Group Counseling Techniques

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

In this 30-minute introductory lesson, kindergarten students will meet the school counselor, learn her role, and practice sharing feelings. Building trust early helps students feel supported and develop social-emotional awareness.

This lesson plan is designed for first graders in a small counseling group to help them develop self-control and learn how to make and keep friends. Over 8 sessions, students will engage in activities, discussions, and projects that promote social skills and emotional regulation. The use of Kelso's Wheel of Choices will provide a visual and interactive tool to help students understand and practice decision-making in social situations. This lesson is important as it equips young students with essential life skills that contribute to their overall well-being and success in school and beyond.

This lesson plan is designed for first graders in a small counseling group to help them develop self-control and learn how to make and keep friends. Over 8 sessions, students will engage in activities, discussions, and projects that promote social skills and emotional regulation. The use of Kelso's Wheel of Choices will provide a visual and interactive tool to help students understand and practice decision-making in social situations. This lesson is important as it equips young students with essential life skills that contribute to their overall well-being and success in school and beyond.

This lesson plan is designed for first graders in a small counseling group to help them develop self-control and learn how to make and keep friends. Over 8 sessions, students will engage in activities, discussions, and projects that promote social skills and emotional regulation. The use of Kelso's Wheel of Choices will provide a visual and interactive tool to help students understand and practice decision-making in social situations. This lesson is important as it equips young students with essential life skills that contribute to their overall well-being and success in school and beyond.

This lesson engages students in trust-building games to foster cooperation, listening, and trust. These activities are designed to enhance teamwork skills and create a bonded classroom community, which is essential for a supportive learning environment.

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.

In this lesson, students will learn what a counselor does through a fun and interactive activity. They will understand the role of a school counselor and how counselors help students. This lesson is essential because it introduces young students to a supportive figure within the school system, helping them know who to turn to for support.

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.

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.

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the role of a school counselor. They will participate in an interactive game and discussion to understand how a counselor helps students. This lesson aims to make students comfortable with the counselor and know who to approach when they need help.

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.

In this engaging 30-minute lesson, 3rd–5th grade students will get to know their school counselor, understand the counselor’s role, and build comfort for future support. This Tier 1 classroom lesson includes interactive activities and games to establish a trusting relationship and introduce essential counseling services.

In this 20-minute Tier 2 small-group session for 2nd graders, students will practice active listening, respectful turn-taking, and emotional awareness through fun, structured activities. This lesson helps build social skills and strengthens group cohesion.

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.

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.

In this one-session small-group counseling module, 7th graders and their caregivers learn to build emotional safety during family dialogues. Students will practice active listening techniques and create trusting spaces for sharing feelings, equipping families with communication skills that strengthen relationships.

In this 4-session, 20-minute small group series, 3rd grade girls will explore and practice anxiety management strategies through engaging activities and games. This Tier 2 intervention helps students recognize anxious feelings, build coping skills, and support one another in a safe, encouraging environment.

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 small group counseling lesson for 2nd graders focuses on developing social skills and understanding friendship. Through engaging activities, discussions, and games, students will learn how to communicate effectively, show empathy, and build strong friendships. This lesson is crucial for fostering a positive classroom environment and supporting students' social-emotional development, with differentiation strategies for students with disabilities.

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 four-session individual support program designed for a kindergarten student experiencing separation anxiety. Through engaging activities, discussions, games, and worksheets, the student will learn coping strategies, build confidence, and practice calm-on-the-go techniques. Each 30-minute session is tailored for one-on-one intervention under Tier 3 MTSS.

This series of play therapy lessons is designed for second-grade students to explore emotions, build social skills, and enhance self-awareness through play. Each session incorporates experiential learning, trauma-informed teaching, and collaborative learning strategies to create a safe and engaging environment. These lessons are crucial for fostering emotional resilience and promoting positive interactions among students. Trauma-informed practices are integrated to ensure a supportive and healing environment, focusing on safety, trust, and empowerment.

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.

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.

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.

A fun, interactive 30-minute Tier 2 group lesson for 3rd graders focused on teaching simple anger management strategies. This lesson equips students with mindfulness, breathing techniques, and coping tools to calm down and make better choices when they feel angry.

In this 30-minute lesson, first graders will meet their school counselor through a fun and interactive presentation. They will learn the role of the counselor and how they can assist them throughout the school year. This lesson encourages young students to approach their counselor whenever they need help or guidance.

Students will meet and learn about their school counselor, understanding their role as a helper and friend in school. This lesson builds trust and eases first-day nerves for kindergarteners. (Tier 1, 1 session, 15 minutes)

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.

In this Tier 3 group counseling technique for 9th graders, students use expressive arts to explore and share emotions, fostering self-awareness and regulation over a 50-minute session. This individualized approach helps build emotional insight and coping skills.

Introduce 7th graders to individual counseling concepts and foster a classroom culture of trust, self-awareness, and open communication through interactive activities.

Students will get to know the role of the school counselor, how they can help, and how to approach them for support. This lesson promotes social-emotional learning, helping students feel comfortable and supported in their school environment.

A one-on-one counseling session for a 4th grader with ADHD and behavioral symptoms, focused on building self-awareness of emotions and strategies for maintaining focus. This 60-minute, Tier 3 intervention will help the student identify triggers, practice coping skills, and develop a personalized action plan.

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.

A trauma-sensitive classroom session for 5th graders that introduces safety, trust, and community-building through guided activities. This lesson fosters emotional resilience and belonging in a supportive circle. (45-minute Tier 1 session)

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.

In this 30-minute individual session, we will help a shy 7-year-old boy learn to build healthy friendships and feel more confident in social situations. Through engaging activities, a fun game, a short reading, and guided conversation, he’ll practice making connections and handling teasing kindly. This lesson is Tier 3 support, tailored to his unique needs, bullying experiences, and timid nature.

