https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a Paula Stephenson - EDSC 6302 School Counseling Techniques en-us 2022-04-15 20:34:58 UTC 2025-11-03 13:32:58 UTC hello@padlet.com stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2148918719 This group counseling plan was created for students in 4th through 6th grades who struggle with severe test anxiety.  The purpose of this group is to teach those suffering from such anxiety techniques needed in order to identify the triggers of worry, stress, and anxiety, develop coping mechanisms, and change mindsets. 

Students were chosen to participate in the Worry Smashers group counseling sessions through teacher survey, observation, and tests/grades data analysis. The students chosen suffer not just from mild anxiety but from chronic and debilitating test anxiety, and teachers are concerned that they may not pass the STAAR tests even though each student has proven their abilities in the classroom and during the nine-week grading periods.]]> 2022-04-19 16:49:04 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2148918719 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2149177533 The following Mindset standards will be developed and met through participation in this group:
M3. Positive attitude toward work and learning
M4. Self-confidence in ability to succeed
M5. Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes

The following Behavior standards will be developed and met through participation in this group:
B-SMS 6. Ability to identify and overcome barriers
B-SMS 7. Effective coping skills]]> 2022-04-19 19:38:38 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2149177533 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2149185003 2022-04-19 19:44:41 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2149185003 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2149289260 Advertising for the small group counseling plan addressing 'Worry Smashers: Chronic Test Anxiety' is somewhat different than other group plans because data is being used to select members of the group. For all topics, teachers are given access to a google form titled, 'Teacher Survey of Student Group Counseling Needs' and will be required to fill out this form once every nine weeks during faculty meetings.  They may, however, submit the form as often as issues arise in which they believe group counseling would be of help.  The purpose of this form is to guide the counselor in addressing current issues via small group counseling plans.  As issues are submitted and a 'topic of the six weeks' is chosen, flyers will be placed around the school and students will be given the opportunity to sign up to participate in the small group counseling sessions being offered.  Teachers and administrators will also receive an email with information about the topic in order to encourage student participation.  As far as test anxiety is concerned, students may sign up for small group counseling, but the participants of the small group counseling plan addressing chronic test anxiety will be determined by the teachers and the counselor after analyzing tests and nine weeks grades data.  General test anxiety (or nervousness) is addressed in the classroom via the large group guidance program.  All small group counseling topics and general overview will be placed on the counselor's website for parent viewing.]]> 2022-04-19 21:18:30 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2149289260 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2149629298 Students identified by teacher survey, teacher observation, and teacher/counselor data meetings will be called in to meet with the counselor individually.  Upon explaining the purpose, implementation, expectations, and desired results of the group plan to the student, an agreement to participate and parental informed consent will be acquired before the program start date.  Students who express the desire to participate but have not been identified by the teachers and counselor will be put in a group (after being assessed by the counselor) that will also focus on test anxiety but sessions will be less intensive and last fewer weeks.   ]]> 2022-04-20 02:41:09 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2149629298 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2151081841 After selecting members of the group, a letter will be sent home to parents/guardians explaining the purpose, implementation, expectations, and desired results of the group sessions.  A consent form, which must be signed and returned, will also be included in the letter.  During the pre-group individual interviews, selectees will sign a 'student assent to participate' form to be kept on file.  Groups will consist of no more than six members.]]> 2022-04-20 22:46:04 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2151081841 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2151109990 The following rules will be included on the student assent to participate form which must be signed prior to the group start date:
1. Respect yourself, the counselor and other group members
2. Maintain confidentiality
3. Share if you want and only what you want

Additional rules will be discussed and added during the first session.  The attached form will be used as a guide in our discussion. All rules will be written on a large poster board that everyone will sign in agreement and will be displayed for the duration of group sessions.]]> 2022-04-20 23:27:23 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2151109990 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2151345955 The Worry Smashers is a homogeneous group in that participants have similar issues and characteristics concerning test anxiety.  The group is structured in nature and will focus on identifying triggers and physical symptoms of stress and anxiety, and developing coping skills and positive mindsets concerning, specifically, test anxiety.

