What is Group CounselingIs this when we sit around in a circle and share our feelings?
Ok, so yeah, kind of. In some cases, instead of seeing a student individually, I will see them in a group. |
|
These groups are generally small, about 4-6 students, and about a certain topic all of the students can benefit from.
There are some really great things that can happen in groups that are harder to achieve in individual counseling. For example, if a student is having a difficult time making friends, a group atmosphere can be the perfect place they can practice their social skills. Or, if a student’s parents are going through a divorce, a group can be a place that (1) shows them they are not the only student who is going through this, (2) they can learn from other students things that have helped them cope, and (3) they can give advice to the group on things they have found comforting.
Alright, alright, so yes, we may sit around and talk about our feelings, but isn’t that kind of the point?
Generally, if I am seeing a student in a group, I will not meet with them individually at the same time. This is not a really good use of their time or my time. Also, there is a risk of confidentiality (i.e. keeping what students say private) being broken. What is said between me and a student in an individual counseling session should not be revealed to an entire group. However, if I am meeting with them in a group AND individually in the same week, I may have a hard time discerning what was said during a group session and what was said during an individual session.
There are some really great things that can happen in groups that are harder to achieve in individual counseling. For example, if a student is having a difficult time making friends, a group atmosphere can be the perfect place they can practice their social skills. Or, if a student’s parents are going through a divorce, a group can be a place that (1) shows them they are not the only student who is going through this, (2) they can learn from other students things that have helped them cope, and (3) they can give advice to the group on things they have found comforting.
Alright, alright, so yes, we may sit around and talk about our feelings, but isn’t that kind of the point?
Generally, if I am seeing a student in a group, I will not meet with them individually at the same time. This is not a really good use of their time or my time. Also, there is a risk of confidentiality (i.e. keeping what students say private) being broken. What is said between me and a student in an individual counseling session should not be revealed to an entire group. However, if I am meeting with them in a group AND individually in the same week, I may have a hard time discerning what was said during a group session and what was said during an individual session.
Popular Group Topics
|
How does it work?Each group meets once a week for 30 minutes, about 6-8 times. If your student is chosen for a group, I will send a letter home outlining what the group is about and when we will meet.
|
How do I get my student into a group?Each year I will give needs assessments to teachers and students. Many students are identified this way.
You may also contact your student's teacher or just contact me directly. |
What do you do in a group?
With the exception of a "Life Change" group, most of the groups I run are just Guidance lessons and activities that I would love to do with ALL of the students. However, due to the nature of School Counseling that's not always possible. What's nice about doing these lessons with a smaller group of students is that we can have deeper discussions and I have the opportunity to check in with each of the students that they are grasping the material being taught. Students will read a book, do a fun activity, write, and share their thoughts in all of the groups.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Luigi Mengato
