Some students who seek counseling move directly into a counseling group, while others have first been involved in individual counseling. A decision about group participation is made jointly by the student and the counselor who will be facilitating the group. In group counseling, six to eight students meet together with a counselor to address personal issues. Most Counseling Service groups are focused on a particular issue, such as recovery from sexual assault, grief, or stress management. Groups typically meet for 90 minutes in the evening, once a week, for 8-10 weeks.
Some groups do follow other schedules.
Before a group begins, the counselor who will be the facilitator decides on the primary focus and structure of the group, selects a meeting time and place, and meets with students who are interested in participating. Once the membership of the group is finalized and the group begins meeting, no new members may join the group. The interaction of the group members is the chief vehicle for accomplishing goals. Members are encouraged to talk openly about their own issues, thoughts, feelings and behavior and to give honest and considerate feedback to each other. Along with encouraging and guiding group interaction, the counselor may also share information, teach skills, and suggest relevant activities that group members can do individually in between sessions.