Students will get to know their school counselor through an interactive Q&A session. This lesson is crucial as it helps students understand the supportive role of the school counselor and encourages them to seek help when needed.

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.

In this 60-minute Tier 2 group session, 7th graders will explore the fundamentals of family therapy for children ages 3–10. Students will learn why family therapy matters, practice supportive communication skills, and engage in role-plays to build empathy and problem-solving strategies. This lesson equips future mentors and sibling volunteers with tools to foster healthy family dynamics.

This lesson aims to help young students understand and express their emotions through storytelling. The counselor will read a book about emotions, followed by a guided discussion and a drawing activity. This helps students in developing emotional intelligence and communication skills.

An introductory group counseling session for 10th graders exploring emotional ebbs and flows using process-oriented techniques. This Tier 1 lesson builds self-awareness, group norms, and emotional literacy through engaging activities and reflection, helping students understand and regulate their emotional waves in a supportive classroom community. (1 session, 45 minutes)

This series of 10 counseling lessons is designed for a 1st grade special education student, focusing on helping Elijah replace inappropriate communication with respectful verbal interactions during social encounters. Each 30-minute session will build on the previous one, teaching Elijah to manage frustration and negative emotions by using kind words and seeking adult support. These lessons are crucial for Elijah's social development and emotional regulation, providing him with essential life skills for positive interactions.

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.

Designed for Grades 3-5, this lesson aims to build trust and empathy through group discussions and shared storytelling. Students participate in a 'talking circle' where they practice active listening and empathy, encouraging a safe and supportive classroom environment.

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.

In this 30-minute small-group lesson, first graders will explore what grief is, identify their feelings, and learn simple strategies to cope when someone they love is gone or things change. This lesson builds emotional awareness, encourages peer support, and equips students with heart-centered tools to navigate loss. Tier 2 supports focus on a small group setting.

In this 30-minute counseling session, 3rd graders will reflect on what they’ve learned about kindness throughout the year and collectively create a visual “Kindness Chain” to celebrate and reinforce positive actions. This Tier 1 lesson engages students in discussion, hands-on collaboration, and personal reflection to build a supportive classroom community.

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.

A small-group, trauma-focused discussion framework for 7th graders that uses guided story sharing, active listening, and safe-ground rules to foster emotional processing and peer support. This Tier 2 lesson spans one 40-minute session and equips students with practical skills to share, listen, and connect in a structured, caring environment.

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the school counselor and learn about the role they play in the school community. This will include a fun coloring activity and an interactive discussion on how the counselor can help them. Understanding the role of the school counselor is crucial for young students as it fosters trust and helps them know where to turn for support.

In this 30-minute, small-group lesson, 4th graders learn healthy ways to cope with grief by sharing feelings, practicing supportive listening, and creating personal memory tokens. This Tier 2 session helps students process loss, build empathy, and develop emotional resilience.

Students will meet their school counselor and learn about their role through a fun and interactive session. This lesson helps students understand how the counselor can support them and builds a sense of trust and familiarity.

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 to engage 3rd-grade students in a series of fun and challenging activities that promote teamwork and cooperation. Through a variety of games and discussions, students will learn the importance of working together and develop essential social skills. This lesson is important as it helps students build trust, improve communication, and foster a sense of community within the classroom.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group session, first graders will learn what anxiety feels like and practice simple coping strategies like deep breathing and drawing feelings. Helping kids recognize anxiety early and manage big emotions builds their confidence and supports emotional well-being.

This lesson focuses on helping 4th graders understand and regulate their emotions through engaging activities and discussions. By using Game-Based and Experiential Learning strategies, students will explore different emotions and learn practical techniques to manage them effectively. This lesson is crucial for developing emotional intelligence, which is essential for personal growth and social interactions.

This focused 30-minute group session helps 1st graders identify, articulate, and reflect on emotions while practicing active listening and empathy with peers. Perfect for Tier 2 small-group support, students will gain self-awareness and strengthen social connections through playful activities and guided discussion.

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.

A 3-session series designed for K-2 students to build self-management skills for overcoming barriers. Through engaging activities, scripts, and lesson plans, young learners will identify obstacles, learn strategies, and practice resilience. Each session is 30 minutes, classroom-wide (Tier 1) support.

An 8-session emotional regulation program for 1st-3rd graders. Students will learn to identify, understand, and manage emotions through engaging activities and reflection. This group-support curriculum builds self-awareness and coping skills in 35-minute lessons.

In this 30-minute session, 6th graders in a small group explore healthy ways to cope with grief through discussion and creative activities. This lesson fosters emotional support and equips students with strategies to express and manage their feelings.

Over three 30-minute small-group sessions, 3rd and 4th graders will build active listening skills through interactive activities. This Tier 2 lesson supports students in following directions and engaging fully with teachers, fostering better classroom participation.

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.

In this individual counseling lesson, 3rd graders will use the metaphor of a garden to learn techniques for planting and nurturing positive thoughts, building mental well-being in 30-minute sessions. This Tier 3 lesson supports one-on-one growth, fostering self-awareness and coping skills through creative and reflective activities.

Conduct an interactive session where students practice friendship skills through role-play scenarios, enhancing their social competence. This lesson is important as it helps first graders develop essential social skills in a fun and engaging way, fostering positive relationships and emotional intelligence. Designed for a 1st grade group, this session lasts 40 minutes and focuses on Tier 2 (Group) interventions.

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.

In this lesson, the school counselor will introduce themselves to the students using a large poster that highlights different aspects about themselves. The students will then create their own mini posters to share with the counselor and classmates. This lesson helps build a positive relationship between the counselor and the students, fostering a sense of community and trust.