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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

In this small group session, students will explore how different triggers can lead to various emotions, using storytelling and role-play to illustrate these concepts. This lesson is vital for helping students manage their emotions effectively.

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.

In this 45-minute Tier 2 group session, 9th graders will explore and practice coping skills to manage their anxiety and adjust to a new school environment. This lesson is essential to help students build emotional resilience and foster a supportive small-group community.

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.

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 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.

In this 25-minute Tier 2 small-group activity, new counselors will reinforce their understanding of core Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts through an interactive Bingo quiz. Participants identify real-life examples of CBT principles to mark off their cards, promoting recall, collaboration, and deeper learning.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 45-minute Tier 2 module for adult small groups that strengthens active listening and empathetic response skills, vital for effective group counseling dynamics. Participants will practice deep listening techniques in pairs, reflect on emotional responses, and build trust through structured activities.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group session for 10th graders, students explore strategies to cope with challenging emotions through interactive activities, discussion, and self-reflection. This lesson equips them with practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and anger in real life.

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 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 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.

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.

This lesson helps students manage their anger through understanding and visualizing their anger levels using an 'anger thermometer.' By recognizing various anger stages and implementing calming techniques, students can better control their emotions. This lesson is vital as it cultivates emotional intelligence and equips students with practical tools for managing anger in real-life situations.

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.

This lesson aims to teach 3rd-grade students effective anger management techniques through active learning and experiential activities. By understanding and practicing these techniques, students will be better equipped to handle their emotions in a healthy way. This lesson is important as it empowers students with the skills to manage anger, promoting a positive and supportive classroom 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 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 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.

In this 15-minute, one-on-one session for a 7th grader experiencing depression and communication conflict with her mom, the counselor will explore feelings, set small goals, and practice self-compassion skills. This Tier 3 support fosters emotional safety and empowers the student to define next steps for dialogue when ready.

A guided individual counseling session using open-ended questions and reflective exercises to help a student articulate and manage emotions. This Tier 3 session is designed for an 8th grade student and takes 30 minutes, focusing on individual counseling techniques to foster self-awareness and emotional regulation.

In this one-on-one, 30-minute session, a 3rd grade student who resists therapy will explore anger management through engaging games and drawing activities. By connecting emotions to art, this lesson helps him identify triggers and practice calming strategies in a fun, hands-on way.

An 8-session Tier 2 group program for grades 1-3 teaching anxiety management, symptom reduction, and emotional regulation through engaging activities. Each 40-minute session builds coping skills to help students feel calm and confident.

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.

In this 90-minute Tier 2 group session for 5th graders, students will learn to recognize, understand, and manage anger using evidence-based strategies. Through interactive activities, discussions, and reflections, they’ll build emotional regulation skills that enhance friendships and classroom harmony.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 CBT session for 6th graders, students will identify their anger triggers and learn evidence-based coping strategies. This group lesson will help them build self-awareness and practical tools to manage strong emotions, fostering healthier peer interactions and personal well-being.

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.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 small-group lesson, 7th graders will learn concrete coping strategies to manage difficult emotions like anger, sadness, and frustration. Through interactive check-ins, group discussion, and hands-on activities, students will build a personalized toolbox of techniques to regulate emotions and boost resilience.

A 10-session program for parents navigating their children’s divorce process using mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and art therapy activities. This group-based curriculum empowers caregivers with emotional tools, coping strategies, and supportive exercises to foster resilience in themselves and their children.

Engaging classroom activity bundle to cultivate trust and collaboration through collaborative challenges and debriefs in a 9th grade class. This Tier 1 lesson in group counseling techniques helps students practice empathy and teamwork in a single 40-minute session.

This lesson uses a game-based approach to help two second-grade girls process trauma related to their biological parents. By engaging in a picture-based activity, the students will explore their feelings and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment. This lesson is important as it provides a gentle and interactive way for the students to express themselves and begin healing, using strategies that are accessible given their reading and spelling levels.

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 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.

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.

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.

An individual 15-minute SEL counseling session for a 7th grader to identify stress triggers and practice quick, evidence-based coping strategies like breathing and grounding. This targeted Tier 3 intervention helps students develop self-regulation tools they can use anytime to feel more in control and resilient.

This follow-up individual counseling session aims to build on the previous lesson by introducing journaling and positive self-talk as additional strategies to manage overthinking. These techniques can help the student process thoughts and emotions more effectively, leading to improved mental well-being and focus.

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.

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.

This two-session lesson is designed for a 1st-grade female student to help her challenge negative thinking patterns related to peer relationships using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. Over two 50-minute sessions, the student will engage in activities, games, and discussions to foster positive social interactions and build confidence in her ability to form and maintain friendships.

In this 60-minute Tier 1 workshop for 9th graders, students learn and practice group counseling techniques by coaching each other through common school stressors. This lesson fosters empathy, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving—essential skills for both academic success and personal well-being.

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.

This lesson introduces 1st graders to grounding techniques to help them manage stress and anxiety. It begins with a video demonstration, followed by a fun interactive game, and concludes with an exit ticket to reinforce learning. Grounding techniques are essential for young students to develop emotional regulation and relaxation skills.

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.

This lesson introduces high school students to the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, a method to manage anxiety and stress by focusing on the present moment through sensory engagement. This technique is crucial for reducing anxiety, preventing dissociation, regulating the nervous system, and increasing mindfulness. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to apply this technique independently to manage their emotions effectively.