About Therapeutic Counseling Groups
I understand that my child is being invited to participate in a small therapeutic counseling group facilitated by a mental health professional with Transform & Thrive Therapy.
Groups will consist of no more than four students who are within one grade level of one another. Students may be grouped according to age, developmental level, presenting needs, and/or the therapeutic skills being addressed.
Group counseling may include age-appropriate discussions, therapeutic activities, games, worksheets, role-playing, coping-skills practice, and other interventions designed to support students' emotional, behavioral, and social development.
Topics may include emotional regulation, coping skills, anger management, anxiety and stress management, self-esteem, communication, friendship and social skills, problem-solving, grief and loss, and other age-appropriate social-emotional concerns.
Voluntary Participation
I understand that participation in the therapeutic counseling group is voluntary. My child will be encouraged to participate in group activities and discussions but will not be forced to share personal information or experiences they are uncomfortable discussing.
I understand that I may withdraw my consent for my child's participation in the group by notifying Transform & Thrive Therapy.
Confidentiality & Privacy
I understand that confidentiality is an important part of therapeutic counseling. The group facilitator will maintain my child's privacy and confidentiality in accordance with applicable professional, ethical, and legal requirements.
Because counseling occurs in a group setting, other students will hear information shared during group sessions. Students will be taught and regularly reminded that information shared by other group members should remain private and should not be discussed outside of the group.
However, Transform & Thrive Therapy cannot guarantee that another student will maintain confidentiality outside of the group setting.
I understand that there are also circumstances in which a mental health professional may be legally or ethically required to disclose information, including concerns involving suspected abuse or neglect, risk of harm to self or others, or other situations in which disclosure is required by law.
Parent/Guardian Communication
I understand that the therapist may communicate with me regarding my child's participation, progress, general skill development, recommendations, or concerns when clinically appropriate.
To support my child's privacy and therapeutic relationship, detailed information about everything my child says during group sessions may not be routinely shared with me unless disclosure is clinically appropriate, required by law, or necessary to address a safety concern.
Group Expectations
Students participating in therapeutic counseling groups will be encouraged to:
Treat other group members with kindness and respect.
Respect the privacy of other students.
Participate to the best of their ability.
Allow others an opportunity to speak and participate.
Practice the skills learned during group.
Help maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment.
I understand that if my child's behavior significantly interferes with the safety or therapeutic benefit of the group, the therapist may contact me to discuss whether continued group participation is appropriate.
Potential Benefits and Risks
I understand that potential benefits of group counseling may include improved coping skills, emotional awareness, communication, confidence, problem-solving abilities, peer relationships, and emotional regulation.
I also understand that counseling can sometimes involve discussing difficult feelings or experiences, which may temporarily cause discomfort, sadness, frustration, worry, or other emotions. Participation in a group also involves the potential risk that another group member may disclose information discussed during the group despite being instructed to maintain privacy.