Brave Hearts: Coping with Anxiety by Kiffany Smith

Brave Hearts: Coping with Anxiety Small Counseling Group

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 01:14:31 UTC

By giving Elementary students, in grades 3rd-5th, the skills they need to manage their anxiety, the Brave Hearts: Coping with Anxiety group will benefit the school's campus and enhance students' emotional health, participation in class, and academic performance. This group will assist lessen avoidance behaviors, increase focus, and promote a more positive school experience by treating anxiety early.

Through a proper needs assessment, the results will identify students who suffer from anxiety require organized, small-group treatment. Brave Hearts will help create a more encouraging learning atmosphere that encourages emotional development and resilience by giving participating students a secure setting in which to practice coping mechanisms.

ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 01:25:57 UTC

M 1. Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being (ASCA, 2021).

M 2. Sense of acceptance, respect, support and inclusion for self and others in the school environment (ASCA, 2021).

M 3. Positive attitude toward work and learning (ASCA, 2021).

Plans for Publicity

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 01:26:54 UTC

I will conduct 1:1 conferences with teachers, email announcements, and create flyers to distribute to teachers, parents, and students in order to promote the Brave Hearts: Coping with Anxiety small group. To guarantee awareness, information will be shared via classroom presentations, social media, and school newsletters. In order to answer any questions and promote involvement, a parent information session will also be hosted.

Pre-Group Interviewing and Screening

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 01:41:52 UTC

Several procedures are included in the screening process to identify group members in order to guarantee every student benefits from the small group on coping with anxiety. Referrals are first gathered from teachers, parents, or students who identify themselves as having anxiety-related difficulties. Each referred student is then given a quick one-on-one meeting to determine their needs, preparedness, and participation interest. Consent from parents or guardians is sought to guarantee family participation and support. In the end, students are chosen according to their need, the dynamics of the group, and their capacity to gain from the planned sessions in a secure and encouraging setting.

Informed Consent

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 01:46:20 UTC

Brave Hearts: Coping with Anxiety group will follow a defined approach to gain assent or informed consent. Parents/guardians will first get a comprehensive consent form that includes information about the group's goals, activities, purpose, and confidentiality policies. Students will also take part in an age-appropriate talk that explains the group's goals and expectations. To guarantee moral and knowledgeable participation in the group, both parental and student agreement must be acquired prior to participation.

References

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 01:54:10 UTC

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.

American School Counselor Association. (2021). ASCA mindsets and behaviors for student success: K-12 College-, career-, and life-readiness standards for every student. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/7428a787-a452-4abb-afec-d78ec77870cd/Mindsets-Behaviors.pdf

Texas Administrative Code. (n.d.). Title 19, part 7, chapter 239, subchapter A: School counselor standards. Texas Secretary of State. Retrieved February 15, 2025, from https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage

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

Group Rules

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 02:00:27 UTC

Group Rules for Brave Hearts small counseling group are outlined below:

Respect Everyone – Listen actively, speak kindly, and honor different perspectives.
Confidentiality – What is shared in the group stays in the group (unless safety concerns arise).
Participation – Engage in discussions and activities at your comfort level. Support and encourage one another without criticism.
Stay Present – Avoid distractions and give your full attention during sessions.
Use “I” Statements – Share personal feelings and experiences without blaming others.

During the initial group session, to receive participants feedback, I will ask if they agree to the set rules, if they'd like to add or remove any rules.

Group Dynamics

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 02:17:53 UTC

This group will support students in grades 3-5 and will help with the development of coping mechanisms, sharing experiences, and gaining trust as they move through the different stages (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015).

In Stage 1, students may have anxiety, hesitancy, or uncertainty about taking part during this phase. Members of the group will concentrate on building trust and comprehending the group's goal. Structured activities and icebreakers help to build relationships and create a safe space (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). Setting expectations, establishing ground rules, and promoting involvement are all critical as I facilitate the group sessions.

In Stage 2, as members gain trust, they begin to talk more deeply and share more freely with each other. In addition to practicing new coping mechanisms, students are taught to anxiety control techniques. As group members affirm and encourage one another's experiences, group cohesion grows. Although conflict may occur, it is handled in a way that promotes mutual respect and emotional safety.

In Stage 3, as the group begins to conclude members consider their personal growth, development, and new skills. Students' ability to use coping mechanisms on their own is emphasized. Closure exercises, such sharing personal takeaways or sending encouraging letters, ease the transition even if group members may feel down as the sessions come to an end (Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015). Plans for follow-up guarantee ongoing success outside of the group.

Leadership Styles

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 02:26:55 UTC

For the Brave Hearts: Coping with Anxiety group, the facilitative leadership style works well. With this method, students can express their ideas and feelings in a secure and encouraging setting. Instead of just offering answers, it will be beneficial to promote involvement, direct conversations, and assist group members in creating their own coping mechanisms.

Aspects of the supportive leadership style are also advantageous because this leader offer support to students who are struggling with anxiety confidence, empathy, and encouragement—all of which are critical. This approach guarantees that each member feels appreciated and understood while also creating trust.

Therapeutic Factors

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 02:37:20 UTC

Brave Hearts exhibits a number of Yalom's therapeutic factors, including: Group sessions on coping with anxiety. As participants manage their anxiety in a safe setting, these elements contribute to their process of recovery and development. In relation to Universality, members of the group feel less alone and more united when they recognize that they are not the only ones who suffer from anxiety (Yalom, 1995). Through the factor Instillation of Hope, students being able to see the peers succeed in controlling their anxiety will inspire them to believe in their own capacity to become better. Ultimately, the group's goal is to create Cohesion-as trust and a sense of belonging grow, students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and emotions (Yalom, 1995).

Legal & Ethical Requirements

ksmith184_1 — 2025-02-17 02:47:28 UTC

The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) outlines several legal and ethical standards for school counselors. Two important standards that are critical in the success of Brave Hearts: Coping with Anxiety are:

Confidentiality (TAC §239.15): School counselors are required to maintain confidentiality of student records and personal information, unless there is a clear and imminent danger to the student or others (TAC, n.d.). This includes safeguarding sensitive information disclosed during counseling sessions. When hosting small groups like Brave Hearts, it's important to adhere to these standards, ensuring that all student interactions remain private unless legally required to share.
Student Welfare (TAC §239.13): Counselors must always act in the best interests of the students, promoting their academic, social, emotional, and career development (TAC, n.d.). The Brave Hearts group will put each participant's emotional health and personal development first, creating an atmosphere that promotes equity, safety, and respect for all students.

By following these rules, counselors can assist guarantee students receive ethical services that uphold their rights and improve their general wellbeing.