Group Counseling
Groups typically consist of 3-6 students and meet once or twice per week. Depending on the number of weekly meetings, groups can last between 4-8 weeks. Groups are led by School Counselors during students' lunch periods. Parents, teachers, administrations, and Counselors can refer students to a group and all students must have parent permission prior to entering a group. The referral process for groups may start as early as October with groups starting in January after winter break. Groups are offered to grades K-5.
Common group topics
Group topics are based upon student needs. A needs assessment will be sent home in September to determine the most requested group topics. Common group topics include:
-
Academic Skills
-
Frienship
-
Social Skills
-
Anger Management
-
Worry Busters/Anxiety
-
Changing Families (for students with different family structures)
Why groups?
Groups can be extremely beneficial and therapeutic for students, because they allow students to interact with peers of similar experiences. Groups are also limited to only a few students, as opposed to an entire classroom. This can be very comforting for students and promotes sharing and growth. In addition, groups typically consist of 6-8 sessions, so that the principles are reinforced weekly. This enhances development and allows students to practice what is learned in group.