This session supports secondary school counselors in designing and facilitating small-group counseling experiences that address common student needs within a tiered system of support. Participants will review foundational group counseling skills, explore psychoeducational small-group approaches, and examine curriculum and resources focused on anxiety, stress, coping skills, learning strategies, self-management, and social skills. Emphasis will be placed on using small groups as a Tier 2 support that complements academic, college, career, and social-emotional development.

Participant Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Describe foundational small-group counseling skills and facilitation practices.

2. Align small-group counseling goals with ASCA Student Standards.

3. Identify psychoeducational group topics that support secondary student needs.

4. Select group curriculum or resources that address coping skills, stress management, learning strategies, self-management, or social skills.

5. Draft a small-group counseling plan connected to student needs, tiered supports, and postsecondary readiness.