Groups generally consist of 4 to 12 group members. Groups meet on a weekly basis. Each group session varies in length of time ranging from 60 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the group.
The UCC offers various group counseling experiences where individuals with similar concerns meet to share and listen to each other's experiences. Group counseling provides a supportive environment to discuss problems, work toward goals, try new approaches, and learn to catch themselves from making the same old mistakes. A group has one or two leaders who may facilitate interactions in the group, challenge members to look at these interactions in a different way, and offer feedback and support. If interested, please call to set up a group screening.
Group provides support. Hearing from others with similar issues can help you feel connected and understand that you are not alone in the challenges you face.
Group provides feedback. Sharing your struggles and concerns with others offers an opportunity to hear feedback from other group members that may be very helpful for you. Getting a wide range of perspective on your specific situation may help you manage your situation better. Additionally, receiving feedback from others about how you come across can be a very powerful learning experience.
Group promotes social skills. Groups can give you an opportunity to practice social skills in a safe, non-judging environment. Group also gives you an opportunity to provide support for others. Group can help you relate to others, as well as yourself, in healthier, more effective ways.
Group teaches you about yourself. Group can be a different way of uncovering areas that may be blocking your ability to overcome your struggles.
Groups are not limited. There are no session limits on groups. Additionally, groups meet on a weekly basis which can provide you with weekly support.
This group offers support for students as they navigate graduate school. Discussion centers on experiences in graduate school but can also vary to include other topics.
Dates and times: Beginning Weds February 21st, weekly, 11am-12pm
Accepting referrals for Spring 2024! Call/stop by the front desk!
This group provides a safe and affirming space for students to process a broad array of issues including identity, interpersonal and/or romantic relationships, family concerns, academic and career stressors, and more.
This group provides a safe and affirming space for students to process a difficult experiences, to be empowered, build relationships, and find hope.
The International Student Listening Space is a safe and confidential space where international students can meet and talk about the unique pressures and challenges of being an international student.
This skills-based group helps clients learn strategies to manage anxiety, stress and feeling overwhelmed. This group is a 4-week program that has several cycles within a semester. Attendance at each session is required as content builds on previous sessions.
This psychoeducational and process group will cover topics such as diet culture, social media, body image, mindful eating and more.
Focus on concrete skills clients can use right away to cope with emotions, address interpersonal conflicts, challenge thoughts and be more present in day-to-day life. This group is a 5-week rotating group that has several cycles in a semester.
Group members explore and discuss patterns of relating to self and others. Topics of discussion vary greatly from depression, anxiety, relationships, family concerns and/or personal growth.
You control what, how much and when you share with the group. Most people find that they feel safe enough to share what they are struggling with other group members. We encourage you not to share anything you are not ready to disclose. Simply listening to others can also provide support and help you might need.
Group therapy can be more efficient than individual counseling. You can benefit from group even in session in which you say little but actively listen to other group members. Hearing from other people who share similar struggles can help you learn more about yourself. Group members will often bring up issues that might resonate with you, but that you might not have been aware of or brought up yourself.
A feeling of safety is the upmost importance in group. Part of the group leaders job is help develop and maintain a safe environment for group members. Criticism is often difficult for people to handle appropriately. As group members come to trust and accept one another, they generally come to view feedback and even confrontation as positives.
This may be the biggest myth about group therapy! In fact, research shows that group participants usually experience equally satisfactory results as those who receive individual counseling. If group counseling is recommended to you, it is because your counselor believes that it is the best way to address your concerns. We do not put people into group counseling because we don’t have space in individual counseling or because we want to save time. We recommend group when it is the most effective method to help you. Your counselor can discuss with you why group counseling is recommended for you.
Most people are anxious about the idea of sharing with a group. Almost without exception, within a few sessions, people find that they do eventually talk in the group. Discomfort with speaking in a group setting is probably one of the reasons that your counselor recommended this method of counseling. Becoming comfortable speaking with others in a safe, group setting, may help your relationships with others and other aspects of your life.
If you decide to participate in group, we ask that you agree to comply with the following rules to help keep the group a safe place for you and everyone else. Other guidelines may be established by the group itself to promote a feeling of safety for all group members. These will be covered during the screening process and the first session of group.
ATTENDANCE. You get the most out of group when you attend every session. We ask that you make every effort to attend all the group sessions offered in the semester. However, we understand that there may be a time when you are unable to attend group. In that case we ask that you call and inform the group leaders that you will be unable to attend.
TIME. Groups start and end on time. Please be punctual so you and other group members can get the most of of each session.
To get started or learn more, call our front desk at (405) 325-2911.
