What is the primary purpose of incorporating group counseling into a school counseling program?

Incorporating group counseling into a school counseling program primarily serves to support students in practicing new behaviors and receiving feedback. Group counseling provides a safe and supportive environment where students can explore different skills, share experiences, and engage in role-playing activities. It allows participants to learn from one another, gain different perspectives, and receive constructive feedback from peers and the counselor. This collaborative dynamic can significantly enhance personal growth, social skills, and emotional resilience.

The other options do not align with the core intent of group counseling. Providing individual therapy sessions focuses strictly on one-on-one interactions, which is not the primary attribute of group settings. Creating a competitive environment among students contradicts the supportive nature of group counseling, which is designed to foster cooperation and community rather than competition. Lastly, assessing student academic performance is more aligned with academic counseling and assessments, which is not the main function of group counseling activities. Overall, option C encapsulates the primary purpose of group counseling by emphasizing behavior practice and feedback within a group setting, promoting learning and development among students.