Group Counseling
Common Questions about Group Therapy
Why Group Therapy?
People join therapy groups for a lot of reasons. Some may be experiencing difficulties, while others are looking for personal growth. Group therapy provides a unique way to learn about oneself and one's relationships and to give and receive support and feedback from others.
Why Choose a Group Instead of Individual Therapy?
For many types of problems, group therapy is the treatment of choice. Groups provide the opportunity to observe others solving their problems. Groups provide the advantage of a network of support. Groups are also especially helpful in building trust, self-acceptance, intimacy, communication skills and empathy.
What are Some of the Advantages of Group Therapy?
If there are two organizing themes to all types of therapy, it would be that almost all problems come from problems relating and that for therapy to be useful, it needs to be applied outside the therapy room. Group therapy offers one of the most challenging and rewarding ways to learn and practice new ways of relating to yourself and others. Plus, participation helps remind people that they truly are not alone in their struggles.
What does Research say about Group?
Two published research articles combined the results of 32 studies that assessed the effectiveness of group therapy in comparison to individual treatment. The authors concluded that group therapy is either equally or more effective than individual treatment. *
Tillitski, C. J., A meta-analysis of estimated effect sizes for group versus individual versus control treatments. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Vol 40(2), Apr 1990.
McRoberts, C., Burlingame, G. M., & Hoag, M. J. Comparative efficacy of individual and group psychotherapy: A meta-analytic perspective. Group Dynamics, Vol 2(2), Jun 1998.
What Groups are offered at the Counseling Center?
Groups offered at the Counseling Center include:
Building Healthy Relationships (Interpersonal Process Groups)
- Tuesday 4:30 - 6 p.m.
- Tuesday 4:30 - 6 p.m. (New!)
- Thursday 3 - 4:30 p.m.
- Friday (Graduate Students Only) 1 - 2:30 p.m.
These groups are designed to provide a safe place for group members to explore their feelings and learn about their relationships with significant others, including friends, family members, and romantic partners. In group, members will have the opportunity to share common struggles, gain support, and give and receive feedback in a safe environment.
African American/Black Women’s Support Group: “In the Company of Sisters”
- Monday 4-5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, 2-3:30 p.m.
This is a support group for African-American women. The group will provide an opportunity for members to discuss issues of personal power, self-esteem, academics, relationships, careers, family, sexuality, identity, spirituality, and other relevant topics.
Co-Ed African American/Black Support Group: “For Us, By Us”
- Tuesday 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
This is a group where African American men and women get together and discuss issues such as interpersonal relationships, sexuality, cultural identity, family history, and future goals.
Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Support Group
- Wednesday 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
This group is designed to provide a safe place for group members to explore their feelings. The group offers members an opportunity to discuss issues of self-esteem, academics, relationships, careers, family, sexuality, identity, spirituality and other relevant topics in an atmosphere of community and safety, with a special focus on the challenges faced by gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals.
If you are interested in a group, come to the Counseling Center to schedule an initial assessment and complete the initial paperwork. The assessment counselor can schedule you for a pre-group interview with the group leaders.
