Group Counseling Techniques

In this 45-minute, small-group Tier 2 counseling activity, students work together to navigate a puzzle-based physical maze under time pressure. Through defined roles and rules, they practice communication, cooperation, and stress management. This session builds group counseling techniques by encouraging reflection on problem-solving under stress.

In this engaging lesson, high school students in a therapeutic classroom will explore various cognitive distortions and learn techniques to challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts. This lesson is crucial for fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation, empowering students to make informed choices about their moods and behaviors. The session will last 35 minutes and is designed as a Tier 2 group lesson.

This lesson explores the role of counseling services in shaping students' identities and experiences in public schools. It is designed for adults, focusing on how counseling can support the development of well-rounded individuals in a diverse society. The session will last 30 minutes and is crucial for understanding the integration of counseling in educational settings.

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.

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.

An individualized 30-minute counseling session for an 8th-grade student focusing on deep breathing and grounding techniques to manage anxiety in real time. This Tier 3 lesson equips the student with on-the-spot tools for emotional regulation and fosters self-awareness and resilience.

This lesson is designed for a visually impaired student experiencing low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. Over four 20-minute sessions, the student will learn and apply positive coping skills such as 'stop and think' strategies, 'I statements', anxiety coping skills, and grounding techniques. This lesson aims to empower the student to manage overwhelming scenarios and build resilience.

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.

Mindful Moments guides a small group of 4th graders through simple, 25-minute mindfulness exercises each session to help manage anxiety and improve focus. This Tier 2 counseling & therapy intervention equips students with tools they can use both in and out of the classroom, fostering self-regulation and emotional awareness.

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.

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.

This 5-session lesson is designed for a 3rd grade student on an IEP, focusing on identifying negative and positive self-talk, understanding coping strategies, and exploring cognitive behavioral triangle connections. Each 20-minute session will empower the student with practical skills to transform negative thoughts into positive ones, enhancing their emotional well-being and resilience.

This three-session individual counseling series for 8th graders focuses on reframing negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It's crucial for developing emotional resilience and improving mental well-being. Each session lasts 30 minutes and is designed to provide personalized support and practical strategies for managing negative thoughts.

In this 45-minute Tier 2 group counseling module, adult participants will learn to establish and maintain confidentiality and emotional safety within small group settings. This lesson provides practical guidelines, interactive activities, and reflective exercises to foster trust, clear boundaries, and supportive group dynamics.

In this Tier 3, single-session 60-minute lesson, teachers will guide an 11th-grade student through understanding and managing dissociation resulting from trauma. This trauma-informed session builds self-awareness, grounding skills, and coping strategies to empower the student to feel present and safe.

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.

This lesson is designed to help high school cheerleaders manage stress effectively through engaging activities and practical strategies. By focusing on stress reduction, the lesson aims to enhance their performance, well-being, and team dynamics. The session will last 30 minutes and is tailored for a small group setting, ensuring personalized attention and support.

A four-session small group intervention for 10th graders with anxiety and depression to learn to challenge and stop negative thinking using thought stopping techniques. By building awareness, challenging distortions, and practicing new thinking skills in a safe, supportive setting, students will gain observable changes in their thought patterns and emotional wellbeing.

An 8-session group-based series for 9th–12th graders with anxiety to learn and practice coping strategies across school settings. Students will engage in interactive activities, worksheets, and discussions to develop skills like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and positive self-talk. Tier 2 supports include progress monitoring aligned with IEP goals to ensure growth over 30-minute sessions.

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.

This lesson plan is designed to help a 9th-grade girl with Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder (DDD) develop effective coping strategies. Through a series of three 30-minute sessions, the student will engage in activities, readings, and worksheets that focus on understanding her symptoms and learning practical techniques to manage them. This lesson is important as it empowers the student with tools to navigate her experiences, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

This lesson plan is designed to help a 9th-grade girl with Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder (DDD) develop effective coping strategies. Through a series of three 30-minute sessions, the student will engage in activities, readings, and worksheets that focus on understanding her symptoms and learning practical techniques to manage them. This lesson is important as it empowers the student with tools to navigate her experiences, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 small group lesson, students will explore the concepts of cognitive fusion and cognitive defusion through ACT and art therapy techniques. They will learn how to recognize when they’re ‘fused’ with unhelpful thoughts and practice creative defusion strategies to gain mental flexibility. This lesson supports emotional regulation skills critical for social-emotional learning.

