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Counseling & Therapy
Group Counseling Techniques

Group Counseling Techniques

Discover a curated library of free resources on Group Counseling Techniques, designed specifically for educators, students, and parents. Access practical guides, interactive activities, and real-world case studies to build essential group facilitation skills. Learn to foster trust, encourage open discussion, and apply effective strategies for diverse group dynamics. Empower your learning with hands-on tools you can use immediately.

Social Skills Groups

Psychoeducational Groups

Process-Oriented Groups


Suggested Resources

Community Resources

Community Resources

Counselor Bingo

In this engaging lesson, students will get to know their school counselor through a fun and interactive Bingo game. This activity helps students understand the counselor's role and feel comfortable approaching them for support. It also encourages listening skills and provides a platform for questions and discussions.

Tier 1
2/25
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Vanessa Duckett

q

TX Counselor

Counselor Bingo

In this lesson plan, students will get to know their School Counselor through an engaging bingo game. This will help them understand who their School Counselor is, what they do, and how they can help. The game format makes it fun and interactive, which is ideal for keeping 2nd graders' attention.

Tier 1
2/25
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Cynthia Espino

q

TX Counselor

Counselor Meet and Greet Bingo

This lesson involves an interactive bingo game designed to help students learn interesting facts about their counselor while also sharing about themselves. This session fosters a friendly and approachable image of the counselor, helping students feel more comfortable seeking guidance and support. By engaging in this activity, students will develop communication skills and build a sense of community within the classroom.

Tier 1
2/25
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Robert Conceison

S

MA Counselor

Social Skills Group Counseling Series

A series of six lessons designed for 6th-8th graders to enhance social skills in a group counseling setting. Each lesson focuses on different aspects of social interaction, including communication, empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, friendship building, and self-awareness, with a duration of 30 minutes per session.

Tier 2
2/25
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Britton Smith

q

TX Counselor

Goal Mapping

In this 45-minute small-group session, 10th graders will use solution-focused brief therapy techniques to map concrete steps toward their personal goals using the miracle question—boosting clarity and motivation. This Tier 2 group counseling lesson guides students in defining their goals, visualizing success, and creating action plans to foster self-efficacy and progress.

Tier 2
Yesterday
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spoirier

S

MA Social Worker

Getting to Know Your Counselor

This lesson aims to introduce the school counselor to third-grade students. The session will include a fun and interactive activity, watching a brief video, and a group discussion to help students understand the role of their counselor and learn some personal facts about them. This will build a foundation of trust and familiarity, which is crucial for students to feel comfortable seeking help from their counselor in the future.

Tier 1
2/25
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Vanessa Duckett

q

TX Counselor

Meet Your Counselor

This lesson will introduce students to their school counselor through interactive activities and discussion. It's essential for students to feel comfortable approaching their counselor for support, and this lesson aims to build that familiarity and trust.

Tier 1
2/25
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Andrea Asbun Handal

q

TX Counselor

Self-Esteem and Confidence Building

This lesson is designed for 6th to 8th graders to help them build self-confidence, improve self-image, and develop a positive mindset. The session will cover topics such as body image, handling negative self-talk, and building resilience. The duration of the lesson is 45 minutes.

Tier 1
2/25
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Britton Smith

q

TX Counselor

Getting to Know Your Counselor

In this lesson, students will have an interactive session with their school counselor to understand the counselor's role, how they can help, and when to approach them for support. This lesson aims to build trust and awareness among students, encouraging them to seek help when needed.

Tier 1
2/25
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Lindsey Price

q

TX Counselor

Meet Your Counselor: An Interactive Introduction

This lesson introduces students to the school counselor through interactive activities, helping them understand the counselor's role in supporting personal and academic growth and the importance of mental health. This session is crucial for building a supportive school environment and encouraging students to seek help when needed.

Tier 1
2/25
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Robert Conceison

S

MA Counselor

Social Skills Group Adventure

This group counseling session focuses on enhancing social skills through engaging activities and a video component. The session is designed to help students develop confidence in social interactions, improve communication skills, and understand the importance of active listening. By using Game-Based Learning strategies, the session aims to make learning social skills fun and interactive, encouraging students to apply these skills in real-life situations.

