We begin by talking about the purpose of the group and establish rules the student believe are needed for them to feel comfortable in the group. One of rules for the group is that of "confidentiality." Students are encouraged to discuss what they shared in group and strategies they learn with their parents, but to keep other group member's conversations private. Children take a pre survey during the beginning of the group, which they will take again at the end.
Other activities/strategies in group sessions can include the following (depending on the needs of the students and the discussions):
- How your body feels when you are very nervous/ worried/anxious? Are these feelings others have also?
- Track worries for a specific period of time. What are common worries? Reinforce they were able to get through the feelings. Discuss what they did to help them through these tough situations.
-Sorting your worries by internal, external, real or imagined.
- Plan strategies for external concerns that can be lessened by planning or problem solving.
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At the closing of the group, we take a post survey and compare the pre and post surveys. Group members discuss feelings about the group ending. Students are reminded to "sign up" at the counseling office any day they need additional support. (All students in the building were taught how to "sign up" to see the counselor during the first counseling visit with the classrooms.)
Other activities/strategies in group sessions can include the following (depending on the needs of the students and the discussions):
- How your body feels when you are very nervous/ worried/anxious? Are these feelings others have also?
- Track worries for a specific period of time. What are common worries? Reinforce they were able to get through the feelings. Discuss what they did to help them through these tough situations.
-Sorting your worries by internal, external, real or imagined.
- Plan strategies for external concerns that can be lessened by planning or problem solving.
-
At the closing of the group, we take a post survey and compare the pre and post surveys. Group members discuss feelings about the group ending. Students are reminded to "sign up" at the counseling office any day they need additional support. (All students in the building were taught how to "sign up" to see the counselor during the first counseling visit with the classrooms.)