In this 30-minute Tier 3 individual support session, 8th-grade students will learn and practice clinical intake interviews through a structured role-play activity. This lesson is crucial for developing active listening, structured data collection, and foundational counseling skills. Components include a detailed Lesson-Plan Script, Key Intake Questions Slide Deck, and Pair Role-Play Activity.

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.

In this 30-minute group art therapy session, students will explore their "inner chaos" through creative expression and mindfulness techniques. This lesson empowers learners to identify and regulate overwhelming emotions by transforming them into art, fostering emotional resilience and self-awareness.

In this 30-minute group therapy activity for 7th graders, students will explore self-esteem by identifying personal strengths, sharing positive feedback, and building a supportive classroom community. This lesson fosters emotional well-being, communication skills, and confidence, helping students feel empowered and connected to peers.

Students will engage in mindfulness exercises to improve focus and reduce stress, promoting better mental well-being. This lesson is vital for enhancing concentration and emotional regulation, helping students navigate their emotions and daily challenges more effectively. Designed for a 5th-grade group, this session will last 30 minutes and is classified as Tier 2: Group support.

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.

A small-group mindfulness routine teaching breathing and grounding exercises to calm anxiety and improve focus in a 5th-grade group. This Tier 2 lesson includes a 20-minute session with structured activities and visual support to foster emotional regulation and boost concentration.

A 60-minute individual counseling session for a 6th grader focused on self-regulation through guided relaxation and visualization. In this Tier 3 intervention, the student will learn to use a personalized Calm Circle diagram to calm their mind and body, promoting emotional awareness and coping skills.

This lesson focuses on helping a student develop coping skills for depression and anxiety through personalized strategies and activities. Over two 30-minute sessions, the student will engage in discussions, worksheets, and readings to better understand and manage their emotions. This lesson is crucial for empowering the student to navigate their feelings and improve their mental well-being.

A one-on-one counseling session for 5th graders focused on identifying emotions and learning coping strategies. This Tier 3 individualized lesson empowers students to understand their feelings and practice tools for emotional regulation within 30 minutes.

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.

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.

In this interactive session, students will work together to identify common sources of stress and develop effective strategies to combat them. Through collaborative problem-solving, they'll learn to support each other in managing stress. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential life skills to handle stress, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

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.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 counseling session for 7th graders, students will explore the power of peer support and active listening, learning skills to build a stronger classroom community. This lesson fosters empathy, communication, and self-awareness, equipping students with tools to support themselves and each other.

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.

An individualized CBT session guiding an 11th grade student through identifying and disputing core beliefs using targeted reading, worksheets, and reflection. This Tier 3 lesson deepens self-awareness and equips the student with practical CBT strategies in a single 55-minute session.

This lesson introduces 5th graders in a small group to mindfulness techniques, teaching breathing and grounding exercises to calm anxiety and improve focus. Through a 20-minute routine, students will learn and practice individual counseling techniques that support self-regulation and emotional wellness.

A 10-minute Tier 3 counseling session guide for 9th graders to practice quick mindfulness and breathing exercises for stress reduction and improved focus. This individual support session equips students with easy-to-follow techniques they can use anytime.

This 4-week small group lesson series is designed to teach 2nd grade students the importance of active listening, understanding others, and emotional regulation. Through engaging activities, discussions, and role-play, students will learn to listen with empathy and manage their emotions effectively, fostering a supportive classroom environment and enhancing interpersonal relationships.

This lesson introduces mindfulness practices to small groups, helping them focus on the present moment and reduce anxiety. It's important for building resilience and self-awareness among students. Designed for a 5th grade group, this Tier 2 lesson spans one session of 35 minutes.

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.

A small group will discuss common worries and learn cognitive techniques to address and lessen these worries, helping students manage daily anxieties more effectively. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical skills to handle stress and anxiety, which are common challenges during high school. Designed for an 11th-grade group, this session will last 30 minutes and is classified as Tier 2: Group support.