Tier 2
2/25

Iana Aguilera

E

CA Instructor

Get to Know Your Group

This lesson aims to help students get to know their group members and identify collective group goals through interactive and restorative activities. It is crucial as it fosters teamwork and collaboration, and ensures every student feels included and heard.

Tier 2
2/25
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Shaneira DaSilva

h

NY Counselor

Healing Hearts: Navigating Grief Together

This session is designed to help students work through personal grief in a supportive group environment, focusing on healing and emotional recovery. It’s important for providing a safe space for students to express their feelings and learn from each other. This lesson is aimed at 9th-grade students and will be conducted in a single 60-minute session, classified as Tier 2: Group support.

Tier 2
2/27
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Brittney Bullard

a

NC Social Worker

Meet the Counselor Adventure

In this lesson, students will go on a fun scavenger hunt around the classroom to find clues that introduce them to the school counselor and their role. This interactive activity helps make the introduction memorable and engaging for young students.

Tier 1
2/25
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Vanessa Duckett

q

TX Counselor

Building Peer Support Through Teamwork

In this lesson, students will engage in activities designed to build peer support and teamwork skills. Through group projects and team-building exercises, students will learn the importance of collaboration and mutual aid. This lesson is crucial for developing a supportive classroom environment where students feel valued and connected to their peers.

Tier 1
2/25
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Ariana Bueno

S

MA Counselor, Special Education Teacher, Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist

Grief Counseling Simulation

This lesson involves a simulation-based activity where students role-play as grief counselors and clients. Through this exercise, students will learn effective communication and empathy skills, which are crucial for interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence. The lesson includes feedback sessions to help students reflect on their performance and improve their skills, making it a valuable experience for personal and professional development.

Tier 1
2/25
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Stephanie Cordero

q

TX Counselor

Conquering Social Anxiety

This 5-session lesson plan for 7th graders focuses on understanding and managing social anxiety. Through group activities, discussions, and reflections, students will learn strategies to cope with social anxiety, fostering a supportive environment. Each session lasts 30 minutes, providing targeted support to help students build confidence and improve their social interactions.

Tier 2
4/16
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christiansena

S

MA Counselor

Understanding CBT: Thoughts, Feelings, Actions

This lesson introduces students to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Students will explore how these elements influence each other and learn practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety. This lesson is crucial for developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, which are essential for mental well-being and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25

Deb Schmill

h

NY Instructor

Emotional GPS

In this 55-minute small-group Tier 2 counseling lesson, 11th graders will learn to identify complex emotions, map their triggers using an emotion wheel, and practice navigating feelings through role-play scenarios. This guide equips students with tools for self-understanding and coping in real-life situations.

Tier 2
5/9
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kenia.estevez

S

MA Counselor

Navigating Social Anxiety

This 8-session plan helps 10th-grade students understand social anxiety and explore effective coping strategies through personal reflection and self-guided activities. Each session focuses on different aspects of social anxiety, allowing students to develop personalized coping strategies and apply them in real-life situations. This approach promotes mental well-being and resilience by equipping students with the knowledge and tools to handle social situations more confidently.

Tier 1
2/25

Brytnee Peacock

E

CA Psychologist

Counselor's Toolbox

In this lesson, students will learn about the various tools and resources that a school counselor uses to help with problems and emotions. The students will then create their own 'toolbox' of coping skills and resources that they can take home. This lesson is essential as it helps young students understand the support available to them and equips them with basic emotional tools for resilience.

Tier 1
2/25
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Erika Morris

q

TX Counselor

Welcome to School Counseling

This lesson aims to introduce Grade 6 students to the school's counseling services. It helps students understand the role of the counselor and the type of support they can provide. The lesson is essential for fostering a supportive school environment where students feel comfortable seeking help when needed.

