School-based support groups for traumatized students

Abstract

After students experience a traumatic event, group counseling is an effective tool to offset the effects of grief and distress. Following a school crisis, successful school-based intervention requires interdisciplinary coordination between school psychologists, counselors, school social workers, teachers, and administrative staff. Within a short time after a traumatic event, school personnel are encouraged to create student support groups, helping students cope with intense feelings and assuring them that they are not alone. Interventions are most effective when schools pre-determine an action plan, train staff to respond with correct intervention techniques, and seamlessly transition into crisis intervention and support mode. Quick professional response through organizing and offering children’s support groups will help increase school stability and alleviate the effects of traumatic events.