Group Therapy

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Please take note of the groups and workshops for the current semesterthat are listed in the right sidebar. If you are interested in joining a particular group you can submit the "I'm Interested" form at the bottom of the description for each group.

Participating in a group therapy is a powerful mode for growth and change.

Students in groups give each other significant understanding, support, and encouragement in facing similar issues.  They also gain different and valuable perspectives and insights on those issues.  Most students, though somewhat apprehensive at first, report that the group experience was helpful far beyond their expectations.

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We offer group therapy at CAPS because research indicates it is an effective treatment of choice for many people. 

Some groups assist members in addressing difficulties in getting along with others, and in beginning to establish more effective patterns of closeness, communication, and problem solving issues with other people.  These groups are open to diverse student experiences and perspectives, and encourage rich interaction among members.

Other groups and workshops focus on specific topics and present useful skills to assist students in addressing common interests.  Some examples of topics include: healing through significant grief, healthy relationship skills, body image concerns, and managing depression and anxiety. 

How does group counseling work?

Generally groups are made up of no more than eight members and the facilitator(s). They offer a place to actively work on problems. It is an opportunity to experiment with different ways of communicating and to try out new behaviors. Since members often experience the same difficulties in group that they have elsewhere, the group can give support, offer suggestions, or gentle confrontation. Those who benefit most are usually those who take an active part in the process. Group counseling relies on strong commitment to confidentiality in order for members to develop a sense of trust and safety as they work together.
What do I talk about in group counseling?

You can expect to talk about what brought you to counseling. One of the major reasons people have relationship difficulties is that they haven't learned how to express their feelings effectively. Most people are somewhat anxious about being able to talk in group. It is important to realize that you control what, how much, and when you share with the group. Group leaders help provide a supportive environment in which feedback is given and received. Almost without exception, within a few sessions all members are sharing in the group.
Common Misperceptions about Group Therapy

"I will be forced to tell all of my deepest thoughts, feelings and secrets to the group."

 You control what, how much, and when you share with the group. Most people find that when they feel safe enough to share what is troubling them, a group can be very helpful and affirming. We encourage you not to share what you are not ready to disclose. However, you can also be helped by listening to others and thinking about how what they are saying might apply to you.

"Group therapy will take longer than individual therapy because I will have to share the time with others."

 Actually, group therapy is often more efficient than individual therapy for two reasons. First, you can benefit from the group even during sessions when you say little but listen carefully to others. You will find that you have much in common with other group members, and as they work on a concern, you can learn more about yourself. Secondly, group members will often bring up issues that strike a chord with you, but that you might not have been aware of or brought up yourself.

"I will be verbally attacked by the leaders and by other group members."

 It is very important that group members feel safe. Group leaders are there to help develop a safe environment. Feedback is often difficult to hear. As group members come to trust and accept one another, they generally experience feedback and even confrontation as positive, as if it were coming from their best friend. One of the benefits of group therapy is the opportunity to receive feedback from others in a supportive environment. It is rare to find friends who will gently point out how you might be behaving in ways that hurt yourself or others, but this is precisely what group can offer. This will be done in a respectful, gentle way, so that you can hear it and make use of it.

"Group therapy is second-best to individual therapy."

 Group therapy is being recommended to you because your intake counselor believes that it is the best way to address your concerns. We do not put people into group therapy because we don't have space in individual therapy, or because we want to save time. We recommend group when it is the most effective method to help you. Your intake counselor can discuss with you why group is what we recommend for you.

"I have so much trouble talking to people; I'll never be able to share in a group."

 Most people are anxious about being able to talk in group. Almost without exception, within a few sessions people find that they do begin to talk in the group. Group members remember what it is like to be new to the group, so you will most likely get a lot of support for beginning to talk in the group.

Portions adapted from University of Florida Counseling and Wellness Center; Virginia Commonwealth University Counseling Services.