Group counseling is a powerful tool for growth and change. For many emotional concerns, personal struggles, and relationship issues that college students face, group work can be more effective than individual counseling, because it works directly on improving interpersonal effectiveness! Having the support of other students who understand can also help you maintain the effort and motivation it takes to successfully overcome difficult personal or mental health concerns.
While many students prefer the social context of groups, we understand that some students may initially feel intimidated or hesitant about the idea of talking about sensitive concerns within a group. This is natural, as group work is usually a new experience. However, we have found that most students who attend counseling groups report that the relief and excitement of meeting others who understand their struggles quickly overshadows the initial anxiety. In fact, the students who are most hesitant about group or who tend to be shy or nervous about expressing themselves are often among the ones who benefit the most!
Because group work is so effective and popular, Counseling Services offers a wide array of groups and workshops to address the needs of our students. Some involve more open discussion and sharing, while others address a specific topic or are structured more like a class to teach you positive coping or mindfulness skills. Group offerings may change each semester. If you are interested in a type of group you don’t see listed, please feel free to let us know.
For more information, or to inquire about joining a group, please contact Counseling Services at 203-392-5475 or counselingservices@southernct.edu. Groups planned for the current semester include:
The Wellbeing Series
An in person interactive 6-week workshop series will guide students in learning skills and strategies to enhance wellbeing and will cover a variety of topics to help students THRIVE in college. Some example topics may include: communication, relationships, stress management, self-care, resilience, mindfulness, health and gratitude.
Days/Times: TBD
Location/Telehealth: TBD
How to Join: Open; no sign-up needed. Drop in whenever you like!
Facilitators: Wellbeing Graduate Interns
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) For Anxiety
ACT assumes that efforts to avoid, control or get rid of unwanted thoughts, feelings and/or sensations is what creates suffering. This group is an 8-week program that utilizes a combination of instruction, readings and in-and out-of-session practice and meditation to help members manage anxiety and stress. It can be helpful for those with social anxiety as it is less about self-disclosure and more about learning new ways to lessen the discomfort and embarrassment felt when one is anxious.
Days/Times: Virtually on Wednesdays @ 3:15-4:30PM, Starts on Wednesday, October 19th
How to Join: Set up brief informational meeting with Eileen Bonyai prior to start of group. Closed after 10/26/2022.
Facilitators: Eileen Bonyai
USO (Understanding Self and Others)
This group is for students who want to explore personal growth and gain awareness to enhance their overall functioning in personal and academic settings. This group is for students who want to be supportive of others and want time to explore their own feelings and thoughts. The group space will establish a strong, collaborative environment to foster healthy self-concepts and hope for the future through a sense of shared experiences.
Days/Times: TBD – In-person
How to Join: Set up screening with Stephanie.
Facilitators: Stephanie Perez
Freshman & Sophomore Student Group
This virtual support group is co-facilitated by both a professional and a clinical intern from SCSU Counseling Services. Support groups, often consisting of six to ten students, involve members talking with one another about issues that are troubling them. Members also give feedback to each other by expressing their own feelings about what someone says or does. This interaction gives group members an opportunity to try out new ways of behaving and to learn more about the way they interact with others in a safe environment. The content of the group sessions is confidential; what members talk about or disclose is not discussed outside the group.
Days/Times: Virtual
How to Join: Set up screening with Matt.
Facilitators: Matt Ouimet
Grief and Loss Peer Support Group
Have you experienced grief and loss and feel that no one understands the pain you are feeling? This group will: connect you to others who are experiencing grief and loss, normalize your reactions, provide education on grief & loss, develop coping skills to manage your feelings, help you identify meaning and purpose.
Days/Times: TBD
How to Join: Set up pre-group meeting with Michelle
Facilitators: Michelle Lawler
T-Break Group
This is a harm reduction focused peer support/psycho-ed group which aims to support any student looking to cut back on frequency of use with marijuana and or alcohol.
Learn new coping skills to manage stressors that will assist you in cutting back on your use of substances to be a healthier you!
Days/Times: TBD
How to Join: Email Sarah to schedule a brief screening.
Facilitators: Sarah Keiser
Graduate + Juniors + Seniors Student Group
A supportive counseling group for graduate and upper-class (junior/senior) students looking for peer support, feedback, and accountability in working toward their therapeutic goals. Also open to non-traditional-aged undergraduates. Join your peers in transforming today’s struggles into tomorrow’s strengths! Concerns addressed will be determined by the members, and may include adjusting to campus, building confidence and self-compassion, handling family and relationship issues, and coping with mental health and other life challenges. Common themes often include preparing for the post-graduation tradition, setting boundaries with others, and balancing the demands of work, school, and the rest of life.
Days/Times: TBD- In-person
How to Join: Set up a pre-group meeting with Elaine.
Facilitators: Elaine Allen