Group counseling is often the most beneficial option for many student concerns. Group counseling is a form of psychotherapy that usually involves 4-8 students and 2 on-staff therapists as co-leaders. Our therapy groups meet every week at the same time for 1 hour in the Park Avenue House Counseling Center. During that time, the members of the group discuss the issues that are concerning them and offer each other support and feedback.

Interpersonal interaction is highly valued and encouraged. Our groups bring together students with a variety of concerns, and encourage both respect and confidentiality. Our group therapy program continues to grow every semester with SHU students reporting very positive experiences and results from group counseling. Group counseling is the only long-term counseling option here at SHU. We invite you to participate in this highly valued and effective form of college counseling!

Why groups work!
Most often students join group because they are experiencing stress, dissatisfaction and/or struggles within their relationships. Group is often the best form of psychotherapy to help with these interpersonal concerns because the group process not only allows members to learn about themselves, but also how they connect and interact with their peers.
In addition, the group process allows members to offer support and feedback to other members. This unique environment allows every member to recognize that, although interpersonal struggles and relationship challenges are part of the human experience, you can, with more knowledge about yourself and others modify thinking and behavior that ultimately lead to a more satisfying college experience.

Why do SHU students join group?
Here are some examples of the kinds of interpersonal issues that bring SHU students to group:

• Loneliness or isolation
• Shyness
• Excessive dependence in relationships
• Superficial relationships
• Frequent arguments with people
• Discomfort in social situations
• Difficulty trusting others
• Being easily hurt or offended
• Needing a lot of reassurance from others
• Afraid of being left out
• Lack of intimacy in relationships

Obviously, many of us experience these concerns at one time or another, but if you experience one or more of these to the extent that they are causing pain or distress for you, group therapy may be your solution.

What skills can I gain from group?

• Learning to communicate more comfortably and effectively
• Identifying and exploring inner feelings
• Getting feedback from others
• Learning to express your own wishes and to act on your own behalf
• Being honest with self and others
• Becoming more sensitive to the ways people communicate
• Learning about closeness and intimacy
• Experimenting with new ways of relating to others

How does group work?
One of the major ways that group can be helpful to you is that it can replicate the ways you interact in your everyday life. Other group members and leaders can also give feedback about how they perceive you and offer feedback and alternative ways of thinking and reacting in order to help you interact more productively. Groups are able to provide support, offer alternatives, or gently confront group members in such a way that difficulties can be resolved and new behaviors learned. It can be very encouraging to hear that others have experienced and worked through similar problems.

How can I trust that what I say will be kept confidential?
At the Counseling Center we emphasize and stress utmost confidentiality within our groups. Group members are asked to make a commitment to protect each other’s confidentiality by agreeing not to divulge any information that would identify other members outside of group. Our experience at SHU shows that group members respect each other’s privacy just as they respect their own. The only time the leaders of group would break confidentiality of one of its members is when a student expresses plans to harm himself/herself or others.

Dates and Times of Group for Fall Semester:

• Monday 3:00 – 4:00pm
• Tuesday 10:00 – 11:00am
• Wednesday 3:00 – 4:00pm