Tier 1
2/25
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Amy Hill

q

TX Counselor

Meet Your School Counselor: A Friendly Introduction

Students will get to know the school counselor, understand their role, and learn how they can help. The session includes a fun ice-breaker game and a Q&A segment. This lesson is important because it builds a positive relationship between students and the counselor, making them more likely to seek help when needed.

Tier 1
2/25

Kim Coffman

q

TX Counselor

CBT for Kids: Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors

This lesson is designed for 1st to 3rd grade students with special needs and behavior challenges. The objective is to engage students in a fun, collaborative, and hands-on activity that helps them understand the connection between helpful and unhelpful thoughts and their feelings and behaviors using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. The lesson is designed to be completed in 15 minutes.

Tier 2
2/25
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Kristen LaRosa

D

AZ Counselor

Anxiety Busters: Coping Skills Workshop

This lesson plan is designed to help students in grades 2-5 identify their personal triggers for anxiety and develop effective coping skills. Through a series of eight 30-minute sessions, students will engage in experiential and game-based learning activities, discussions, and collaborative exercises. This lesson is important as it empowers students with the tools to manage anxiety, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25
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Melissa Avery

D

AZ Counselor

Coping with School Anxiety

This lesson is designed to help a 10th-grade student develop and implement personalized coping strategies to manage anxiety related to attending school. Through a combination of discussion, activity, and quiz, the student will explore their feelings, create actionable strategies, and assess their understanding. This lesson is important as it empowers the student to overcome barriers and improve their ability to complete assigned tasks.

Tier 3
2/25

Kyle Ryan

E

CA Psychologist

Courage Cards: Building Brave Bonds

For students in grades K to 3, Courage Cards is an exercise in building self-esteem and mutual support. Students draw or write affirmations on cards which are then shared anonymously among classmates to encourage peer support. This creative task fosters courage, respect, and a sense of community in the classroom.

Tier 1
2/25
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Patricia Carpenter

a

NC Counselor

Can We Solve It Together?

Students engage in group problem-solving activities, learning to communicate effectively and work cooperatively to reach a solution, essential for social cohesion. This lesson is designed for a 3rd grade group and focuses on developing social awareness and teamwork skills through interactive challenges. The session is 45 minutes long and is classified as Tier 2: Group support to help students enhance their collaborative abilities.

Tier 2
2/27
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Jill Chisholm

S

MA Social Worker

The Art of Giving Advice

This lesson focuses on teaching students the principles of giving effective advice, emphasizing empathy, clarity, and purpose. Through discussions and guided activities, students will practice these skills, enhancing their ability to communicate thoughtfully and supportively. This lesson is important as it helps students develop critical social-emotional skills that are essential for building strong relationships and fostering a supportive community.

Tier 1
2/26
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Stephanie Samuels

S

MA General Education Teacher

Facing School Anxiety Together

This 5-session group lesson is designed to help a student manage school-related anxiety and develop strategies for engaging in school with confidence. The lesson also aims to educate caregivers on the importance of creating structure and setting boundaries to support the student's progress. Each session is 30 minutes long and includes a lesson plan, script, discussion, and activity to ensure comprehensive support for both the student and caregivers.

Tier 3
4/9
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Mandi Bistran

S

MA Counselor

Calm and Confident

This lesson aims to introduce second graders to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help them manage anxiety. Through a combination of game-based learning, experiential activities, and discussion, students will learn to identify anxious thoughts and practice calming strategies. This lesson is important as it equips young students with tools to manage their emotions, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25

Stacie Browne-Gallagher

h

NY Counselor, Psychologist, General Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist, School Administrator

Understanding Anxiety: Triggers & Solutions

This lesson helps 9th-grade students understand anxiety, identify personal triggers, and explore strategies to manage anxiety effectively. Through group discussions and role-playing activities, students will gain insights into their own experiences and learn practical techniques to cope with anxiety. This lesson is crucial for fostering emotional awareness and resilience among students, equipping them with tools to handle stress and anxiety in their daily lives.

