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Counseling & TherapyGroup Counseling Techniques
Social Skills Groups

Social Skills Groups

Discover a curated collection of free resources focused on group counseling techniques for social skills development. Ideal for educators, students, and parents, this page offers activities, step-by-step guides, and practical lessons designed to enhance communication, empathy, and collaboration. Engage with real-world scenarios and hands-on strategies to build stronger interpersonal connections in any group setting.

Suggested Resources

Community Resources

Community Resources

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

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

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

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

Coping with Social Anxiety

This lesson aims to equip 9th-grade students with practical coping skills for managing social anxiety. Through collaborative learning and experiential activities, students will explore strategies to handle anxiety in social situations. This lesson is important as it empowers students with tools to improve their emotional well-being and social interactions.

Tier 1
2/25
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Karen Rainwater

a

NC Counselor

Building Confidence and Emotional Skills

This lesson focuses on enhancing social emotional skills and building confidence among 9th grade special needs students. Through a combination of experiential learning, game-based activities, and collaborative discussions, students will explore emotional intelligence and self-confidence. This lesson is crucial for helping students navigate social interactions and build a positive self-image, which are essential skills for personal and academic success.

Tier 3
2/25
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Emma Fjeldsted

a

NC Counselor

Ready Set Connect

This 5-session group intervention helps 10th graders develop key social skills—active listening, assertive communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and teamwork—through engaging activities and practice. These 30-minute sessions build essential interpersonal abilities to support students in all areas of life and boost their social confidence.

Tier 2
Yesterday

Christina Sakelarakis

S

MA Psychologist

Building Social Confidence

This lesson focuses on developing confidence in social interactions through role-playing and exercises that emphasize active listening, empathy, and assertiveness. By engaging in these activities, students will learn to navigate social situations more effectively, fostering better communication and relationships with peers.

Tier 1
2/25
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Paul Tentindo

S

MA Psychologist

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

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

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

Goal Setting for Social-Emotional Growth

This lesson is designed to help 9th and 10th graders in an alternative classroom setting understand and set social-emotional goals. Through a guided discussion and a worksheet activity, students will explore the importance of social-emotional skills and how setting personal goals can enhance their well-being and interpersonal relationships. This lesson is crucial as it empowers students to take charge of their emotional growth, fostering resilience and self-awareness.

Tier 1
2/25
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Maegen Curley

t

VT Instructor

Navigating Social Situations with Confidence

This lesson focuses on equipping 10th-grade students with practical coping skills to manage social anxiety. Using the 'Party Survival Guide for Introverts' video, students will explore strategies to handle social situations with confidence. This lesson is crucial as it empowers students to navigate social interactions effectively, reducing anxiety and enhancing their social well-being.

Tier 1
2/25

Brytnee Peacock

E

CA Psychologist

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

Game On: Social Skills

This lesson uses board and card games to help high school students practice social interactions in a fun and engaging way. By incorporating Game-Based Learning and Active Learning strategies, students will enhance their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also helps students develop essential social skills in a supportive environment.

Tier 1
2/25
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Michael Houlihan

S

MA Counselor

Friendship Builders

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.

Tier 2
4/16
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Jami Dion

S

MA School Administrator

Social Skills Boost

This lesson focuses on enhancing social skills among students in grades 7-9 through interactive activities. It aims to improve communication, teamwork, and empathy, which are crucial for personal and academic success. By engaging in these activities, students will learn to better understand and collaborate with their peers, fostering a positive classroom environment.

Tier 1
3/7
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Angela Hamberlin

q

TX Counselor

Building Social Confidence

This lesson focuses on enhancing social skills among 12th-grade students by exploring strategies to build self-confidence and improve communication. The lesson includes a video, discussion, worksheet, activity, and quiz to engage students and accommodate those with communication disabilities. By the end of the lesson, students will have practical tools to boost their confidence in social interactions, which is crucial for their personal and professional growth.

Tier 1
2/25
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Loren Baccari

S

MA 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

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

Social Skills in Action

This lesson focuses on developing social skills through an experiential learning activity. Students will engage in a role-playing exercise to practice effective communication, empathy, and teamwork. This lesson is important as it helps students build essential interpersonal skills that are crucial for their personal and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25

Iana Aguilera

E

CA Instructor

Peer Support Workshop

This Peer Support Workshop is designed for 5th-grade students with lower cognition scores to help them develop basic listening and empathy skills. Through a combined role-play and drawing activity, students will learn how to support their peers in a friendly and understanding manner. This lesson is important as it helps students build foundational social skills, fostering a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment.

Tier 2
2/25
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Jamie McGrath

S

MA Behavior Interventionist

Empathy and Teamwork Workshop

In this workshop, students will engage in group activities designed to foster empathy and teamwork. Through role-playing and collaborative problem-solving tasks, students will learn the importance of understanding and working well with others. This lesson is crucial for developing social-emotional skills that are essential for personal and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25
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Paul Tentindo

S

MA Psychologist

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

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

Social Thinking and Team Building

This lesson introduces social thinking skills to help students understand and interpret social interactions, fostering group cohesiveness. It is important as it enhances students' ability to work collaboratively and understand diverse perspectives, which are crucial skills for personal and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25
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Ali Shwartz

S

MA Instructor

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

Conquering Social Anxiety

This lesson aims to equip 8th-grade students with effective coping strategies to manage social anxiety. Students will explore mindfulness exercises and breathing techniques in a safe and supportive environment, practicing these strategies to help them feel more in control during anxious situations. This lesson is crucial as it empowers students with skills that improve their emotional well-being, encouraging them to handle anxiety constructively.

