Counseling & Psychological Services

What is “Understand Self and Others” Therapy Group?

Understanding Self and Others (USO) group is an interpersonal processing group that focuses on interpersonal relationships (e.g. friends, partners, family members, classmates). Research shows that interpersonal processing groups are equally or even more effective than individual counseling in improving interpersonal relationships.

Most people find that once they are in the group, they benefit from discussing issues that led them to counseling. Group therapists help members process “what is going on here and now” in the group, because how group members interact with each other often reflects each individual’s interpersonal patterns in one’s relationships outside of the group. Therapists encourage group members to examine thoughts, emotions and reactions they experience during live interactions with other members. Group members are encouraged to “think out loud” and process what is usually not being said in day-to-day conversations. 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.

USO groups typically have six to eight members and two co-leaders /therapists. Groups meet weekly for one and a half hours. If an individual is interested in joining a USO group, they will meet with group therapists in a pre-group meeting first in order to further explore whether a USO group is a good fit with their goals, further specify interpersonal goals, and learn group guidelines, including keeping confidentiality of all the group members.

Those who join USO groups tend to have the desire to create better relationships and feel more confident in social situations. USO group therapy could address one or more of the following:

     Consistent feelings of anger, frustration, or dissatisfaction in relationships

     Challenges forming close or long-lasting relationships

     The need to please others

     Reliance on substances to feel confident or relaxed in social situations

     The struggle to directly communicate thoughts, feelings, and needs

     Anxiety in social situations

     Feelings of frequent or constant loneliness

     Low self-esteem

     Trust issues

     Other interpersonal goals