Group Counseling
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About Group Counseling
The UCC provides several options, including support groups, therapy groups, and psychoeducational groups.
Unlike individual counseling at the UCC, there is no limit to the number of times you can come to group. These services were developed and are provided by highly trained and compassionate therapists. Moreover, these resources are free and and easily accessible, either in person or from your computer or phone.
For more information about a group you might be interested in, email the corresponding group facilitators, mentioned below.
Students looking to join a therapy or a support group, please, schedule an initial consultation online or by calling the UCC Front Desk at 801-581-6826.
Types of Group Counseling
Support groups
Support groups provide an atmosphere conducive to sharing your concerns with others whose lives are impacted by similar issues. The focus is on providing a space for validation, encouragement, and mutual understanding. Support groups do not emphasize dynamics occurring between members, nor do they emphasize change.
Students looking to join a support group, please, schedule an initial consultation online or by calling the UCC at 801-581-6826.
Healing Connections
Tuesdays from 1:30 - 3:00 PM (in person, SSB)
A group for students who mourn the death of a loved one, prividing a supportive space for grieving and healing.
Email the group facilitator, Luana Nan, at LNan@sa.utah.edu, for more information about the group.
Taking Up Space
Tuesdays from 5:30-7:00 PM (virtual)
In a world that expects women to be small and quiet, thi group offers opportunity for connection and empowerment.
Email the group facilitator, Erin Norris, at ENorris@sa.utah.edu, for more information about the group.
Beyond Binaries
Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30 PM (in-person)
A weekly support group for transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, and gender-queer folx to safely explore identity & create a supportive community.
Email the group facilitator, Keri Frantell, at KFrantell@sa.utah.edu, for more information about the group.
Faith and Doubt
Thursdays from 3:30-5:00 PM (virtual)
For individuals questioning issues related to religion and faith. This gorup explores the impact of spiritual doubt on community, identity, and beliefs.
Email the group facilitator, Breanna Lambert, at BLambert@sa.utah.edu, for more information about the group.
Chai and Chat
Thursdays, from 4:00 - 5:00 PM (virtual)
A safe space for international students to share their experiences and discuss difficulties, challenges and amusement.
Email the group facilitator, Sui Zhang, at SZhang@sa.utah.edu, for more information about the group.
Therapy, psychoeducational, and interpersonal process groups
These types of groups go beyond providing a space for sharing feedback and support. They allow participants to gain multiple perspectives, practice skills, try out new behaviors, and learn how to have more satisfying relationships. Interpersonal dynamics occurring between members may be emphasized, often leading to enhanced personal growth.
Students interested in joining a therapy or psychoeducational group, please, schedule an initial consultation online or by calling the Counseling Center at 801-581-6826.
Graduate Student Self-Compassion Group
Tuesdays from 2-3:30pm (virtual)
The group fosters self- compassion & meaningful connection with other graduate students experiencing imposterism or lack of belonging. Students also discuss themes of loneliness and isolation in their programs and from others given their program demands.
Loneliness and Connection
Mondays from 3-4:30pm (in person, SSB)
An interpersonal process group where members explore concerns, clarify values & consider cultural factors in deepening interpersonal connection.
Men's Self-Compassion
Mondays from 3-4:30pm (in person - SSB)
Men jointly explore masculinity & vulnerability through mindfulness & compassion instead of self-criticism, guilt & shame.
CREATIVITY AND MINDFULNESS
Mondays from 1 - 2:30pm (in person-SSB)
This group is an opportunity to connect with others through creative activities like expressive art, writing, music exploration and guided meditation.
Just Roll with It: Dungeons and Dragons and Therapy
Tuesdays from 3:30 - 5:00pm (in person - SSB)
Participants address interpersonal goals such as making connections, building trust, and deepening relationships while playing the tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons.
Reclaiming Our Voices
Tuesdays from 3 - 4:30pm (in person - SSB)
A 9-week structured group for femal identified students who are survivors of interpersonal violence. Group provides psychoeducation and space for healing.
Attached
Wednesdays, from 3:30 - 5 pm (in person - SSB)
Group explores who we are in relationships, and addresses chronic interpersonal stress caused by people pleasing, relationship anxiety and co-dependency.
