The activities are designed to teach healthy coping skills, positive self-concept, and a sense of being in charge of one's choices. We often play therapeutic board games or games that have been adapted for counseling. Some of the students' favorites are "Mountaineering" and the "Secret Door". They are both collaborative games where the team must work together to win the game.

Types of Groups

Small groups are offered in the fall and spring to give students a chance to learn and practice specific skills with their peers. Generally groups have between 4-6 students and meet once a week for 30 minutes; the groups meet at least six times. Below are descriptions of some of the regularly offered groups. Parents, teachers and staff can refer students for groups; if you would like your child to be considered for a group, please click on the link at the bottom of this page for the referral form.

Confidence/Self-Esteem: Building and maintaining a positive self-concept is integral to being a happy, productive person. In group we’ll focus on appreciating our unique selves, assertive communication, and standing up for oneself.

Coping Skills/Stress Management: In this group children learn to recognize how they respond to stress and how to manage it when it comes up. We’ll practice recognizing physical cues of stress, learn ways to calm down and how be flexible with change. We'll discuss which problems we can solve, and which we must accept. We’ll discuss accepting imperfection as part of learning.

Family Changes: This group is designed for students whose family is changing in some way. Children will have a chance to connect with other students who may be coping with similar concerns. Children will have the opportunity to build resiliency and learn coping skills.

Feelings Management: This is a group where we practice managing strong feelings in a constructive way. Students will learn how to cool off when frustrated so they are able to make good choices. Students will practice communicating his/her needs respectfully, creating solutions, and regrouping if things don’t go as planned.

Grief & Loss: The activities in this group focus on resiliency and coping skills. It is designed for students who have experienced a recent loss in their lives. Students will have a chance to connect with other students who may be coping with similar concerns. There will be opportunities to celebrate the person they’re missing, and to find joy in living life now.

Self-Control/Focus: This is a group where we talk about being aware of our behavior and our choices. We learn about cause and effect, choice and consequence. Students will practice centering and focusing their attention, using listening skills, and learn the benefits of making conscious (rather than impulsive) choices.

Social Skills/Friendship: Children need a sense of belonging at school with their peers. This group will focus on making and keeping friends, on connecting and communicating with others, and dealing constructively with disagreements.