Check-In
What is the purpose of our group check-in process?
1) For you to pause and reflect on your day so far, and understand what emotional state you are in when entering group.
2) For me as your counselor to understand how you are feeling.
3) For us to think creatively as a group and understand each other better.
Should you take a break during counseling group?
What should you have on your desk during group activities?
1) Nothing unless a specific expectation to get classroom items out.
2) Any tools or items that you have advocated for.
3) Scrap paper and writing utensil if this helps you to participate in group.
This tool requires access to a phone, radio, or computer.
1) Listening to music.
Is it appropriate to talk about any violent video games, movies, or tv shows during group time? Why or why not?
1) No, if you would like to share about those things, use general information such as the name of the game, but not the specific details of the game.
What order do we go in for group check-in, and why?
1) Level-day order.
2) So that we can see appropriate check-ins modeled for us.
You're feeling tired our group session. What's a helpful choice you can make if this happens?
1) Advocate for flexible seating (standing up, moving around).
2) Advocate for a quick movement break.
3) Use specific coping strategies.
What does full-body listening look like during counseling groups?
1) Turning body toward speaker.
2) Eyes on speaker.
3) Active listening.
4) Voices off.
These objects are often squishy and can be helpful when feeling fidgety or anxious.
1) Squishies/stress balls/stress tools.
You are reflecting on a not so helpful choice you made in the past. How much information should you share?
1) It's ok to share negative choices and struggles from your past without glamorizing it.
What's are some helpful choices if you don't feel comfortable sharing or participating?
1) Advocate to "pass" or "skip".
2) Advocate to staff in the classroom that you do not feel comfortable sharing.
3) Use a journal to document your responses if you do not want to share verbally.
4) Clearly communicate that you are not wanting to participate in this portion of group.
True or False: Counseling group is mandatory?
1) False, but it is a major part of our program, and very important for each of learning new ways to respond to challenging situations, and to share your thoughts and feelings in a therapeutic setting.
How long are counseling group sessions?
1) Counseling groups are 30-60 minutes and offered weekly.
Walking, swimming, jogging, lifting weights, working out, and playing sports are examples of this coping skill.
1) Exercise/movement.
Is it ok to share sensitive information about other people (friends/family)?
1) No, your shares should focus on yourself.
2) Not without their permission.
3) Sometimes, if you want to include details; do not use specific names, locations, or other identifying information.
Name one thing that you enjoy about group check-ins.
1) Open to interpretation (learning about others, listening to funny stories, engaging with peers, answering the warm up question, reflecting on my feelings, etc.)
During our group, another student is disrupting the learning environment. How should you respond?
1) Ignore this behavior as best as you can, and continue to participate in group.
2) Advocate to move or take a quick break if you feel your emotions becoming heightened.
3) Use independent coping strategies.
Should you talk about group shares outside of group time? Why or why not?
1) No, what is said in group stays in group. Maintaining confidentiality of all group members is important.
2) We are all expected to respect other people and what they share during group.
This tool doesn't require any talking. It can be very helpful to get your thoughts out and decompress.
1) Journaling (paper/pencil, phone, computer)
Is humor and sarcasm appropriate to use in our counseling groups?
2) It's best to only use humor and sarcasm when talking about ourselves. When we are sarcastic towards others in a counseling group setting, we can be misunderstood.
True or False: Participating in check-in is mandatory?
1) False. You can always pass if you are not feeling comfortable checking in.
You disagree with another student's share/perspective. What should you do?
1) Keep your comments to yourself.
2) Use your perspective taking skills and try to understand their perspective by putting yourself in their shoes.
Why do we have counseling group sessions at Desert Choice Schools?
1) It allows us to come together as a group and decompress from the school day, and share our thoughts, and feelings collectively.
2) To practice and strengthen our social and emotional skills.
This skill can take lots of practice, and involves quieting your mind and creating a sense of calm.
1) Meditating/mindfulness.
You want to share something, but you're not sure if it's appropriate for group. What is the best choice?
1) Pause & reflect.
2) If you're not sure, share something else.
3) Use general information, not sensitive information.
4) Ask staff if it's appropriate first.