Surviving and Succeeding in Grad School (All gender)
Wednesdays from 3 - 4:30 pm (virtual)
Participants from various disciplines provide social & emotional support for achievement of personal & academic goals.
If You Are Lonely, This is For You
Tuesdays from 3-4:30pm (in person, SSB)
“Loneliness, longing, does not mean one has failed, but simply that one is alive.”
― Olivia Laing.
This is a group for anyone who feels alone in our lonely world and wants to experience greater connection with themselves and others.
BIPOC Graduate Student Therapy Group
Tuesdays from 10-11:30 am (in person, SSB)
An all-gender weekly therapy group for BIPOC students to gain support, engage in discussion about relevant topics, and foster community connection.
EMBODY
Thursdays from 2 - 3:30pm (in person-SSB)
A group for women and femme seeking to empower ourselves and to heal our relationships with our bodies.
Questions?
For general questions about group services, please contact Luana Nan by phone at 801-581-6826 or click the button below to send an email.
Common Myths about Group Therapy
- "I am scared group members will talk about what I said outside the group."
Each group member agrees to the confidentiality of the information shared in the group
prior to joining the group. What is said in groups must remain among the members of
the group in order for all members to feel safe and trusting in the group. It is not
appropriate for a group member to disclose events of the group to an outside person
or other group members outside of group meetings. While the group leaders cannot guarantee
that members will maintain confidentiality outside the group, this is thoroughly discussed
and agreed upon with each member prior to joining the group.
- "Group therapy will take longer because I will have to share the time with others."
Actually, group therapy is often more efficient than individual therapy for two reasons.
First, you can benefit from the group by listening carefully to others and their experiences.
You will find that you have much in common with other group members, and, as they
work on a concern, you can learn more about yourself. Secondly, group members will
often bring up issues that strike a chord with you, but that you might not have been
aware of or brought up yourself.
- "Group therapy is second-best to individual therapy."
Group therapy offers many benefits that are not as available with individual therapy.
One reason for this is that groups are composed of various personalities, experiences,
and coping strategies. The strengths of each individual group member can serve as
a model for other group members who are still learning about those skills and strengths.
In everyday life it is often difficult to get useful and reliable information about
yourself from others. People seldom take the time to carefully observe others as well
as themselves, and the social constraints against giving others honest feedback inhibits
the sharing of observations that could be helpful and instructive. By contrast, group
members do take the time to observe and share impressions in honest and caring ways.
- "I have so much trouble talking to people; I'll never be able to share in a group."
Most people are anxious about being able to talk in group. Almost without exception,
within a few sessions people find that they do begin to talk in the group. The other
group members understand what it is like to be new to the group, so you will most
likely get a lot of support for beginning to talk in the group, particularly from
the group leaders.
- "I will be forced to tell all of my deepest thoughts, feelings and secrets to the group."
Just like in individual therapy, you control what, how much, and when you share with
the group. Most people find that when they feel safe enough to share what is troubling
them, a group can be very helpful and affirming. Group members and leaders may invite
you to share your fear of opening up to the group, but will also respect your decision
not to share. We encourage you only to disclose what you are comfortable discussing.
However, you can also be helped by listening to others and reflecting on how what
they’ve shared may apply to you as well. As the group continues to develop and build
safety, most people find themselves more comfortable to communicate openly.
- "I am afraid I will be judged or criticized by the leaders or other group members."
It is very important that members feel safe in the group. Group leaders are there to help develop a safe environment and will work to maintain a constructive and caring atmosphere. We understand that feedback from others may at times be difficult to hear. A benefit of group therapy is receiving feedback from others who are trying to help, while also having a trained group leader present to facilitate the conversation. Group may be one of the only places in which you can receive honest and supportive feedback about how you might be behaving in ways that are hurtful to yourself or others. Group leaders will help members give feedback in a way that is respectful, thoughtful, and constructive.
Many thanks to the University of San Diego Counseling Center for permission to use and adapt their group information website.
Is Group Therapy Right for Me?
Groups Personal Checklist
If you identify with any of the points on the checklist, group therapy may be the ideal option!