Small Group Counseling - Self-image

Summary

This group counseling session focuses on self-image, self-reflection, and building confidence among adolescents. The facilitator emphasizes confidentiality and creates a safe space for participants to explore their insecurities, body image, and personal goals. Through icebreakers and reflective activities, participants share their thoughts on how they perceive themselves and identify areas they'd like to change. The session encourages openness, self-compassion, and emotional growth, with a future focus on empowering the group by choosing positive words that describe themselves. The overall goal is to foster a supportive environment where participants can reflect on their personal development and gain confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The group counseling session begins with a thank you and an emphasis on obtaining parental consent for participation.
• 😀 Confidentiality is a major guideline, meaning everything discussed within the group stays within the group, with exceptions for legal concerns like harm to self or others.
• 😀 Participants are reminded to respect each other and avoid making fun of one another during the session.
• 😀 An icebreaker game is used to help participants get to know each other better, asking about favorite colors, movies, and future aspirations.
• 😀 The facilitator introduces the concept of self-image, explaining that the mirror reflects only physical traits, while true self-image comes from inner thoughts and feelings.
• 😀 Participants are asked to describe themselves in the mirror and share their thoughts on their self-perception and body image.
• 😀 Some participants struggle with self-image, citing issues like body insecurities and feeling different from others at school.
• 😀 The activity includes three questions for self-reflection: how participants see themselves in the mirror, whether they like their thoughts about themselves, and one thing they’d like to change.
• 😀 Responses reveal a range of emotions, with some participants desiring more confidence, self-acceptance, and less overthinking about how others perceive them.
• 😀 The facilitator encourages participants to select five positive words from a list to describe themselves, to be discussed in the next session.
• 😀 The session concludes with a reminder of the importance of reflecting on self-image and looking forward to the next meeting to continue the discussion.

Q & A

What was the main objective of the counselor in this session?

The main objective was to create a safe and confidential space for the students to express themselves, promote self-awareness, and build trust among the group through interactive activities and discussions.

What ground rules did the counselor establish for the session?

The counselor emphasized confidentiality, stating that what was shared in the session should remain private within the group, except in cases of harm to self or others, abuse, or legal requirements.

How did the counselor address the students' concerns about confidentiality?

The counselor reassured the students by emphasizing that everything discussed in the session would be confidential, and they encouraged the students not to share anything discussed in the group with others outside the session.

What activity did the counselor use to break the ice and encourage students to interact?

The counselor introduced an icebreaker game where students answered personal questions such as 'What is your favorite color?' or 'What would be your perfect job?' This helped the group to get to know each other better.

What was the purpose of the self-image activity?

The purpose of the self-image activity was to help the students reflect on how they perceive themselves both physically and emotionally. It aimed to explore their feelings about their self-image, thoughts, and potential areas for change.

What types of responses did the students give during the self-image activity?

The students expressed concerns about their physical appearance, particularly body image, and shared feelings of insecurity and a desire for more self-confidence. Some mentioned wanting to change aspects of their body or personal traits to fit in better.

How did the counselor handle the students' discomfort when sharing personal thoughts?

The counselor was empathetic and ensured that the students felt supported. They emphasized the importance of respect and confidentiality, making it clear that everyone’s personal thoughts and feelings were valid and would be respected within the group.

What key themes emerged from the students' answers regarding their self-image?

Key themes included body image issues, low self-esteem, insecurity, the desire for self-acceptance, and the struggle with societal or peer expectations.

What is the significance of the counselor asking the students to choose five positive words to describe themselves?

This exercise aimed to help the students reframe their self-perception by focusing on positive traits. It encouraged self-reflection and helped students develop a more balanced and positive view of themselves.

How did the counselor plan to follow up after this session?

The counselor planned to review the five positive words the students chose in the next session, allowing them to continue exploring their self-image and engage in further reflection and discussion.