Counseling & Psychological Services

Appalachian State Counseling Center Fall 2024 Group Therapy

Quick Access Groups:

      In-person 

Get started fast and learn practical skills.

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 4-5pm.

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: 

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. If you are interested, have questions, or are wondering if this group is for you, then please contact Aaron Cain at  [email protected] for more information.   Meets Mondays 5-7pm, Tuesdays 1-2:30pm, or Wednesdays 3-5pm 

Understanding Self and Others - Interpersonal Skills

This 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 are interested in joining this group 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 Emma Robinson at [email protected]  for more information.  Meets Mondays 1pm to 2:30pm.

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 [email protected] if you have any questions regarding this group. Meets Wednesdays 1pm-2:30pm.

Food/Mood: This group is 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 [email protected] for more information. Thursdays 3:30-4:50 pm. 

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 [email protected]. Meets Thursdays 2-3:30pm or Fridays 2pm-3:30pm.

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]