Group Therapy Program

There are several different formats for groups offered at Counseling Services. If you are interested in any of these groups, please discuss this with a counselor.

Time-Limited Group Therapy

These groups are for students of all ages that are interested in participating in an effective method of promoting change and growth. These groups are particularly recommended for individuals who are motivated for change, willing to share their perceptions with others, and open to receiving feedback. The group will focus on identifying each person’s interpersonal style and understanding how that impacts other people. Goals for the groups include the following: increasing self-awareness, an opportunity to experiment with new behaviors, learning from others, and obtaining support and encouragement. The groups will meet for 8-12 sessions, one time per week, for one and a half hours. If you feel that you could benefit from such an experience, please discuss this with a counselor at Counseling Services.

Problem-Focused Psycho-educational Groups

Depression Management Group

This group is for individuals who are experiencing feelings of depression and sadness in their life. This structured group will be educational in nature, aimed at providing important information that is useful for understanding and managing depression. This group will meet for 4 consecutive weeks, one time per week, for one and half hours. The first meeting will provide information about the symptoms of depression and a discussion of several models of the dynamics of depression. The second session will be an opportunity to learn about the treatment options available for depression and management strategies for coping with depressive illness. There will also be a discussion of the various medications that are available, how the medications work, and possible side effects. The third and fourth weeks will focus on self-management strategies for depression.

Anxiety Management Group

This group is for individuals who are experiencing anxiety and panic in their life. This structured group will be educational in nature, aimed at providing important information that is useful to understand and to manage anxiety. This group will meet for 4 consecutive weeks. The first meeting will provide information about the symptoms of anxiety and a discussion of several models of the dynamics of anxiety. The second session will be an opportunity to learn about the treatment options available for anxiety and management strategies for coping with anxiety disorders. There will also be a discussion of the various medications that are available, how the medications work, and possible side effects. The third and fourth weeks will focus on self-management strategies for dealing with anxiety and panic.

Dialectical Behavioral Skills Training Group

This group is for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle through learning to change behavior patterns and adopt new coping skills. This group is particularly recommended for individuals who are experiencing difficulties with managing emotions , coping with stress, and engaging in behaviors that are self-harmful or destructive in relationships. The group is designed to help improve interpersonal relationships and overall functioning of participants. Group members learn how to cope with difficult life situations in a safe and healthy manner. Groups focus on teaching practical skills that can be used on a daily basis. Goals of the groups include the following: identifying feelings, expressing emotions in an appropriate way, improving interpersonal relationships, and tolerating stressful situations in a safe and healthy manner. The group format provides a supportive environment for personal growth. The group will meet for 9 sessions, one time per week, for one and a half hours.