Counseling Center
The Counseling Center has announced its group therapy sessions for spring 2019. This semester includes multiple groups to help students understand and cope with different mental health concerns. Many sessions are open for both undergraduate and graduate students. For the full schedule and more information, visit the Counseling Center’s website.
As one of the most effective treatment models for college students, group therapy focuses on developing insight, changing behavior and improving relationship skills. In the group setting, students struggling with similar concerns can share feedback with each other and learn new ways of coping. Most groups meet weekly for 90 minutes with one to two staff therapists throughout the semester.
Students interested in joining a group can visit or call the Counseling Center for an in-person initial consultation to discuss group with a therapist. If a group is recommended, the therapist will assist students in completing the group orientation process. Students currently seeing a therapist at the Counseling Center can talk with their therapist about the different groups offered and how they could benefit you.
For questions about groups, please contact our Group Coordinator Carrie Brown, Ph.D., at clbrow01@syr.edu.
Groups offered for the spring semester include the following:
Basic Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices
This group introduces students to the concept of mindfulness as a means for tolerating stress and managing difficult or painful emotional experiences.
Building Resilience
Building resilience can increase the traits and skills that provide us with the strength and stamina to confront the challenging and sometimes overwhelming obstacles that we face in life.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Group
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) has been extensively researched and found to be effective at helping people to manage intense, overwhelming emotions. Research shows that DBT strengthens a person’s ability to handle distress, or large emotions, without losing control or acting destructively. DBT can also be helpful for people who at times feel separate from their emotions, or have difficulty identifying what their emotions are.
Healthy Minds and Healthy Bodies
This semi-structured group is for students motivated to learn strategies for managing concerns related to eating and/or body image. Topics of this group will include nutrition education, mindful eating, body image, biology of weight regulation, family dynamics, adaptive coping and other themes pertaining to the relationship between food, mind and body.
Options Education Group–Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Options Education Group focuses on harm reduction, decision-making and the physiological impact of substance use.
Sexual Assault Survivor Support Group
This group is for female identified survivors of sexual assault. Members will share their experiences and feelings in an understanding and accepting environment. The group will aim to help members reduce guilt, develop coping strategies and strengthen self-esteem.
Students of Color: Releasing the Invisible Weight
Among students of color, the burden of race-related stress, stereotype threat and the imposter syndrome often adds to the stress of being a college student. This group offers undergraduate or graduate students of color a safe space to process the challenges of navigating the world, on campus and beyond.
Supporting Students with Anxiety
This group is for students who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and difficulty with stress management. This semi-structured group will provide a variety of relaxation and coping skills.
Understanding Yourself and Others
In a safe and supportive environment, this interpersonal process group offers an opportunity for undergraduate or graduate students to relate to others who are experiencing similar concerns. Group members are able to increase self-awareness by exchanging genuine and honest feedback with others.
