Counseling & Psychological Services

The Counseling Center offers both short-term and long-term group programs on a regular basis. These may include:

Understanding Self & Others Therapy Groups

Members explore and talk about patterns of relating to self and others with the aim of developing greater understanding and acceptance of themselves and others. Presenting issues vary widely from depression, anxiety, and difficulties relating to/accepting self or others, issues of family conflict or abuse, etc. Students who want to resolve specific concerns as well as those seeking personal growth are welcome. This can be a good time for individuals to get their peers' perspectives on various issues, and recognize that they are not alone.

Body Image/Eating Disorder Groups

This group experience invites participants to tackle issues nearly everyone is concerned about: dieting, weight, body image, and self-esteem. Supportive, educational, and creative activities will be used to explore the connections between food, body, and self.

Men's or Women's Therapy Groups

Same as the Understanding Self & Others group, but for those who want the support of an all male or all female group.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Therapy Group

This group is for those self-identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, or for those who may be struggling with their sexual or gender identity. This can be an opportunity to discuss issues related to being a sexual minority, such as coming out, homophobia, and relationships. In addition, this can be a forum to discuss more general issues, such as depression, anxiety, or self-esteem, within a safe and supportive environment.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness can help us decrease stress and deal more effectively with our emotions. This group will focus on building present moment awareness of emotional and physiological experiences. The group will also address developing skills that entail stepping out of "auto-pilot" reactions. Group activities will include practice of meditation, breathing strategies, and mindfulness in day-to-day life activities.

Other groups based on demonstrated need

These have included groups on assertiveness training, anxiety management, sexual trauma survivors, stress management, smoking cessation, and "Understanding Self & Others" for Resident Assistants.

These groups are designed to provide growthful experiences both for students who want to resolve specific concerns and for those who want to learn how to better deal with interpersonal relationships and feel better about themselves. Groups generally meet weekly and are most often limited to 6-8 people. For more information about therapy groups, contact Ally Matt at the Counseling Center at (828)262-3180.