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 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.

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.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group session for 10th graders, students will build group rapport and learn the basics of the CBT triangle—how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. This lesson jumpstarts a 16-week anxiety-management curriculum with fun icebreakers and active group-building exercises.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group counseling session for 7th graders, students will use art therapy techniques infused with pop culture references to explore and express emotions. This session promotes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and peer connection through creative expression.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

In this Tier 2 group session, 10th grade students explore how their thoughts influence feelings and behaviors through a structured CBT framework. Over a 35-minute session, students engage in interactive mapping and scenario analysis to build cognitive awareness and self-regulation skills.

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 15-minute Tier 2 group session, 7th-grade girls will explore strategies to break cycles of drama and build healthy friendships. Through engaging discussions and activities, they’ll learn communication skills, boundary-setting, and conflict resolution techniques—so they can stop tattling, reduce counselor visits, and foster supportive peer relationships.

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 Tier 2 40-minute small-group intervention, 9th-grade students build self-efficacy by collaboratively crafting, sharing, and refining personal counseling goals. This structured lesson guides them through goal-setting best practices, fosters peer support, and instills accountability, ultimately boosting motivation and confidence.

In this interactive 50-minute session, 6th graders play a board game that practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills by navigating real-life thought challenges. This lesson helps students recognize and reframe unhelpful thoughts, building emotional resilience and self-awareness. Perfect for a whole-class Tier 1 RTI session.

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.

A 3-session CBT skills group for 10th graders with anxiety. Students will learn to identify cognitive distortions, fill out the CBT triangle, and reframe thoughts. These 30-minute Tier 2 group lessons build coping skills through interactive readings, discussions, games, and worksheets.

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 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.

In this 45-minute Tier 2 lesson for undergraduate students, small groups of four students and a professor will collaboratively discuss a challenging trauma incident. Students will learn trauma-informed discussion strategies, practice active listening, and build trust through structured activities. This lesson equips participants with skills to navigate sensitive conversations safely and empathetically.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 counseling group session for 2nd-grade EL and Title I students, participants will explore core social skills for making and maintaining friendships. Through guided discussions, interactive activities, and reflection, students will practice cooperation, communication, and empathy to strengthen peer connections.

This 50-minute, group-focused lesson equips counselors and interventionists with concrete strategies to recognize trauma signs and apply de-escalation scripts in real time. By the end, participants will have a ready-to-use trauma-informed toolkit for supporting students. Audience: Adult professionals. MTSS Tier: 2. Includes embedded practice and collaborative planning.

A one-on-one individual counseling session for an 11th grader, using the Threshold Technique to help the student identify and embrace moments of personal growth and change. This 50-minute intervention empowers the student to visualize transitions, track milestones, and commit to new behaviors that support their evolving self.

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.

In this 30-minute group session, 6th graders will learn to use active listening and "I-statements" to resolve minor conflicts. This lesson boosts relationship skills through collaborative exercises and peer feedback, helping students build empathy and effective communication. Tier 2 small-group intervention.

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 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.

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.

A 30-minute Tier 1 counseling session designed to introduce 2nd graders to the counseling space, routines, and expectations. This lesson helps students feel safe, build rapport, and learn what to expect in future counseling sessions through engaging activities.

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.

In this playful Tier 2 group lesson, Middle School Advisors will reinforce and practice trauma-informed de-escalation strategies through a collaborative bingo game. Over 30 minutes, participants will recall key moves, build confidence under pressure, and reflect on implementing these strategies in real scenarios.

A guided group session helping 9th graders identify stress triggers and learn basic breathing and grounding techniques to regain calm. Perfect for jumpstarting emotional awareness in a safe, supportive small-group setting. Audience: 9th Grade Group; MTSS Tier 2; Duration: One 45-minute session.

In this 15-minute Tier 2 small group counseling session, 5th graders will explore ‘mean girl’ behavior, understand its impact, and learn strategies to support themselves and others. This session fosters empathy, assertive communication, and peer support to build a kinder classroom community.

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.

The THRIVE Toolkit introduces 12th grade students to a six-step framework (Tune In, Hope, Reflect, Integrate, Visualize, Execute) for enhancing daily mental wellness through group counseling techniques. This Tier 2 psychoeducational group lesson spans one 60-minute session and equips students with strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and support one another in a small-group setting.

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 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 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 three-session series designed for individual teen support (Tier 3), students will define depression, identify common symptoms, and learn the basics of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Each 25-minute session combines direct instruction, interactive activities, and reflective discussions to build awareness, coping skills, and emotional resilience.

A whole-class interactive game that places students in various scenarios to enhance perspective-taking. This Tier 1 classroom lesson for 8th graders fosters group counseling skills in a 45-minute session.

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 30-minute, single-session Tier 2 group lesson, 9th graders are introduced to the basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Students will learn how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors through interactive activities, gaining practical skills to challenge negative thinking patterns. This lesson helps students develop essential self-awareness and coping strategies for stress and anxiety.

This small-group resource helps 6th graders identify and articulate personal behavioral triggers and develop coping strategies. Through self-reflection, discussions, and creative mapping, students build self-awareness and peer support over one 30-minute session.

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.

This 30-minute Tier 1 counseling lesson for 7th graders introduces students to the purpose, process, and safe space of school counseling. Students will build rapport with the counselor, learn confidentiality guidelines, and co-create group norms to ensure a supportive environment.

Small-group detective work uncovering behavior triggers, equipping students with personalized coping strategies. This Tier 2 lesson supports 4th grade students over a 30-minute session, helping them identify and address behavior triggers in a safe environment.

A one-on-one, 15-minute counseling session for an 8th-grade male student focused on body image and anxiety. This session will use reflective activities to build self-awareness, challenge negative self-talk, and develop coping strategies. Tier 3 support tailored to individual emotional needs.

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.