When it comes to pre-planning groups, there are several steps counselor should assure before conducting groups in order to efficiently serve students by setting up the formation. During Phase 1 of pre-planning, formation, counselors conduct needs assessments, set curriculum goals, select a group design, interview potential group members, set activities, and develop group sessions (Sink, Edwards, & Eppler, 2012). In the pre-planning stage, counselors execute the implementation plan once the strategic objective and goals are established beforehand. “School based group counseling should be used to promote not only individual student behavior change but also systematic change”. (Sink, Edwards, & Eppler, 2012). Counselors will use needs assessments from bullied victims to understand the scope of the problem. Counselors will utilize peer groups in group counseling to foster self-esteem building, social skills, conflict resolution, courage, as well as strength building by seeking different activities. Group counseling will allow students to adjust, cope, learn to communicate with others by allowing insights into themselves and others (ASCA, 2014).
