The School Counselor and Group Counseling

Group counseling is a vital direct service to students and is an effective part of a school counseling program. Group counseling, which involves a number of students (approximately 6-8) working on shared tasks and developing supportive relationships in a group setting, is an efficient and positive way of providing direct services to students with academic, career, and social-emotional developmental issues and situational concerns. Group counseling has been shown to be effective in improving study skills, underachievement, and school adjustment. Group counseling can help reduce social iolation and negative emotions, as well as increase positive peer relations and a sense of belonging. 

Small group counseling is offered throughout the school year and typically last approximately 6-weeks. Students will meet once a week with the School Counselor and the rest of the students in their group during lunch time so they do not miss important live instruction. Small groups are organized based off of student and teacher needs assessment, referral data, or other relevant (i.e. parent input). School counselors have a responsibility to screen potential group members and address informed consent, purpose of the group, goals, limits to confidentiality, and voluntary participation. Guardian consent and student agreement are required to participate in all small group counseling activities.

Small group topics