School Counseling Groups

The following small groups are offered each semester. High school groups typically meet once a week during Marsh Minutes. Middle school groups may meet during Marsh Minutes or intervention/enrichment time. Groups last 6-8 weeks and usually consist of 4-8 students per group. Please contact Mrs. DeZeeuw for more information about any groups or to suggest additional groups.

Mental Health Book Groups: Students read fiction books with mental health themes. Discussions of these mental health topics are facilitated by the school counselor to develop empathy and reduce stigma around mental health. Previous topics discussed have included: suicide/depression, identity, grief, relationships, anxiety, social media v. real life, coping strategies and more.


Coping with Anxiety: Fifty-four percent of students at HHS students identified anxiety as a concern on the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Students who experience anxiety are more likely to use avoidance to cope, which could look like missed school work, fewer social connections, or repeated absences. Groups were facilitated using an evidenced-based cognitive behavior therapy approach. Students learned how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other and applied this to develop more effective cognitive coping skills.

After participating in the group,

  • All students identified knowing that they weren't alone as a key takeaway.

  • All students said they would recommend the group to a friend.

  • 75% of participants felt more confident in their ability to manage anxiety.


Let's Talk About Mental Health: Students learn how to make decisions about whether to share about their own mental health challenges and how to address concerns they may have about others' mental health and when to get help to support a friend.

Lunch Bunch: Middle school can be a tough time when it comes to peer relationships and fitting in. During Lunch Bunch, participating students eat their lunch together, do simple art activities, play games, and have discussion topics facilitated by the school counselor to build self-esteem and develop friendships. Middle school students may participate in this fun "drop-in" group which meets twice a month during lunch.