Stage 1 - The objective is to create an environment of trust, safety, and connection. After a quick pre-survey, participants will begin by creating a crest/shield with personal characteristics for the purpose of introducing oneself.  The group will then collaborate and, with help from the counselor, establish rules and norms other than those listed on the student assent form.  The counselor will be sure to explain the expectations for group confidentiality in order to promote a safe environment. Other stage 1 activities such as "Roll & Respond" will be played to promote sharing and belonging and to get better acquainted.

Stage 2 -  The counselor will quickly and continually review the rules and limits of confidentiality at the beginning of each session for the purpose of reiterating trust and safety.  Many activities and games will take place throughout sessions two through five which will require the group to collaborate in order to accomplish group and individual goals.   One example is when the group will be instructed to work together on identifying the physical effects of worry.  These and other such activities will be accomplished via group effort with the goal of continuing to build trust, cohesiveness, productivity, and participation.  The counselor will check in with students individually between sessions during a visit in the counseling center.

Stage 3 -   In the closing session, group members will reflect on individual and group feelings toward test anxiety.  They will recall specific methods and skills gained in order to prepare for tests, and ways of changing negative mindsets.  They will also identify those who will support them with an encouraging word or voice of reason when facing their fears.  Finally, in a symbolic effort to rid themselves of worry, the group will 'smash' (and crumple) their 'worry monsters.'

The counselor will call group members in individually before the next major test to recap information learned and offer support and encouragement.  A follow up meeting will be held with 4th grade teachers to analyze pre and post session test data to determine the success of the program.]]> 2022-04-21 02:50:16 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2151345955 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2151389887 One of the main objectives of the counselor in addressing worry is to help group members understand he/she is not alone in the way that they feel and in their experiences with test anxiety.  For this reason, a participatory leadership style will best benefit the 'Worry Smashers'.  Most activities in the various group sessions require participation and sharing, and it is the counselor's job to offer guidance to the group while allowing input from group members. This "tends to make followers feel like they are an important part of the team" and in turn, "helps foster commitment to the goals of the group" as stated by Kendra Cherry (2021).  She also notes that "group members feel engaged in the process and are more motivated and creative", and all of these attributes of the participative leadership style would benefit the 'Worry Smashers' small group plan. ]]> 2022-04-21 03:29:12 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2151389887 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2151426845 In addressing the topic of Anxiety, and specifically, Test Anxiety, several of Yalom's Curative Factors would apply.

Instillation of Hope - It is the goal of the counselor to give participants the knowledge, methods, and techniques throughout the group sessions to instill faith that he/she will be successful in conquering fears.

Universality - it is absolutely important for anyone dealing with an issue(s) to know and understand that they are not alone.  One can feel comforted and even empowered knowing that there are others who have dealt with the same or similar problem and have found ways of coping.

Direct Advice - As group sessions progress, members will have opportunities to experiment with learned strategies and might also develop coping methods on their own.  Sharing what they have discovered works in combatting anxiety during group sessions is another way of learning to handle this problem.

In time, other factors could possibly develop and become present in group sessions. For example, in the above explanation of Direct Advice, Altruism could present itself in that the one sharing suggestions on what he/she has found to work in lessening worry might develop a feeling of usefulness and focus more on helping others which could lead to a lesser focus on oneself.]]> 2022-04-21 04:11:31 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2151426845 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2152109370 Sec. 33.005. (b) (2) of the Education Code states that the counselor shall design a comprehensive school counseling program to include "a responsive services component to intervene on behalf of any student whose immediate personal concerns or problems put the student's continued educational, career, personal, or social development at risk", and this is directly related to the small group counseling plan addressing 'worry'.  Also related is Sec. 33.006. (b) (3) in that the school counselor should "consult with school staff, parents, and other community members  to help them increase the effectiveness of student education and promote student success."  In meeting with the 4th grade teachers to identify those suffering with chronic test anxiety and seeking parent permission for students to participate, the counselor is fulfilling this directive with the "Worry Smashers" program.  The fact that the screening process itself seeks assistance from teachers to "interpret standardized test results and other assessment data that help a student make educational plans [goals]" satisfies Sec. 33.006. (b) (5).