Tier 1
2/25
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MICHELLE LEE

V

MI Counselor

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

Building Bridges: Confident Connections for Social Success

This four-session lesson is designed for an 8th-grade girl with social anxiety, aiming to help her build confidence and security in her relationships. Through personalized activities and guided discussions, the student will learn strategies to manage anxiety and foster meaningful connections. Each session lasts 25 minutes and includes a lesson plan, slide deck, activity, and video to support learning.

Tier 3
3/25
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Darcy Lord-Evans

a

NC 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

Social Skills Mastery

This lesson focuses on enhancing social skills among 8th-grade students through active, collaborative, and experiential learning strategies. Students will engage in discussions, activities, and watch a video to understand and practice effective communication and social interaction techniques. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with essential skills for building relationships and navigating social environments, which are vital for their personal and academic growth.

Tier 1
2/25

Camille Wallace

a

NC Counselor

Understanding Social Anxiety

This lesson aims to help 9th-grade students understand the concept of social anxiety, differentiate it from shyness, and explore strategies to manage it. By using a combination of restorative practices, active learning, and game-based learning, students will engage in discussions and activities that promote empathy and self-awareness. This lesson is important as it equips students with the knowledge and skills to recognize and address social anxiety, fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

Tier 1
2/25
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Amy Cable

a

NC Counselor

Building Social Confidence

This lesson focuses on enhancing social skills among 12th-grade students by exploring strategies to build self-confidence and improve communication. The lesson includes a video, discussion, worksheet, activity, and quiz to engage students and accommodate those with communication disabilities. By the end of the lesson, students will have practical tools to boost their confidence in social interactions, which is crucial for their personal and professional growth.

Tier 1
3/27
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Paul Tentindo

S

MA Psychologist

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

Friendship Building 101

This lesson plan is designed to help high school students develop the skills necessary to make and maintain friendships. Over four sessions, students will engage in discussions, activities, and reflections that focus on communication, confidence, and empathy. The lesson is important as it equips students with essential social skills that are crucial for personal and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25

p adams

a

NC Social Worker

Confidence Builders

This lesson plan is designed to help middle school girls build self-confidence and social skills through collaborative activities. Over the course of 8 weeks, students will engage in various games and discussions that promote teamwork, communication, and self-expression. This approach not only enhances their social interactions but also empowers them to feel more confident in their abilities and contributions.

Tier 2
2/25
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Kristine Anthony

a

NC 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

Social Skills Workshop: Building Connections

This lesson focuses on enhancing students' social skills through interactive games and activities. By engaging in exercises that promote active listening, cooperation, and conflict resolution, students will develop essential skills for effective communication and teamwork. This workshop is crucial for students with IEPs as it supports their social development and helps them navigate social situations more confidently.

Tier 3
2/25

Krysti Hesse

D

AZ Social Worker

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

Boosting Self-Esteem & Coping Skills

This six-week lesson plan is designed to help 8th-grade boys at risk of substance use increase their self-esteem and develop effective coping strategies for stress. Through a combination of game-based learning, trauma-informed teaching, active learning, and experiential learning, students will engage in activities, discussions, and quizzes to reinforce their understanding and application of these concepts. The lesson plan includes a video component to provide visual and practical examples of self-esteem boosting exercises.

Tier 2
2/25
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Sara Forward

t

VT 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

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

Social Skills Mastery

This lesson focuses on enhancing social skills among 8th-grade students through active, collaborative, and experiential learning strategies. Students will engage in discussions, activities, and watch a video to understand and practice effective communication and social interaction techniques. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with essential skills for building relationships and navigating social environments, which are vital for their personal and academic growth.

Tier 1
2/25

Dr. Trysha Mazzola

a

NC Instructor

Pressures of the Playground

This small group activity focuses on the subtle forms of peer pressure that occur in everyday school settings. Students will learn strategies to resist negative influences and build supportive friendships. This lesson is crucial for helping students navigate social dynamics and develop resilience against peer pressure, fostering a positive school environment. Designed for a 7th-grade group, this session will last 30 minutes and is classified under Tier 2: Group Supports.

Tier 2
3/20
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Kayle Jordan

a

NC Counselor

Empathy in Action

This lesson engages 9th grade students in activities designed to build empathy and teamwork skills. Through cooperative games and role-playing scenarios, students will explore different perspectives and work together to solve a community problem. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills that are crucial for personal and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25
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Zachary Anders

a

NC Counselor, School Administrator

Empathy in Action

This lesson engages 9th-grade students in activities designed to build empathy and teamwork skills. Through cooperative games and role-playing scenarios, students will explore different perspectives and work together to solve a community problem. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills that are crucial for personal and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25
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Zachary Anders

a

NC Counselor, School Administrator

Conquering Social Anxiety

This two-session lesson for 12th graders focuses on understanding and managing social anxiety, a common challenge faced by many students. Through engaging activities, discussions, and practical strategies, students will learn how to navigate social situations with greater confidence and ease, empowering them to thrive in both academic and personal settings.

Tier 1
4/19
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Nancy Love

T

MD Instructor

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