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Getting the Most Out of Group Counseling


What Is Group Counseling?

Group counseling has been around for over 50 years and is the treatment of choice for some concerns. Rather than working individually with a clinician, a small number of students (6-8) meet regularly with one or more experienced group facilitators. Members commit to regular attendance for several sessions or throughout the semester. Groups may be structured and educational or they may be unstructured and provide an opportunity for members to interact freely and receive feedback from one another.

Why Is Group Counseling Effective?

In studies comparing individual and group counseling, group counseling has been found to be as effective as, and sometimes more effective than, individual counseling. If you think about it, our thoughts, feelings, and emotions have been shaped throughout our lives by group interactions (e.g., in family, school, social, and work groups). Group counseling is similar in that it provides a place to interact with others within a safe environment. Through group interaction participants discover that they are not alone, support one another, and learn more effective ways of coping. Many find that their relationships change or improve as a result of group participation.

Who Benefits from Group?

Many people benefit from group, regardless of the issue that originally brought them to counseling. Reasons why students join groups include:

  • challenges in relationships (e.g., family, friends, or dating relationships)
  • transition and adjustment concerns
  • anxiety and depression
  • grief, loss, or trauma
  • identity and cultural issues
  • personal growth and development

What is Group Therapy Like?

Groups are facilitated by clinicians who are trained and have experience leading groups. Most groups are facilitated by two clinicians who work together to create a safe environment and facilitate communication among group members. Groups typically meet for 90 minutes once per week for several sessions or throughout the semester. In initial sessions, group facilitators and members will discuss group norms or rules and get to know one another. In unstructured groups, facilitators encourage group members to interact with one another. Group members are encouraged to discuss their concerns, thoughts, and feelings as freely and openly as possible. As the group develops, members feel increasing comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with one another.

Not every group is alike. As mentioned previously, some groups are structured or educational in nature and focus on specific topics or concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, eating disorder, and yoga groups) and other groups are more unstructured and focus on interpersonal concerns and interaction among members (e.g., undergraduate and relationship groups). Each group is unique; the atmosphere that develops is based on the composition of the group and the motivation and commitment of each member.

How Do I Join a Group?

The first step in joining a group is to call CAPS for a telephone screening. After the telephone screening, if you are appropriate for CAPS' services, an initial consultation (IAC) appointment will be scheduled. During the IAC appointment further information will be gathered and treatment options, including group counseling, will be discussed. After the IAC appointment a group screening will be scheduled with a group facilitator. During group screening you and the group facilitator will discuss your interest in group and additional information will be provided about the group. Information about current groups can be obtained at Spring 2009 Groups Schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Group Meetings Confidential?
Confidentiality is an essential ingredient in creating a sense of safety and trust in group. Group members will not share personal information unless they are certain this information will not be discussed outside of group. Confidentiality is discussed during the first group meeting and may be reviewed periodically thereafter. Facilitators and members agree to maintain confidentiality and discuss any issues that may affect confidentiality. Based on our experience, group members recognize the importance of confidentiality and do not discuss personal information outside of group.

CAPS staff adheres to professional and ethical guidelines that allow disclosure of information about you only with your written consent. Exceptions to confidentiality include when your life or someone else's is in imminent danger or if there is a threat to the university community. When possible, you will be notified in advance if disclosure is deemed necessary. For more information about confidentiality read our Confidentiality Statement.

How Many Sessions Can I Attend?
There is no session limit for group counseling. Once a student has joined a group, she/he may continue in that group (or another group) from one semester to the next.

If I am in Group Will I need Individual Counseling?
This depends on your needs. Some students start with individual counseling and find that they no longer need regular individual sessions and are then referred to group for continuing treatment. Other students do not need individual counseling and are referred directly to a group after the IAC appointment. As mentioned above, group therapy is the treatment of choice for some concerns and may be the primary mode of treatment. For others a combination of group with periodic individual counseling appointments works best.

What Kind of Commitment Do I Need to Make?
You will be asked to attend each group session, unless there is a good reason for you not to attend. It is also important to attend group meetings on time. Most groups meet 90 minutes per week. Some meet for several sessions and some meet throughout the semester. Consistent and timely attendance is important. If a member is late or attends inconsistently, this affects how much she/he gets from the group and impacts the level of trust and safety that develops within the group.

Will I Be Forced to Talk About My Problems/What if I am Uncomfortable?
Members who share their thoughts and feelings honestly and are open to giving and receiving feedback from others tend to get the most out of group participation. Most group members feel a little anxious at first and feel more comfortable as they get to know the other members and facilitators better. This being said, groups are based on trust and respect. No one is going to pressure you to discuss issues you do not feel comfortable discussing. You always have the right (and are encouraged) to let others know if you do not feel comfortable discussing an issue or concern.

Will Others in the Group Have Similar Concerns?
Group facilitators meet with prospective group members before they participate in group, to assure that they are appropriate for group. In most groups there is a mix of members, some will have very similar concerns and others may have related but different concerns. People with different strengths and concerns often learn the most from one another, so it's important to be open-minded. Most group participants feel a little anxious at first (until they get to know one another) so it's important to be patient and give yourself (and others) time to feel more comfortable.

What Does Group Cost?
After students pay the Student Health fee there is a one-time nominal charge for group participation. The student will be billed after the first few group sessions. For further information about the cost of group participation, call CAPS at 706-542-2273.

Who Do I Talk To if I Have Additional Questions?
If you have additional questions, please visit our website or contact CAPS at 706-542-2273 for more information about groups.

Source: American Group Psychotherapy Association (2008). Group Works! Information about Group Psychotherapy.