Also, the Texas Administrative Code Rule 239.15 (c) (3) states that the school counselor must "counsel individuals and small groups using appropriate counseling theories and techniques in response to students' needs".  This and other requirements accomplished in the "Worry Smashers' program are outlined in The Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.

In addition to the requirements above, ASCA outlines School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies and those specifically related to the "Worry Smashers' small group counseling plan and are as follows:

B-PF 1. Apply developmental, learning, counseling and education theories
B-SS 1. Design and implement instruction aligned to ASCA in large-group, classroom, small-group, and individual settings
B-SS 3. Provide short-term counseling in small-group and individual settings
B-SS 6. Collaborate with families, teachers, administrators, other school staff and education stakeholders for student achievement and success
B-PA 2. Identify gaps in achievement, attendance, discipline, opportunity and resources]]> 2022-04-21 14:09:44 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2152109370 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2152110530 Ethical requirements outlined in the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies and those specifically related to the "Worry Smashers' small group counseling plan are as follows:

B-PF 3. Apply legal and ethical principles of the school counseling profession
b. Adhere to the legal responsibilities of the role of the school counselor including the unique legal and ethical principles of working with minor students in a school setting
c. Adhere to the ethical and statutory limits of confidentiality

Additionally, the ACA Code of Ethics state the responsibility of the school counselor is to secure/provide:
A.2. Informed Consent in the Counseling Relationship:
a. Clients have the freedom to choose whether to enter into or remain in a counseling relationship and need adequate information about the counseling process and the counselor.
Counselors have an obligation to review in writing and verbally with clients the rights and responsibilities of both counselors and clients.
A.7. Roles and Relationships at Individual, Group, Institutional, and Societal Levels:
a. When appropriate, counselors advocate at individual, group, institutional, and societal levels to address potential barriers and obstacles (worry - test anxiety) that inhibit access and/or the growth and development of clients.
A.9. Group Work:
a. Screening: Counselors screen prospective group
counseling/therapy participants. To the extent possible, counselors select members whose needs and goals are
compatible with the goals of the group, who will not impede the group process, and whose well-being will not be jeopardized by the group experience.
B.1. Respecting Client Rights:
c. Counselors protect the confidential information (test grades) of prospective and current clients. Counselors disclose information only with appropriate consent or with sound legal or ethical justification.

These above requirements are just a few of many that could be applied and relevant to the 'Worry Smashers' small group counseling plan.



]]> 2022-04-21 14:10:29 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2152110530 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2152265946 American Counseling Association (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. Retreived from https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

American School Counselor Association (2021). ASCA
Student Standards; Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success. Alexandria, VA: Author.

American School Counselor Association (2019). ASCA School
Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies. Alexandria, VA: Author.

Cherry, K. (2021, August 11). What are prominent leadership styles and frameworks you should know? Verywell Mind. Retrieved April 20, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/leadership-styles-2795312

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. Retrieved from http://www.missouricareereducation.org/doc/smallgroup/SmallGroupCounseling.pdf

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

]]> 2022-04-21 15:45:32 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2152265946 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2152483783 2022-04-21 18:09:39 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2152483783 stephensonp https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2152523510 This form helps to guide the counselor in the creation of small group counseling plans in response to issues that are currently affecting students according to teachers.]]> 2022-04-21 18:36:52 UTC https://padlet.com/stephensonp/m2oixd89zm8i444a/wish/2152523510