Coping Champions by Ruby Reyna

Group Description

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-08 22:43:09 UTC

The name of the small group would be called “Coping Champions.” This small group, (approximately 8 students) is designed to focus on 9th and 10th grade students (ages 14-16) who are struggling with managing stress that impacts their academic performance and overall well-being. This group will help students learn healthy coping skills such as relaxation strategies, positive thinking, and problem- solving to better manage stress and improve their overall well-being.

ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-08 23:16:20 UTC

Students who participate and complete the six-week Coping Champions group will develop a stronger sense of acceptance, respect, support, and inclusion for themselves and others in the school environment They will also learn and practice effective, healthy coping skills to manage stress and build positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with peers who are both similar to and different from them.

Publicity

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-08 23:54:11 UTC

Information will also be shared in newsletters, staff emails, flyers, advisory Wednesday announcements, and on the school counselor’s Google Classroom page.

Pre- Screening

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-10 23:41:54 UTC

Students will be screened individually by the school counselor before being selected for the Coping Champions group. The screening process will include a short interview in which students are asked about their current stress levels, common stressors, and their willingness and readiness to participate in a small group setting. During this time, the counselor will also explain the purpose, goals, and expectations of the group so students fully understand what participation involves. Teacher and counselor referrals will also be used to help identify students who may benefit most from the group.

Informed Consent

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-11 00:05:34 UTC

Parental consent and student assent will be required for the Coping Champions group. Parents will receive the Weslaco ISD consent form, which explains the purpose of counseling and confidentiality. Students will also sign an assent form to show they understand the group and agree to participate.

Ground Rules

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-11 23:47:13 UTC

Ground rules will be introduced in Lesson 1 using the Participant Guidelines and Ground Rules resource. The counselor will explain the importance of confidentiality, respect, and active participation, while modeling what these expectations “look like” and “sound like.” Predetermined rules will include respecting confidentiality, listening without interrupting, and being respectful. Students will then have the opportunity to create additional rules as a group, such as how to best support one another, the option to pass on a question, or other guidelines they feel are important. Together, the group will sign a contract to confirm their commitment, safety, and trust in the sessions.

Group Dynamics

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-13 21:00:46 UTC

Stage 1:

In stage 1, it is very important to help build trust with the students and ensure it is a safe space for them to express themselves. The school counselor will begin with icebreaker activities, discuss the importance of confidentiality, and set clear group norms and expectations. Students will also sign a group contract to show their agreement. These steps will help establish a respectful and supportive environment where everyone feels included and comfortable sharing.

Stage 2:

In stage 2, students would start building trust and the school counselor will guide them through structured activities like role-plays, coping strategy practice, and group discussions to keep them engaged. The counselor will encourage peer support by having students share strategies and giving feedback to one another. To check in, the counselor may use quick stress “check-ins” or short reflections at the start and end of each session, making sure students are staying on track and working productively toward the group goals.

Stage 3:

In stage 3, the school counselor will help students reflect on what they have learned and identify which healthy coping techniques they would use in a stressful situation. The counselor will guide the discussion to give everyone the chance to say what they are taking away from the group. To ensure a smooth closure, the counselor will remind students that confidentiality still applies even after the group ends and will offer follow-up support if needed.

Leadership Style

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-13 21:32:59 UTC

For my small group, I would use a democratic leadership style. As I guide the group through discussions and activities, I will encourage students to share their ideas and actively participate in decision-making. This approach will help in collaboration, ensuring that every student feels heard, and helps build a supportive environment where students take ownership of their learning and personal growth.

Yalom's Therapeutic Factors

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-13 22:20:34 UTC

Students participating in the group may start with instillation of hope, believing that learning new strategies can help them better cope with stress. They may also see universality, knowing they are not alone and that others have similar feelings. As the group continues, students can build support and encouragement for one another and gain confidence in using these skills in their daily lives. (Yalom, 1995).

Legal Requirements

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-14 03:00:20 UTC

According to the Texas Education Code Sec. § 33.003, school counselors must obtain parental consent before providing individual or group counseling outside of the regular guidance curriculum. In addition, Sec. § 33.005 requires counselors to deliver a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students’ academic, career, and social-emotional development. Together, these laws guide school counselors to involve parents while also providing structured, data driven services like small groups to meet the needs of the student.

Ethical Requirements

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-14 03:00:38 UTC

For the Coping Champions group, two important ethical requirements are informed consent and confidentiality. Counselors must make sure parents give permission and students agree (assent) to join, while also clearly explaining the group’s purpose, goals, and limits of confidentiality. Counselors must also protect students privacy by keeping discussions in the group confidential, but they must explain that if a student shares something about harming themselves or others, the counselor is required to report it. (ASCA Ethical Standards, 2022)

References

rreyna8_1 — 2025-09-14 03:51:49 UTC

American School Counselor Association. (2022). ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/44f30280-ffe8-4b41-9ad8-f15909c3d164/EthicalStandards.pdf

American School Counselor Association. (n.d.). ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/7428a787-a452-4abb-afec-d78ec77870cd/mindsets-behaviors.pdf

Cherry, K. (2024, August 16). Leadership styles: The 8 major leadership styles you should know. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/leadership-styles-2795312

Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education; Missouri Center for Career Education. (2015, May). Missouri comprehensive guidance & counseling program: Responsive services – Small Group Counseling Module. Missouri Center for Career Education. https://www.missouricareereducation.org/doc/smallgroup/SmallGroupCounseling.pdf

School Counselors & Counseling Programs, 2 Tex. Edu. Code § 33.002-33.007

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