NEW! The Fall 2009 Group Counseling Program is now available!
Contact Brent Beam , Staff Psychologist, for more information
Groups
Often, the support and points of view of others can be particularly helpful. In group counseling, students consider and try out new ways of dealing with people and situations in relatively "safe" surroundings. Some groups explore relationships. Others may focus on particular topics, such as self-esteem, grief, anxiety, dissertation support, or alcoholic families. All groups are led by members of the Mental Health Services staff.
Group Counseling
Student Health Services
What is group counseling?
A group typically consists of 6 to 10 people and one or more trained group therapists. The group provides a safe and challenging place to work on personal and interpersonal concerns. Group is confidential, and what is talked about or disclosed in the group is not discussed outside the group. For these and other reasons, groups are often as or more effective and efficient than individual work.
Why does it work?
Groups foster active learning by working on problems rather than just talking about them. When group members interact freely, they often experience the same difficulties in group that they have elsewhere. With the help of the therapist, members can provide support and understanding, offer suggestions, or gently confront one another. In this way, groups offer opportunities to experiment with different ways of relating and to try out new behaviors.
Those who benefit most usually take an active role by giving and receiving honest, helpful feedback. Members can discuss their concerns and discover how others perceive them. They often find that others have similar concerns, and can learn about themselves as others work on their problems. In an environment of mutual concern, group members can care about and help one another.
What do I talk about?
You can talk about what brought you to counseling in the first place. You can let the group know what you want, and can ask for both support and feedback. Relationship difficulties often improve when people express their feelings more effectively.
What you share with the group will impact what you get out of the group experience. It is also important to remember that you control what, how much, and when you share in group. Therapists and group members work together to establish trust so that people can talk openly and honestly.
