Facilitated by a professional, support and therapy groups provide a sympathetic environment in which to work with other S.U. students with similar concerns. For information about groups currently being offered, or to request a particular group, please contact us.
A variety of groups are offered each quarter. The following groups are being offered Spring Term 2013:
- Re-Connections
- A Group for Every Body
- FLOW
- Not Alone
- Stress Busters
- Anxiety Group: Staying Present with a Tiger
If you can't find the group for you or have an idea for a forum or workshop, feel free to let us know! CAPS staff is interested in your ideas and will consider offering groups on requested topics. Call us or e-mail us - we'd like to hear your suggestions.
All groups require a pre-group screening appointment in order to learn more about the group and whether it will meet your particular needs. Please make an appointment by calling 206.296.6090 or stopping by CAPS office located in P120 in the Pigott Pavilion for Leadership.
What is a therapy group?
A therapy group consists of a small number of people, usually not more than eight, and one or two trained group therapists. Group therapy offers the opportunity to join a small group of students who share common concerns. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe as well as challenging place in which to work on personal and interpersonal concerns.
Members can discuss perceptions of each other and receive feedback on how they are perceived by others. Therapy groups are different from other groups in that everything that happens in the group is confidential; members agree not to disclose anything that occurs in group to others outside of the group.
Group members work together with the therapist to establish trust and commitment to the group so that members feel free to talk openly and honestly. Groups are designed to foster active learning, a place to work on problems rather that just talk about them. Members often experience the same difficulties in group that they have elsewhere. The group, with the help of the therapist, is able to give support and understanding, offer suggestions, or gently confront the person.
Groups offer opportunities to experiment with different ways of communicating with others and to try new behaviors. Those who benefit most are those who take an active part in the process and who allow themselves to give and receive honest, helpful feedback. In an atmosphere of mutual concern, members can care about and help each other.