Counselor and Teacher Referrals

• Teacher and school counselors will identify and refer students in need based on several key indicators, including observable signs of academic struggle, behavioral changes, and increased stress or anxiety.

  Pre-group survey

• I will administer a brief pre-group screening survey that includes questions about current stress levels, prior experience with coping strategies, and motivation for joining the group.

  Short Interviews

• I will conduct individual interviews to gain further insight into each student's needs and ensure they are a good fit for the group dynamics.

(Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators, 2015).

An assent form will also be needed to ensure participants understand the nature of the group, their rights, and what to expect from participation.

For each of these rules, I will provide a framework where group members can articulate what the rule looks like (observable behaviors) and sounds like (verbal expressions) in their own words.

My primary focus will be creating a safe and welcoming environment in which trust can develop between group members and me. This will include icebreaker activities, a discussion of confidentiality, and a collaborative process to establish group norms using the "Looks Like" and "Sounds Like" framework. During this process, I will encourage participants to express what respectful communication and supportive behavior mean to them, thereby setting clear expectations for group interactions.

Stage 2: Working Together

As the group progresses through each session, I will implement strategies to ensure that participants remain engaged, supportive, and focused on the group’s learning outcomes. Each session will begin with a check-in to assess individual moods and any emerging concerns, and I will use structured activities that promote active participation and collaborative problem-solving. Regular group discussions and feedback loops will be incorporated to monitor progress, address any issues, and adjust activities as needed. Additionally, I will use short surveys and one-on-one conversations periodically to gauge members’ understanding and comfort with the techniques being taught.

Stage 3: Group Closure

I will dedicate a session to group closure, during which members can reflect on their progress, share their personal success stories, and discuss strategies for maintaining the skills they have learned. During this session, I will facilitate a discussion to explore how members feel about the group's ending, ensuring that they leave with a sense of accomplishment rather than abandonment. I will reinforce that the confidentiality agreement continues beyond the group's life and provide clear instructions on how to continue practicing and supporting one another informally.

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