Counseling & Psychological Services

 

Appalachian State Counseling Center Spring 2025 Group Therapy

 

Quick Access Groups:

Get started fast and learn practical skills in just two sessions!

Coping Skills Toolbox: Monday 4:00pm – 5:00pm

We can’t eliminate all stressors, but we can balance them with coping skills! This educational group may be helpful for students experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and anything else for which they would like more coping strategies. This group is highly practical and will provide many examples of effective coping skills that can be incorporated into the lives of busy students to reduce distress and increase positive coping and self-care. Meets weekly for 3 sessions.

 

Full-semester Therapy Groups: 

All full-semester therapy groups meet in-person in Spring 2025 in the Counseling Center.

These groups meet weekly throughout the semester, allowing students to build connections, make progress toward goals, and discuss a broad range of mental health topics.

 

Understanding Self and Others: "USO" groups support students in building insight into how they relate to others, to the world around them, and to themselves. Students who want to address specific concerns as well as those seeking personal growth are welcome. Issues commonly explored include depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem, family conflict, and more. This can be a good time to get peers’ perspectives on various issues, and to recognize that you are not alone. This semester, four USO groups will be offered. Two general USO groups for broad or interpersonal concerns, one focused on Anxiety, and one focused on Family Concerns or Dynamics. If interested, contact Aaron Cain at [email protected].

USO Anxiety: Mondays 3:00pm – 4:30pm

USO Family Dynamics: Thursdays 3:30pm – 5:00pm

USO General: Tuesdays 1:00pm – 2:30pm & Wednesdays 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Expressive Arts: Fridays 1:00pm – 2:30pm

In this group, students express themselves using visual and written mediums in a confidential, therapeutic setting. Using the creation of writing and art as a starting point for group discussion, students in  this group gain insight into themselves, learn effective communication skills, and improve relationships. No artistic talent is required-- simply a willingness to engage in creativity and conversation so that group members learn, grow, and heal. Group meets weekly on Friday from 1 to 2:30. Call (828)262-3180 if interested.

DBT Skills Group: Wednesdays 3:30pm-5:00pm

Struggling to manage your emotions, relationships, or daily living? This weekly, semester-long group will teach effective strategies to enhance your life and well-being. In this interactive, DBT-informed skills group, you will learn practical skills which can be implemented immediately. Topics include being mindful in the present moment, regulating emotions to reduce suffering, being effective in relationships, and tolerating distress.

Yoga Group: Wednesday 10:00am – 11:30am

This is a yoga/therapy hybrid group for any student looking to improve their relationship with their body image. Yoga postures and instruction will be offered by Dr. Torre Hinnant each session, followed by therapist-led discussion to process our relationship with our body's movement. This is an excellent group for students who have struggled with negative body image or disordered eating. Please contact Dr. Ashley Wilson ([email protected]) to see if the group is a good fit for you.

LGBTQQ+ (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer/Questioning+): Fridays 1:00pm – 2:30pm

This group will present an opportunity for students with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities to explore life challenges together. It will provide a supportive environment in which to address a variety of issues (e.g., coming out, spirituality, family relationships, depression, self-esteem, etc.). Goals include reducing isolation, finding support and making positive changes. If you are interested, have questions, or are wondering if this group is for you, then please contact Adriana Varela-St. Clair at [email protected].

Trauma Recovery Skills Group: Mondays 2:30pm – 4:00pm

Is a structured group designed for those who have experienced traumatic events in their lives or who come from backgrounds in which they did not feel safe. Members will learn how their past experiences and their biology are affecting their lives now, and explore helpful strategies. Members will learn important insights about their patterns in relationships and skills to better manage their emotions. The group will focus on skills, but will also include limited sharing and support amongst group members.  This group is most helpful for those who are ready to work on the effects of their past trauma and who may have some coping strategies but want to learn more. It is also helpful for support and understanding of others with similar experiences. If you are interested, have questions, or are wondering if this group is for you, then please contact Julie Keys ([email protected]) or Sammi Brown ([email protected]). 

 

Drop-In Meal Support Group: Thursday 4:00pm – 4:50pm

Are you navigating challenges with eating? Join us for the Drop-In Meal Support Group, a safe and inclusive space for students who are seeking guidance, encouragement, and community during mealtimes. This group provides: a supportive environment for eating in a way that aligns with your goals; strategies to manage anxiety, guilt, or other emotions related to food and mealtimes; opportunities to connect with peers who understand and share similar experiences.

How it works: Bring your meal or snack, and join us as we eat together in a supportive setting. No registration or commitment is required—come when you need support. Group participants can join and leave whenever is convenient between 4-5pm - no need to stay for the full hour. Open to all students, especially those working on eating-related challenges. Facilitated by a trained counselor, this group is here to help you build a healthier relationship with food and foster a sense of community.

If you are interested in joining this group, please call the counseling center at 828-262-3180, or email Alexa Resetar ([email protected]) or Dr. Ashley Wilson ([email protected]).

 

Want to try Group?

Get started by calling the Counseling Center to schedule an Initial Consultation: (828) 262-3180

To learn more, visit counseling.appstate.edu or email Aaron Cain at [email protected]