Group Counseling is different than Support groups. Support groups offer resources and coping for students with similar experiences. Learn more about CAPS support groups.

Group counseling helps students improve their inter-personal relationships. Currently enrolled students meet for 1.5 hours in-person weekly with other members and 1 or 2 clinicians to explore new ways of coping, behaving, and interacting with others. There are no fees for students to participate in a group.

Benefits of group counseling:

• Opportunity for students to participate in ongoing groups during the academic year.
• Groups will stay on the same day, same time, and have at least one of the same co-leaders throughout the semester.
• Consistency in group offerings allows students to prioritize the day and time of their desired group when scheduling classes for the following semester

If you are interested in more information about group counseling please contact your individual CAPS clinician or call CAPS for an Access Visit and ask about group counseling.

Below are descriptions of our currently offered groups:

Understanding Self and Others

This group is a good fit for those who may feel socially isolated, have difficulties connecting with others, suffer from excessive self-criticism, or have problems asserting themselves in relationships. In this group, members give feedback to each other by expressing their thoughts and feelings about what others say or do in a group. Members also share about themselves and relate to each other's experiences, enabling members to provide much-needed support to one another. One unique feature of this experience is that facilitators try to make it safe for members to try out new behaviors such as increasing assertiveness or improving communication skills. Members are also encouraged to ask other members for feedback in order to learn more about themselves and how others might perceive them. The main goal is for group members is to determine possible changes that might improve their connections and interactions with others and themselves and then begin making these changes. Understanding Self and Others groups are a good match for those wanting a mixture of support and feedback regarding their goals and how they relate to others.

Creative Arts Group

The Creative Arts Group is a process-oriented group that focuses on connecting to internal experiences through the process of creating art. This can help improve mental health symptoms, promote self-awareness, and explore interpersonal concerns by tuning into emotional experiences. Students can find release and expression through the creative process and sharing that follows. Students can expect: access to a variety of art supplies, a safe and supportive environment to openly share without judgement, confidentiality, prompts to assist in intrapersonal reflection, and space to express themselves.

Who is a good fit?

• Clients who enjoy/want to be creative as way to explore their mental health concerns and tune into their emotions
• All art skill levels
• Clients who want space to discuss mental health concerns at their own pace and capacity
• Clients who are looking for a mental health space that allows for alternative forms of communication

Summer 2024 Group Offerings