Tier 1
2/25
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Angela Fallin

a

NC Counselor

Understanding and Coping with Parent Addiction

This lesson is designed to provide middle school students with a safe space to discuss and understand the impact of parent addiction. Through trauma-informed teaching and active learning strategies, students will engage in a discussion, activity, and reading to explore their feelings and learn coping strategies. This lesson is crucial in helping students process their emotions, build resilience, and develop a supportive community among peers.

Tier 1
2/25

Lisa Krempa

h

NY School Administrator

Meet Your School Counselor

This lesson introduces students to their school counselor, helping them understand the counselor's role and how they can help. The session includes an introduction, a discussion about the counselor, fun facts, and a Q&A segment. This lesson is important as it helps to build a rapport between students and the counselor, making them feel comfortable seeking guidance and support.

Tier 1
2/25
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Mariana Portillo

q

TX Counselor

Friendship Circle Small Group

This lesson plan is designed for an 8-week counseling small group for 2nd graders who struggle with friendships. Each session will focus on different aspects of making and keeping friends through game-based, active, and experiential learning activities. This approach will help students develop essential social skills, empathy, and cooperation, which are crucial for building and maintaining friendships.

Tier 2
2/25
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Shari Attebery

D

AZ Counselor

Facing Insecurities Together

This lesson is designed for 9th-grade students and focuses on addressing and overcoming insecurities in a supportive group setting. By exploring common insecurities and developing strategies to manage them, students will gain confidence and improve their social-emotional skills. This single 30-minute session aims to create a safe space for students to share and learn from each other's experiences.

Tier 2
4/4
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Meghan Erney

i

OH Social Worker

Pathway to Calm

This lesson is designed to support Grade 9 students returning from psychiatric hospitalizations by focusing on distress tolerance and reintegration into a school routine. Through trauma-informed teaching and inquiry-based learning, students will explore strategies to manage stress and anxiety, helping them transition smoothly back into their academic environment. This lesson is crucial for building resilience and confidence in students as they navigate their return to school.

Tier 3
2/25
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Erin Merrill

S

MA Counselor

Anger Avengers: Mentoring for Calm

In this two-session workshop, 6th graders will mentor 3rd and 4th graders on overcoming anger by teaching calming strategies and engaging in creative activities. This lesson is important as it empowers older students to lead and younger students to learn valuable emotional regulation skills, fostering a supportive community. The sessions include discussions, reading, creative design activities, and reflection, all within a 15-minute timeframe per session.

Tier 1
4/29
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Joleen Shillingford

h

NY Counselor

Friendship and Decision-Making: Six-Week Group Counseling Protocol

This six-week group counseling protocol is designed to help 1st-grade students develop relationship skills and make prosocial decisions. Each week focuses on different aspects of friendship, such as defining friendship, handling conflicts, and making healthy choices. Through discussions, activities, and art therapy, students will learn to navigate social situations positively and build healthy relationships. This protocol is important as it provides a structured approach to equip young students with essential social-emotional skills, aligned with the CASEL competency of relationship skills.

Tier 2
3/18
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Nicole Camp

S

MA Psychologist

Grief and Loss Support Group

This is a six-session plan designed for 8th graders who have experienced the death of a loved one or other significant loss. The sessions aim to provide a supportive space for students to express their emotions, process grief, and find support among peers. Each session will last 45 minutes.

Tier 2
2/25
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Britton Smith

q

TX Counselor

Counselor's Toolbox: Skills for Success

This lesson introduces 5th-grade students to essential skills and tools used by school counselors, focusing on problem-solving and effective communication. These skills are crucial for students' personal and academic success, helping them navigate challenges and build strong relationships.

Tier 1
2/25

Glenda Glenn

a

NC Counselor

Empowering Leadership Workshop

This workshop aims to cultivate leadership skills in students from grades 9-12 by engaging them in collaborative teamwork, reflective practices, and skill-building activities that highlight strength-based approaches to leading others with empathy and vision.

Tier 1
4/1

Tamara peay

p

TN English

Meet Your School Counselor!

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the school counselor and learn about their role in the school. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the support available to them, ensuring they are aware of who to turn to for help with social, emotional, or academic issues.

Tier 1
2/25
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Kate Guilmette

t

VT Counselor