compliance. https://research-compliance.umich.edu/informed-consent-guidelines

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

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