Group Therapy

Groups

Group options at MHS (Mental Health Service) range from interpersonal therapy groups to semi-structured groups on specific topics. Individuals interested in participating in group therapy can (1) request a group therapy referral during an Initial Consultation appointment, or (2) discuss options with their current MHS therapist.

Please note: Some offerings are (in-person) while others will be (virtual).

Special Topic Groups:

Do you feel stressed, nervous, or even anxious? This 3-part educational series focuses on what anxiety is, what happens when your anxious, and how to manage your anxiety.

Thursdays 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Seminar 1: Sept 14, 21, 28

Seminar 2: Oct 12, 19, 26

Seminar 3: Nov 2, 9, 16

Always accepting new members but must call to register for the group as it is virtual through Microsoft Teams

This group is intended for the exploration of issues affecting neurodivergent people. Topics covered include burnout, communication, relationships, special interests, stimming, and more. A formal diagnosis of Autism or ADHD is not needed to join. 

Tuesdays 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Sept 12, 19, 26

Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Nov 7, 14

Last day to register for this group is Monday, September 11 

Students explore a variety of topics, speak about their personal experiences and receive group support. These groups typically emphasize relationships, interpersonal skills, feedback, and strategies to feel more connected with others.

Wednesdays 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Sept 13, 20, 27

Oct 4, 11, 18, 25

Nov 1, 8, 15, 29

Last day to register for this group is Tuesday September 12

Graduate school can be a uniquely challenging time--networking, career planning, balancing academics with other life roles and responsibilities, and navigating relationships with advisors and classmates are just a few of the stressors graduate students typically experience. It is not uncommon to struggle with imposter syndrome and to feel isolated, stuck, and uncertain about dissertations and career trajectories. This group will provide a safe and confidential space for graduate students of any discipline to authentically share their experiences, connect with peers, and receive support and feedback from each other.

Thursday 3:00 - 4:15 pm

Sept 14, 21, 28

Oct 12,19, 26

Nov 2, 9, 16

No registration needed

Join a four-week session to learn skills to help build and strengthen connections with others.  Discussion based group on navigating the difficulties that come with networking and other social situations. Work to process and build skills to overcome social challenges.

Located at the French House

Wednesdays 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Session A: Sept 20, 27, Oct 11, 18

Session B: Oct 25, Nov 1, 8, 15

Last day to register for Session A is Tuesday September 19
Last day to register for Session B is Tuesday October 24

Are you a Woman of Color looking for a safe space on campus to share and grow?  This group is intended to provide a safe space for Women of Color to share experiences, perspectives and feelings with others who may share in their experience. This group will be led by a Woman of Color, who also happens to be a Licensed Mental Health Professional. 

Fridays 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Sept 15, 22, 29

Oct 6, 13, 20, 27

Nov 3, 10, 17

No registration needed

This group will provide a safe environment to process challenges that are unique to men such as: relationship, family, grief, emotional stress, career choices, anxieties, loneliness etc. This group will also provide an opportunity for self-development and personal growth. Members will be able to learn from each other's experiences and receive feedback.

Tuesdays 3:00-  4:30 pm

Sept 12, 19, 26

Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Nov 7, 14, 21, 28

No registration needed

FAQs

Group counseling offers a safe environment in which to give and receive support, explore healthy behaviors, and develop new ways of coping. It allows an opportunity to learn more about oneself and others in a climate of trust and mutual support.

Group therapy can help…

  • Enhance social skills and intimacy
  • Improve confidence navigating difficult relationships
  • Decrease loneliness and isolation
  • Learn to deal with losses more effectively
  • Diminish feelings of helplessness
  • Build self-esteem and mastery
  • Resolve feelings of shame
  • Confront and change problematic behavior
  • Instill hope

Most therapy groups consist of 5-10 members and run for 90 minutes once per week. Seminars, which incorporate education and skill building, may be somewhat larger. Students have the opportunity to meet with the facilitator(s) in advance to discuss their interest in therapy groups, while seminars can be attended on a drop-in basis. Most students participating in group therapy feel apprehension at the start but find the experience to highly beneficial and positive.

Be Yourself. Start from where you are, not from how you think others want you to be. This might mean asking questions, expressing anger, or communicating confusion or hopelessness. Change begins with whatever you feel free to disclose.

Give and Receive Feedback. The purpose of feedback is to help others identify patterns, personal presentations, unrecognized attitudes, and inconsistencies. Feedback delivered in a respectful, caring manner can be one of the most effective ways to deepen any relationship.

Take Risks. Experiment with different ways of behaving and expressing yourself. By taking risks, you can discover what works for you and what does not. This may mean expressing difficult feelings, asserting disagreement, or sharing information you usually keep secret.

Focus on What is Important to You. Through talking about your concerns, the group will help you recognize patterns. Aim for dialogue that fosters an understanding of your experiences (i.e., main ideas, thoughts and feelings).

Be Patient with Yourself. Growth takes time, effort and patience. Changing what has become an integral part of ourselves can be difficult and slow. By having patience with ourselves and understanding roadblocks, we set the foundation for growth and change.

Give the Group Time to Develop. It can take a number of sessions before group members begin to have sufficient trust and security to be open and honest. Make a commitment to attend so that you can benefit more from the group experience.

Adapted from Counseling & Testing Center - University of Oregon