Comfort Zone! by Malissa Stimson

Mrs. Stimson's Counseling Page

mstimson1 — 2025-02-09 19:03:42 UTC

Please visit our school counselor's page if you have any questions or need some assistance. We are here for YOU!

mstimson1 — 2025-02-09 19:21:54 UTC

ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors

mstimson1 — 2025-02-09 19:23:43 UTC

M 3. Sense of belonging in the school environment

M 6. Positive attitude toward working and learning

B-SMS 10. Demonstrate ability to manage transitions and ability to adapt to changing situations & responsibilities

B-SS 2. Create positive and supportive relationships with other students

B-SS 3. Create relationships with adults that support success

Group Expectations

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:10:36 UTC

By setting clear rules, I believe it can foster mutual respect and understanding, helping my students engage more fully in the group experience.

Involve students in creating the ground rules to foster ownership and commitment.
Outline acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, including sensitive topics. Ensure all students understand and agree to these boundaries.
Stress the importance of confidentiality, ensuring students understand that what is shared remains private.

Consent Forms

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:20:47 UTC

Every participant in the program is required to have their parent or guardian sign the consent form, in addition to providing their own signature, before they are allowed to attend any sessions. This is an important step to ensure that both the participant and their parent understand the nature of the program and agree to the terms outlined. To facilitate this process, consent forms, along with detailed information about the group and its activities, will be distributed to each student who has been invited to join Comfort Zone. This distribution will occur prior to the initial meeting, giving families ample time to review the materials and return the signed forms. It is crucial that all paperwork is completed in advance to ensure a smooth and organized start to the program.

Advertising

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:26:03 UTC

Posters will be prominently displayed throughout the campus, providing comprehensive details about Comfort Zone. These posters will include essential information such as the specific dates and times of the events, ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary scheduling details. Furthermore, to facilitate open communication and provide clarity, the posters will also feature my contact information. Also, information will be posted to the Counselor google classroom. This will allow anyone interested or seeking further clarification on the eligibility criteria to reach out directly. By doing so, I aim to create an inclusive environment where students can easily inquire and engage with the program, ensuring that all potential participants have the information they need to make informed decisions.

Therapeutic Factors

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:27:10 UTC

Two of Yalom's therapeutic factors are particularly significant for the Comfort Zone. The first is Universality, which fosters a sense of belonging as all members share the common experience of adjusting to a new school. This shared understanding helps alleviate feelings of isolation and promotes empathy and meaningful relationships among students. The second factor is the enhancement of socializing techniques, allowing students to practice interpersonal skills critical for building friendships and navigating social dynamics. Through structured activities, they gain confidence and develop effective communication and active listening skills, equipping them to connect with peers beyond the group. Together, Universality and the enhancement of social skills create a supportive environment that aids students in their transition to Friona High School.

Leadership Styles

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:27:19 UTC

The Comfort Zone can greatly benefit from adopting a participative leadership style, which involves actively seeking input from students while retaining final decision-making authority. This collaborative approach enhances the group engagement, motivation, and creativity, as students feel their contributions are valued. It fosters a culture of trust and respect.

Group Dynamics

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:27:27 UTC

Stage 1: Building relationships and trust among group members and myself is essential for a successful group dynamic. I will foster an environment where members feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. I will practice active listening to validate each member's feelings and perspectives. This helps to create a sense of being heard and understood, which is foundational for trust. Engaging in icebreakers and team-building exercises can help group members get to know one another in a relaxed setting. This can break down barriers and encourage camaraderie.

Establishing group norms is another crucial aspect of maintaining a positive group. At the beginning of the group, I will involve members in creating a set of norms that everyone agrees to follow. This not only empowers them but also ensures that the norms reflect the group's collective values.

Addressing the limits of confidentiality is crucial for maintaining trust within the group. I will ensure this is done by clearly communicating, providing written document that outlines confidentiality (on our 1st meeting) and encouraging ongoing dialogue about confidentiality throughout the group’s duration.

Stage 2: At the beginning of each session, I will clearly outline the objectives and the agenda. This will provide a roadmap for the group, helping members understand the purpose of each task and how it contributes to the overall goals. By setting expectations from the start, we can minimize confusion and keep discussions focused and relevant.

Stage 3: I will facilitate a reflection session for our Comfort Zone closure activity. Students can share their thoughts and feelings about their journey together. First, I will encourage students to reflect on how they have grown or changed throughout the sessions. This can include new skills, insights, or personal achievements. Second, I will encourage each participant to set personal goals or intentions moving forward, based on what they have learned or wish to continue working on. Furthermore, I will provide information on resources or follow-up opportunities that students can access if they wish to continue their journey.

Comfort Zone Action Plan

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:27:42 UTC

Criteria

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:27:52 UTC

New to FHS emergent bilingual students will be given an invitation to the group.
Students will be grouped according to their current grade level to ensure age-appropriate interactions and support.
The small group is specifically designed for students who have just recently relocated to Friona High School and are coded “at risk”.
The group will operate as a "closed" small group. It will be accessible throughout the year, meaning that if new students arrive after the group has commenced, they will only need to wait a maximum of six weeks to join.

References

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:28:08 UTC

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America: American Counseling Association. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/Resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success - American School Counselor Association (ASCA). (2021). Www.schoolcounselor.org. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Standards/ASCA-Mindsets-Behaviors-for-Student-Success

Atkins, R. (2015). School Counselor Office Bundle. Counselor Up! https://www.counselorup.com/blog/free-til-monday-office-bundle

Cherry, K. (2023, June 27). 6 Leadership Styles and Frameworks. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/leadership-styles-2795312#toc-participative-leadership-democratic

Mental Health Awareness Month Posters | KeepnTrack. (2019, April 16). KeepnTrack. https://www.keepntrack.com/mental-health-awareness-month/

Legal Requirements

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:28:42 UTC

The Texas Administrative Code outlines essential qualifications for certified professional school counselors to ensure they effectively support students' academic and personal development. According to Standard 2, Section 239.15, counselors must provide both individual and small group counseling to address diverse student needs. They are encouraged to apply various counseling theories and techniques tailored to the unique circumstances of their students.

Beyond academic guidance, school counselors promote overall student well-being by addressing emotional, social, and behavioral issues, creating a supportive environment for students to express their concerns. Additionally, counselors are expected to engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated on the latest techniques and practices, enhancing their ability to serve the student population. Overall, the Texas Administrative Code emphasizes the critical qualifications and competencies necessary for counselors to deliver effective, evidence-based practices tailored to meet the diverse needs of students.

Ethical Requirements

mstimson1 — 2025-02-10 22:57:46 UTC

C.6.c Consent/Assent

School counselors play a vital role in establishing the concept of confidentiality and its boundaries, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained among group members. It is the counselor's responsibility to educate students involved in the group about the importance of preserving confidentiality and the potential repercussions of violating it. Therefore, each parent of the participating students must sign an informed consent form before their child can join Comfort Zone.

Comfort Zone Description

mstimson1 — 2025-02-11 16:59:50 UTC

Emergent Bilingual students often face numerous challenges while trying to adjust to a new school environment and cultural landscape. These obstacles may include language barriers, unfamiliar social norms, and feelings of isolation or anxiety. To address some of these issues, I would like to establish a small group. This group will consist of six 30-minute sessions that conveniently fit into the lunch period, and it is designed for students in grades 9 through 12 called the Comfort Zone.