The trust and support received from the group make it easier to try out these new behaviors. Group counseling also provides members with the opportunity to receive help or feedback from both peers and counselors. Another advantage of group therapy is that it helps people recognize that they are not alone in their concerns. Realizing that others have experienced similiar difficulties can be an encouraging and empowering experience. Most groups offered by the Counseling Center will have between 5 and 10 students.
Groups typically meet once a week for one and a half hours on the same day and time every week.
This format may vary slightly depending upon the group. Group facilitators are psychologists, counselors, and social workers. Doctoral candidates in clinical psychology may co-facilitate a group with another staff counselor. Group counselors provide guidelines to help build a trusting environment in which students can work together supportively and safely. They also help members better understand themselves and their interactions with others.