What is Group Counseling?

Group counseling provides a safe and confidential setting where students come together to share experiences, gain support and develop a sense of community. It provides students with feedback that can help develop strategies for managing stress, cope with feelings of anxiety and depression. It can also help students become more successful in their relationships.

Groups Offered at Counseling Services

Counseling Services offers a variety of groups each year. Some target specific issues or themes, while others are general psychotherapy groups. The kind of groups offered can change depending on student interest and interests and specialities of staff members. Groups currently offered are listed below.

Skills for Better Living—This group helps students develop more effective ways of handling stress and dealing with conflict. Specific skills are taught, practiced, and reviewed to ensure that students can effectively use the techniques in their daily lives.
Meditation and Healing—This group uses ancient self-healing techniques in conjunction with psychotherapy.
General Psychotherapy Group—This group provides a forum for students to discuss their struggles, emotions and dreams.
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Coming Out—This group is for students at all stages of the coming-out process. Participants can explore and discuss the challenge and joy of discovering their sexuality.
Creative Arts Group—This group provides an unusual opportunity to use the arts as a means of exploration.

Questions and Answers about the Group Program

When do groups meet?
Groups are offered at various times from Monday to Friday. Most groups meet weekly for 90 minutes.

Who is eligible to participate in the groups?
Groups are open to all students eligible to use Student Health Services.

Who leads the groups?
Groups are led by our highly skilled social workers and psychologists.

How many times do groups meet?
Some can last for an entire school year; others meet for a specific number of sessions depending on the focus of the group.

Can I be in both individual and group counseling?
Yes.

How much do groups cost?
Groups are free. Furthermore, groups provide students with the opportunity to continue to talk about important issues once they have reached their individual 12-session limit.

How can I join a group?
Call or stop by Counseling Services to schedule an informal meeting with the group leader. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and find out if the group is right for you. All prospective members are required to attend this meeting prior to joining a group.