Voices Rising by Michael Ince

Voices Rising: Empowering Students Impacted by Bullying

mince5 — 2025-09-15 01:08:37 UTC

Bullying continues to be a critical concern for students, often leading to diminished self-worth, increased school avoidance, and emotional distress. The Voices Rising small group counseling program provides a safe, structured space for students who have experienced bullying to process their experiences, build self-esteem, strengthen communication, and develop tools for resilience and advocacy. This group aligns with the ASCA National Model's emphasis on supporting student social/emotional development and ensuring a safe, inclusive school climate.

Group Goals:

mince5 — 2025-09-15 01:09:48 UTC

Help students understand and define bullying versus peer conflict.
Build self-confidence and identify personal strengths.
Teach assertive communication and coping skills.
Empower students to become self-advocates and effective bystanders.
Foster emotional healing and community among participants.

Target Group: 7th Grade Students (6–8 participants) identified as victims of bullying or at risk for peer aggression, based on teacher referral, behavior data, and counselor observation.

Group Format:

mince5 — 2025-09-15 01:12:29 UTC

6 weekly sessions, 45 minutes each
Closed group format (same students each session)
Individual pre- and post-assessment surveys

Group Rules/Norms (established in Session 1):

Respect each other’s privacy and stories.
One voice at a time.
Listen without judgment.
Participate in all activities.
Encourage and support each other.

Theoretical Foundation: This group is grounded in Person-Centered Theory, which promotes empathy, positive regard, and student empowerment. The group also incorporates Yalom’s curative factors such as universality, altruism, and instillation of hope.

mince5 — 2025-09-15 01:15:05 UTC

Screening & Selection Process:

Review discipline and teacher referral data
Administer bullying experiences screener
Counselor conducts brief individual interviews
Obtain signed parent/guardian consent

Pre/Post Assessment:

6-item student self-rating form on confidence, emotions, communication, and help-seeking behaviors (Likert scale)
Used to measure group impact and guide reflection

mince5 — 2025-09-15 01:18:20 UTC

Session Overview:

Session 1: Welcome, Group Norms, and Building Trust

Icebreaker & trust activity
Group rules
Feelings check-in wheel
Objective: Establish psychological safety and group cohesion.

Session 2: Understanding Bullying and Its Emotional Impact

Sorting activity: Bullying vs. Conflict
Emotion drawing or emotion card discussion
Story-based discussion: "Say Something" by Peter H. Reynolds

Session 3: Self-Esteem, Confidence, and Personal Strengths

Guided worksheet: "My Strengths Snapshot"
Mirror affirmation activity
Group poster: "We Shine Together"

Session 4: Assertiveness, Communication, and Coping Skills

Bibliotherapy activity (e.g., read and discuss "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon")
Scenario role-plays: Passive vs. Assertive vs. Aggressive
Coping skills wheel (breathing, journaling, walking away, asking for help)

Session 5: Advocacy and Seeking Support

Personal support map (three trusted adults)
"How to Be an Upstander" discussion
Peer praise circle

Session 6: Closure, Reflection, and Celebration

Written reflection: "What I Learned & What I Will Do"
Group post-assessment survey
Visual display project: Voices Rising Wall of Strength

References

mince5 — 2025-09-15 01:30:40 UTC

American School Counselor Association. (2019). ASCA National Model: A framework for school counseling programs (4th ed.). Alexandria, VA: Author.
StopBullying.gov. (2021, November 17). Bullying prevention for middle school students. U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/middle-school.
Texas Education Agency. (2015). Responsive Services: Small group counseling guide. https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/Responsive%20Services%20Small%20Group%20Counseling%20Guide.pdf
Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.). New York, NY: Basic Books.

ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors

mince5 — 2025-09-15 01:32:05 UTC

M1: Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional well-being
B-SMS 7: Demonstrate effective coping skills when faced with a problem
B-SS 5: Demonstrate ethical and safe behavior
B-SS 8: Demonstrate advocacy skills and ability to assert self, when necessary

mince5 — 2025-09-15 01:35:05 UTC

mince5 — 2025-09-15 01:38:28 UTC

Voices Rising Group Plan

mince5 — 2025-09-15 01:46:49 UTC