High School Group Counseling Topics

1. Coping with stress and anxiety: Discussing healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety
can be helpful for high school students who may be experiencing academic, social, or personal
pressures.
o Discussion prompt:
o What are some healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety? Share some strategies that
have worked for you,and discuss how they have helped you cope with difficult
situations.
o Follow-up questions:
o What are some common stressors that you face as a high school student, and how do
you typically respond to them?
o Have you ever tried any relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices to help
manage stress and anxiety? If so, what have you found helpful about these
techniques?
o How do your relationships with friends and family members impact your ability to
cope with stress and anxiety? Do you feel comfortable talking to them about your
feelings and seeking support when you need it?
o How do you prioritize self-care when you're feeling stressed or anxious? What are
some things that you do to take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being?
o How can you tell when you're starting to feel overwhelmed or burnt out? What are
some warning signs that you should look out for, and what can you do to prevent
burnout?

2. Building self-esteem and confidence: Many high school students struggle with self-
doubt and low self-esteem. Discussing strategies for building confidence and self-worth can help
students develop a positive self-image.
o Discussion prompt:
 o What are some strategies that you can use to build self-esteem and confidence?
Share some examples of times when you have felt confident and successful, and
discuss how you can use those experiences to boost your self-esteem.
o Follow-up questions:
o What are some factors that contribute to low self-esteem and self-doubt? How can
you identify negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that may be holding you back?
o Have you ever tried setting goals and working towards them as a way to build
confidence and self-esteem? How can you break down larger goals into smaller,
more achievable steps to increase your sense of accomplishment?
o How can you build a support system of friends, family members, or mentors who
can help you stay motivated and encourage you to pursue your goals?
o What are some healthy ways to deal with failure or setbacks? How can you
reframe your thinking to view mistakes and challenges as opportunities for
growth and learning?
o How can you celebrate your successes and accomplishments, no matter how small
they may seem? What are some ways to acknowledge and appreciate your own
strengths and achievements, rather than comparing yourself to others?
3. Developing healthy relationships: High school students may be navigating friendships,
romantic relationships, and family relationships. Discussing healthy relationship skills can help
them build stronger, more fulfilling connections.
o Discussion prompt:
o What are some important skills for building and maintaining healthy
relationships? Share some examples of relationships that have been positive and
fulfilling for you, and discuss what made them successful.
o Follow-up questions:
o What are some common challenges that you face in your relationships with
friends, romantic partners, or family members? How can you communicate
effectively to address these challenges and work towards a solution?
 o How can you establish healthy boundaries in your relationships to ensure that
your needs and feelings are respected? What are some examples of situations
where you may need to set boundaries with others?
o How can you practice active listening and empathy to better understand the
perspectives and feelings of others? How can you express your own feelings and
opinions in a way that is respectful and constructive?
o How can you identify and address toxic or unhealthy patterns in your
relationships?

4. Dealing with conflict: Conflict is a natural part of relationships, but it can be difficult to
navigate. Discussing effective communication skills and conflict resolution strategies can help
students manage conflicts constructively.
o Discussion prompt:
o How do you typically handle conflicts with others? Share some examples of
conflicts that you have experienced, and discuss what strategies have worked well
(or not so well) for you in resolving them.
o Follow-up questions:
o What are some common causes of conflicts in relationships, and how can you
identify and address them before they escalate?
o How can you communicate assertively and effectively when you are experiencing
conflict with someone else? What are some techniques for expressing your
feelings and needs while also listening to and validating the other person's
perspective?
o What are some strategies for finding common ground and working towards a
mutually beneficial solution when you are experiencing a conflict with someone
else? How can you identify shared goals or interests and build on them to reach an
agreement?
o How can you manage your emotions and stay calm when you are experiencing
conflict with someone else? What are some techniques for regulating your
emotions and avoiding an escalation of the conflict?
o What are some situations where it may be necessary to involve a third party (such
as a mediator or counselor) in order to resolve a conflict? How can you find and
utilize these resources effectively?