Groups

While most students are aware of our individual counseling services, they may not know that we offer group counseling services as well.  Groups can be a wonderful way to address personal concerns. 

Students have found that groups can provide:

• a safe space to talk through concerns and receive feedback;
• a way to discover that others have had similar concerns,  worries or experiences;
• a forum for connection and mutual support; and
• a place to try out new behaviors and skills such as asserting yourself, addressing conflict or risking to let others get to know you more. 

We have several different types of groups:

Therapy Groups

Therapy groups are weekly discussion groups limited to about 8 members in which members explore and actively try to address personal, academic and relational concerns with the feedback and support of one another.  As these groups are intensive and involve a weekly commitment, to join one of these you must meet with the professional group leader ahead of time to ensure that the group will be a “good fit” for your current needs. 

Relating to Others*

A therapy group for students with relational concerns such as social anxiety, isolation and loneliness, and/or issues around relationship choices and behaviors in relationships. Email or call Dr. Julie Heslin Pokat and click here to see the flyer.

*Note: A pregroup interview with the group leader is required for this therapy group; call 442-5800 to schedule.

Support Groups

Support Groups may meet weekly or biweekly and are intended as a forum of support for students who share similar concerns such as coming out issues or concerns about their use of alcohol.  They are professionally facilitated (with the exception of AA) and generally stay open to new members throughout the semester.  Support groups for this semester are:

LGBTQ Support

A support group for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer/Questioning students that meets weekly on Friday afternoons.  This is a safe, supportive place to talk about issues facing the LGBTQ community. Topics include but are not limited to: relationships, sexuality, health, wellness, identity, religion, coping with stress, and other shared challenges.  Email or call Dr. Heidi Wright and click here to see the flyer.

Dissertation Support

A support group for those at the Proposal stage or beyond. Email or call Dr. Julie Heslin Pokat and click here to see the flyer.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Tuesdays 12:00pm - 1:00pm year-round & Thursdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm academic year only – Campus based AA groups based on the 12 Step Model. This is not a UCC group per se but our staff can serve as liaison to connect interested students. Email or call Dr. Brian Freidenberg and click here to see the flyer.

Psychoeducational Groups

Psychoeducational groups are more time limited, often meeting for 2-5 times to address a specific topic or skill such as stress management.  These groups provide specific information and/or teach skills with an opportunity for participants to discuss the presented material.  The psychoeducational group for this semester is below and more may be added as the semester progresses.

Mindfulness Skills for Everyday Living

A four week workshop focused on decreasing stress, increasing focus, and finding more pleasure in daily life. Email or call Dr. Lisa Dulgar-Tulloch and click here to see the flyer.

FAQ

Not sure if group services are right for you?

• Contact the Counseling Center to schedule an individual INTAKE appointment with any of our staff members who can confidentially explore your particular concerns and help assess whether individual or group services or perhaps both might make the most sense for you.

Can I definitely join a group?

• We will make every effort to accommodate students who are interested in participating in a group.  From time to time our groups fill up or a therapist may determine that a group does not seem to be the right fit for a given student.  If that turned out to be the case, our individual services remain a wonderful alternative in most instances.

Does it cost money to participate in a group?

• If you are a currently registered student, there is no out of pocket expense.  The University health fee that is part of your semester bill covers our services.

Is individual counseling better than group counseling?

• There is solid research evidence to support the value and usefulness of both individual and group counseling as distinct types of treatment.  Each form of counseling has unique advantages.  In some instances, such as many interpersonal concerns, group counseling may be the treatment of choice.