Benefits of group therapy

Group Therapy

Group therapy is one of the most effective treatments available for many concerns facing college students. Some of these concerns are:

• Feeling depressed
• Feeling anxious
• Feeling unsupported or alone
• Difficulties with relationships
• Lack of confidence & self-worth

Group therapy provides a safe psychological space where you can share your thoughts, experiences, and emotions with your peers who are struggling with similar issues. It is also an outlet where you can learn and grow from the experiences that others bring into the group

Goals:

Your goals should be personalized to address your specific concerns within the context of the group. Some examples of goals could be:

• Better understand relationship with others
• Manage stress more effectively
• To improve self-worth and confidence

If you need help clarifying your goals or the tasks of the group, speak to your group leaders.

Benefits of Group

• Sense that you are not alone in your struggles
• A feeling of support from others
• A safe place to be genuine and discuss your concerns
• The opportunity to try new social skills in a safe place and ask for feedback
• Decrease feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness
• Allows you to put your problems in perspective

Common Myths about Group Therapy

I will have to disclose my deepest thoughts, feelings, and secretes to the group

False: You only share what you feel like sharing. While you will likely be encouraged to step outside of your comfort zone to better enable growth, you are the one who is in control. Some of your thoughts or feelings may be so personal that keeping them for yourself would be better

I will be put on the "hot seat" by the leaders & by other group members

False: Others will want to get to know you and may ask questions. The group leaders will not attack you nor will your peers. Feedback is given in a genuine, respectful way that allows the group to feel safe. Constructive feedback is viewed as a gift that you can both give and receive. Critical feedback is prevented.

Group counseling is not as good as individual counseling

False: Group therapy has been shown to be at least as effective as individual counseling, and for some concerns, more effective. Some of the reasons you may not want to attend a group (difficulty talking in groups, not feelings supported by others, difficulties with relationships with friends, family, or romantic partners) may the the exact reasons why group would help you.

When so many people get together, it will be too overwhelming

False: Joining a group can be overwhelming, but many members have reported that hearing others voice similar concerns has been helpful and made them feel less alone. The specific differences in peoples' experiences can allow you to get a different perspective on your own difficulty.

The group leader will be the only one to help me solve my problem

False: Group leaders are there to provide guidance and structure and a sense of safety that allows you and the group to engage in most of the work. They support you and the group and challenge members to develop a deeper relationship over time that enables you to achieve your goals. 

Groups We Offer:

Feel Better Fast Group

Learn some unique skills to assist in dealing with life challenges and start on the path to improvement. This is an ideal group for people struggling with depression and anxiety.

4 sessions
Group 1:  Friday, 11a-12p (9/27-10/18)
Group 2: Thurs, 2-3p (10/17-11/7)
Group 3: Friday,  2-3p (11/1-11/22)

Anxiety Management Group

Learn effective strategies to manage demanding and stressful situations by improving self-care, positive emotions, happiness, and resiliency in a warm and supportive group environment and learn coping strategies for anxiety.  

5 Sessions
Group 1: Fri., 1-2p (9/20-10/18)
Group 2: Tues, 4-5p (10/8-11/5)
Group 3:  Mon., 4-5p (10/21-11/18)

Mindfulness Group

Learn and practice mindfulness skills.

5 Sessions
Weds., 3-4p (10/16-11/13)

Building and Strengthening Relationships Group

Learn and apply skills to build successful, rewarding and lasting relations with support from others.

Group 1: Mon, 3:00-4:30p (10/21-12/2)
Group 2: Tues, 2:30-4p (9/24-12/3)
Group 3: Weds, 3:30-5p (9/25-12/4)
Group 4: Thurs, 3-4:30p (9/26-12/5) LGBTQ+ focus 

Black Student Support Group (BLAkron)

A group for Black/African-American students to share their experiences on a PWI campus for support, connection and community.

Weekly meetings on Thursdays 3 - 4:30p (10/3-12/5)

International Student Group

A group for international students to share their experiences for support, connection and community.

TBD

Discussing Our Choices

Explores attitudes, risks, and decision making surrounding the use of alcohol and other drugs.  To learn more, click here.

Monday, 9/30, 3-5p
Friday, 11/1, 10a-Noon
Friday, 12/6, 1-3p