In this detective-themed individual counseling session, a 5th grade student will track anxious thoughts like clues and learn strategies to ‘catch’ and challenge them. This 45-minute Tier 3 activity helps build coping skills and self-awareness in a personalized, engaging format.

An engaging class discussion on cognitive distortions and how they can impact mental health. Students will learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns. This lesson is crucial for helping students develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are essential for mental well-being. Designed for a 10th-grade class, the session will last 45 minutes and is suitable for Tier 1 classroom-wide support.

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.

This lesson introduces 10th grade students to grounding practices that can help manage trauma-related stress and anxiety. Through experiential learning and inquiry-based activities, students will explore techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to manage emotional distress, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

This series of 10 counseling lessons is designed for a 1st grade special education student who is demonstrating a pattern of poor choices affecting their social interactions. The lessons aim to develop personal accountability and self-regulation skills, crucial for improving social relationships and overall classroom behavior. Each session is 30 minutes long, focusing on interactive and engaging activities tailored to individual needs.

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.

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.

This lesson plan is designed for a support group session aimed at high-functioning autistic female-identifying high school students. The session will focus on fostering a sense of community, understanding, and empowerment through collaborative learning and discussion. This lesson is important as it provides a safe space for students to share experiences, build social connections, and develop self-advocacy skills.

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.

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.

This lesson helps individual students understand and confront their fears through cognitive-behavioral strategies. It is crucial for building confidence and resilience, specifically designed for a 10th-grade student. The lesson is structured for a 40-minute session, focusing on school psychology.

This lesson guides a 12th-grade student through developing a supportive inner dialogue by identifying self-critical thoughts and practice countering them with a positive inner coach. Individual Tier 3 counseling-focused lesson; 1 session, 35 minutes.

In this one-on-one 45-minute session, an 8th grade student learns practical activities to identify and reframe negative or anxious thoughts. This lesson empowers students to build resilience and a positive mindset through guided exercises and reflection. Tier 3 support ensures personalized strategies.

Focus on developing a positive internal dialogue to improve emotional regulation. This lesson helps students replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, enhancing self-esteem and emotional resilience. Designed for 11th-grade students, this 45-minute session provides individual support to foster emotional growth and resilience.

A small group session designed to teach students a simple countdown technique for calming down when emotions run high. Students will practice using this method in various scenarios, helping them develop emotional regulation skills essential for social and academic success. Designed for 1st-grade students, the session lasts 30 minutes and is classified under Tier 2: Group support.

In this 30-minute, group-focused lesson, 4th graders learn strategies to manage test anxiety and build confidence before assessments. Through interactive activities and group discussions, students will identify anxiety triggers, practice calming techniques, and create a personal “confidence toolkit.” This Tier 2 lesson fosters emotional regulation and peer support.

This series of 10 counseling sessions for 1st-grade students focuses on implementing self-regulation strategies to manage frustration and negative emotions. Each session builds on the previous one, reinforcing emotional intelligence and social skills, helping students navigate their feelings and interactions more effectively. Designed for a Tier 1 classroom setting, each session lasts 30 minutes.

This two-session lesson for 3rd graders focuses on understanding and managing general anxiety. Students will learn practical strategies to calm their nerves in various situations, helping them feel more confident and in control. The lesson is designed for small groups needing extra support, with each session lasting 30 minutes.

A 6-session Tier 2 group intervention for 5th graders to build self-esteem through interactive activities and reflection. Each 30-minute session helps students recognize strengths, practice positive self-talk, and celebrate personal growth.

A dynamic group lesson focusing on de-escalation and conflict resolution skills. Over 60 minutes, adult participants will engage in practical scenarios to reduce tension and cooperate effectively. Tier 2 group supports enhance real-life workplace and community interactions.

In this 30-minute group lesson, 7th graders will learn to identify and manage anxiety using practical techniques such as deep breathing and thought-stopping. This Tier 2 support session builds students’ emotional regulation skills, increases resilience, and strengthens peer connections in a safe, small-group setting.

A focused 20-minute personalized counseling session for a kindergarten student to assess calming strategies, practice new techniques, and develop an individualized coping plan. This Tier 3 intervention strengthens self-regulation skills with immediate feedback and clear expectations.