Group Counseling Essentials: Facilitating Growth and Connection

Leading groups is one of the most rewarding and challenging parts of a school counselor’s job. The benefits of facilitating student and parent groups are many, including a feeling of commonality, the experience of belonging, the chance to learn new behaviors, considering multiple viewpoints and utilizing resources.

The aim of this interactive course is for counselors to learn and integrate theories and concepts of group process with considered strategies and specific skills. Participants will come away with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan and lead groups of students of any age group, as well as support parents build an enhanced understanding of ways to meet their child(ren)’s needs.

Intended Audience

Counselors who already facilitate (or plan to) student groups (any age) and caregiver groups.

ISCA Student Standards

The ISCA Student Standards are applicable to groups based on the specific goals and needs of the group. The following list highlights some of the standards we are able to teach through groups:

SE:A1:8 Accept constructive feedback from others, and use it to learn and grow

SE:A2:3 Use effective oral and written communication skills, including active listening skills and both verbal and nonverbal behaviors

SE:A2:4 Engage with opposing viewpoints in a respectful manner SE:B1:1 Develop effective coping skills to manage challenges GP:A2:2 Identify shared values between self and others GP:A2:4 Engage in perspective-taking to consider multiple interpretations of situations

GP:A2:6 Accept feedback as a means to personal growth with regards to understanding other perspectives

GP:B1:4 Articulate one’s own unique history and experiences

GP:B2:7 Use awareness of self to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups

GP:D1:5 Develop strategies to care for self and others during times of transition

GP:D2:2 Establish positive routines and structures to support healthy transitions

GP:D2:3 Explore the complex feelings and emotions associated with transition

GP:D2:6 Manage the potential stress and loss associated with transition events

(ISCA Student Standards, 2022)

ASCA Ethical Standards (2022) and/or ASCA Professional Standards and Competencies

This course is aligned to the following school counselor standards and competencies:

B-PF 1. Apply developmental, learning, counseling and education theories

d. Use counseling theories and techniques in individual, small-group, classroom and large-group settings to promote academic, career and social/emotional development B-SS 3. Provide short-term counseling in small-group and individual settings

b. Provide support for students, including individual and small group counseling, during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change or other situations impeding student success

(ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies, 2019)

Essential Questions

1. What are the obstacles and opportunities I see in planning and running groups for students and/or caregivers?
2. How might I get started planning for a group?
3. How might I continue and effectively lead a group over multiple sessions?
4. How might I best reflect after running a group to modify for the next one?

Participants will have knowledge about:

1. Stages of groups
2. Group process
3. Group dynamics and different types of groups
4. Therapeutic forces
5. The purpose of groups
6. Factors to consider when planning for beginning, middle and closing sessions
7. Common mistakes and problem situations when running a group
8. Specific considerations when working with children

Participants will be able to:

1. Use knowledge about group process theory, concepts and considerations to effectively plan and facilitate a group for students and/or caregivers
2. Identify the purpose of any given group to best meet student and/or adult needs
3. Use rounds, dyads and exercises to engage group members
4. More confidently facilitate a group through awareness of potential
5. How to pre-plan for a group
6. How to cut off and draw out group members, when necessary
7. Using rounds, dyads and exercises to ensure greater group engagement

Kelli Holm

Kelli Holm has been a dedicated professional in international education for 22 years, working in IB schools across Europe, Asia, and Africa. She has also served as CASEL’s first Global SEL Practice Specialist. Throughout her career, Kelli has held various roles, including primary classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, and school counselor.

In 2021, Kelli founded Boldenbrave, a consultancy focused on child protection and the foundations of social and emotional well-being for international schools. Boldenbrave expanded its services to include individual counseling for students, as well as personalized coaching and group counseling for international families.

ISCA Member Price: $395

Non-Member Price: $475

Dates and times of offerings: Coming Soon

Contact Hours:  Nine (9) professional hours. 3 hours per session meeting 3 times. 

Time commitment between sessions: 1-2 hours

Required Resources:Note Catcher. This electronic packet would be something participants can refer to and take away with them after the course is finished.