Individual and Group Counseling Articles
Ideas for individual and group counseling in K-8.
ReadAbout This Resource
Your go-to counseling planning tool for addressing student motivation. Perfect for individual or small group counseling, this editable resource helps you identify specific skill gaps and plan a targeted counseling intervention that fosters internal motivation.
This systematic approach gives you the roadmap to help students develop the mindset and skills they need to thrive.
What’s Included
1. Motivation Skills Checklists (PDF/Editable PowerPoint)
55 specific, observable behaviors to identify lagging or missing skills.
Covers eight key domains that influence internal motivation: Goal Setting, Self-Reflection, Self-Advocacy, Communication, Decision-Making, Strategy Use, Resilience, Connection to Purpose
2. Motivation Counseling Map (PDF/Editable PowerPoint)
A sequence of 12 possible sessions covering the 8 domains and key skills. You use the skills checklist and the starting counseling map to develop an intervention that is responsive to your students' needs.
3. A Counselor's Guide to Student Motivation (PDF)
A practical guide on how to approach student motivation that is grounded in research and practical, teachable skills.
Why You'll Love It
Counseling maps are where a curriculum map meets a treatment plan. A counseling map gives you a guide of the skills that need to be taught, just like a curriculum map, but with the flexibility to individualize, like a treatment plan. The 12-session map isn't rigid. It's designed to be customized. The detailed skills checklist takes the guesswork out of where to start and what to work on.
Research-Based Approach
This framework of motivation is grounded in established psychological research.
- Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan): Highlights the universal human needs for competence, belonging, and autonomy as drivers of intrinsic motivation.
- Expectancy-Value Theory: Explains that motivation depends on a student’s belief in their ability to succeed (“Can I do this?”) and whether they value the task (“Is this worth it to me?”).
- Mindset Research (Dweck): Shows how a student’s belief about their abilities (fixed vs. growth mindset) and their focus (performance vs. mastery orientation) directly impact their willingness to engage with challenges.
Together, these theories provide a powerful lens for understanding why students struggle and where to intervene.
How to Use
The Counselor's Guide provides the theoretical framework and practical strategies you need to implement effectively. Use the Skills Checklist to identify skills your student needs to develop. Use the results to customize your counseling map to address the missing or lagging skills. The sessions on the counseling map are stand-ins and are ready to be adjusted.
FAQ
Q: Are there counseling maps for other topics?
A: Check here for all the counseling maps that are currently available. If you have a suggestion for another topic, email me at laura@socialemotionalworkshop.com
Q: Is this a complete curriculum or a planning resource?
A: This is a comprehensive planning resource. It provides the roadmap and skills breakdown, but you'll implement it using your preferred counseling techniques and activities.
No student activities or detailed session plans are included. For group materials, check out the Motivation Small Group Counseling Curriculum, Engine Starters.
Copyright © Social Emotional Workshop. Permission to copy for a single user only. Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.
