Group Therapy & Workshops
Group counseling is a type of psychotherapy that provides the opportunity for small groups of students to share common concerns, explore personal issues, and learn new skills under the guidance of group leaders. Workshops feel more like a class, where students learn and practice skills that address common concerns such as managing stress and anxiety, and managing difficult emotions, such as anger and depression.
For more information, or to speak with a counselor about group counseling or current workshops being offered, contact CAPS at (973) 761-9500.
Why Group Counseling?
Group counseling is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that gives participants
the opportunity to:
• Learn how to communicate more effectively, including how to express your feelings
and thoughts
• Learn about how you interact with, impact, and are perceived by others
• Experience a felt sense of acceptance and belonging
• Discover that you are not alone in the difficulties you are experiencing
• Enhance your ability to make decisions & solve problems by hearing ideas from
others
• Benefit from the experience of helping other group members
• Gain encouragement by observing the success of others
• Attend an unlimited number of group sessions!
Group Counseling Offerings
*Please note not all groups listed below may be offered during the semester and is based on student interest.
Stress and Anxiety Management Workshop
Do you feel as if you can’t stop worrying? Do other people tell you to “just relax,”
but it’s not that simple? Have you had panic attacks? This skills-focused, 4-session
workshop will teach you how to manage these feelings and provide you with support
to help you overcome your anxiety.
First in the Family Group
Are you a first-generation college student? This group aims to provide support for
college students who are the first in their families to attend college. The group
is an opportunity to relate, encourage, and support one another through shared experiences.
The group discusses topics including (but not limited to) resources, imposter syndrome,
financial stress, maintaining boundaries, networking, and family conflicts.
Managing Moods
If you would like to work on skills to better manage intense difficult emotions, such
as anger and depression, this group may be right for you. In this group, you will
have an opportunity to develop greater self-awareness and understand the relationship
between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You will also learn a variety of skills
to identify emotions, tolerate distress, and cope with difficult situations.
LGBTQIA+ Support Group
This support group offers a safe and supportive place to talk about issues that may
be affecting you, including but not limited to: identity development, interpersonal
and intimate relationships, family issues/dynamics, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia,
sexism, community issues, building support systems, accessing resources, and other
issues of interest to members. This is an open process group where students are welcome
to share their experiences.
Women of Color Support Group
This support group will provide a safe and supportive environment, for women of color
from diverse backgrounds, to discuss topics relative to their experience such as race
and ethnicity, acculturation, relationships, body image, stress management, leadership,
advocacy, and self-esteem.
Understanding Self and Others
Do you struggle in your relationships with others? The goal of this group is to build
awareness of the qualities and relational patterns which make up our relationship
style. Through interactions with other group members, you will have an opportunity
to gain a better understanding of yourself, how you relate to others, and develop
ways of using this information to improve your relationships.
Transitions
Has transitioning to college been more difficult than you expected? Have you been
experiencing homesickness? Transitions is for first year students experiencing difficulty
adjusting to college. Issues such as building relationships and managing academic
demands will be some of the many topics discussed.
Graduate Student Support
Are you a graduate student struggling with career issues, academic pressure, strained
relationships, or identity concerns? Come share perspectives with others, gain support,
and learn new ways of coping.
Good Grief
Has your life been changed by the loss of someone meaningful to you? Join others on
a journey through the grieving process as we set on a path toward healing and recovery.
This workshop is designed to help participants begin to explore, understand and ease
the painful aspects of grief.
Men’s Issues
This group is for you if you are a male student who would like a forum to discuss
personal issues pertaining to men’s psychological health. The purpose of this group
is to offer support, opportunities to give and receive feedback, and connection to
other male peers. Discussions regarding masculinity, anger, sex and relationships
will also be included.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to accept and enjoy the way you look
instead of constantly worrying about and criticizing your appearance? This group is
designed to address issues related to body image, self-esteem, and healthy eating.
You will get a clearer idea of your own beliefs about these issues and how your beliefs
influence your lifestyle and choices.
Family Matters
Family can be both a great source of support, and also a great source of stress. This
group offers students a supportive place to talk about concerns related to their family.
Some of the topics that might be discussed include: dealing with alcoholism in the
family; the role you played in your family; and how your family communicated, resolved
conflicts, and expressed emotions. This group focuses on understanding how these issues
may impact you now, and supporting each other in dealing with sources of stress associated
with our family members.
Healthy Relationships Group
Would you like a place to learn more about and discuss issues pertaining to healthy
relationships? This group will provide foundational information and utilize open group
discussion to process each week’s topic, such as discovering your communication style,
developing social skills, and setting boundaries. Group members can discuss personal
experiences and glean support and feedback resulting in greater self-awareness, introspection,
and healthier relationships!
Mindfulness Group
Do you struggle with persistent negative mood states, such as depression, unhappiness
or emotional distress? In this group you will learn how mindfulness can improve how
you feel and help you develop greater self-awareness. This group uses skills from
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, which is a treatment that has shown to be an
effective means to prevent and treat depression as well as to enhance emotional well-being.
Mindfulness training will be practiced in group and participants will be encouraged
to apply and practice their mindfulness skills throughout the week.
Connections
This group is designed to provide support for students living with a mental health-related
diagnosis. Group members will have the opportunity to share experiences, gain peer
support and acquire & share effective strategies for coping with symptoms of their
diagnosis. Participation in this group can help members establish a healthy and balanced
lifestyle.