Counseling & Psychological Services

Appalachian State Counseling Center Spring 2024 Group Therapy

Quick Access Groups: Get started fast and learn practical skills.

      In-person  

 Coping Skills Toolbox: 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 2 sessions. Tuesdays 1:00-1:50pm.

Full-semester Therapy Groups: 

In-person 

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: Understanding Self and Others (USO) group is an interpersonal processing group that focuses on interpersonal relationships (e.g. friends, partners, family members, classmates). Through the active and reflective process, each participant is offered the opportunity to learn how to improve their interpersonal relationship skills, to practice these skills in group, and apply these skills in their relationships outside of group. Those who join USO groups tend to have the desire to create better relationships and feel more confident in social situations. Examples of common goals include addressing challenges forming close or long-lasting relationships, difficulties directly communicating thoughts, feelings and needs, trust issues, anxiety in social situations, and more.If you are interested, have questions, or are wondering if this group is for you, then please contact Fengdi Pei at peif@appstate.edu for more information.  Meets Wednesdays 10:30 to 12pm/Wednesdays 1-2:30pm/Fridays 1-2:30pm

To learn more about USO Groups Click here!

For students scheduled for a pre-group meeting Download our Pre Group Questionnaire. 

Download: Pre USO Group Questionnaire 

DBT Skills Group:  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. Please contact Heidi Campbell at campbellha@appstate.edu if you have any questions regarding this group. Meets Tuesdays 3:30-5pm.

Food/Mood: This is a pro-recovery group designed for students who are seeking to heal their relationship with food or exercise. Students in this group will have a safe and encouraging space to talk about these issues with other students who truly “get it.” Group discussion focuses on exploring and coping with the ongoing “triggering” circumstances in our lives, as well as supporting one another with making the positive changes we feel ready for– big or small. If you are interested, have questions, or are wondering if this group is for you, then please contact Ashley Wilson at wilsonar4@appstate.edu for more information. Mondays 3:30-4:50 pm. 

Yoga Group: 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 (wilsonar4@appstate.edu) to see if the group is a good fit for you. Wednesdays 10-11:20am

LGBTQQ+ (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer/Questioning): 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 varelaap@appstate.edu. Meets Fridays 11-12:30pm and 1pm-2:30pm.

Trauma Recovery 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. This group is most helpful for those who have already received some therapy related to their traumatic experiences. If you are interested, have questions, or are wondering if this group is for you, then please contact Sammi Brown at brownsa12@appstate.edu. Meets Thursdays 3:30pm -5pm. 

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 Fengdi Pei at peif@appstate.edu