Group Counseling
Spring 2024 Groups:
Adventure Group (in-Person) Thursdays, 3-5 p.m.
The Adventure Group is designed to change up traditional therapy and bring people into outdoor experiences and adventures. This group will utilize the many outdoor resources available on campus and push beyond our comfort zones. This group is for students looking to build self-esteem, personal identity, and better interpersonal relationships. It will also help students to better understand themselves as there will be intentional moments to debrief our experiences and learn from the adventures.
Expressive Art Therapy Process Group (In-Person) Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Students express themselves using visual media to produce individual and group art in a confidential therapeutic setting. The creative process, resulting artwork, and group dynamics help students better understand themselves, learn effective communication skills, and improve relationships. No artistic talent is required, simply a willingness to engage in creativity and conversation so that group members may learn, grow, and heal. Group meets weekly.
Grief and Loss (In-Person) Tuesdays, 3-4:30 p.m.
A process group that provides the opportunity for connection and comfort as you process your loss in a safe environment.
LGBTQ+ Process Group (In-Person) Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m.
This is an interpersonal process group focusing on issues and experiences in the LGBTQ+ community. Members offer support to each other, provide feedback, explore intimacy and self-esteem issues, develop insight, and increase self- confidence. Topics are based on current group member concerns. Group meets weekly.
Narrative Therapy Group – The Group That Must Not Be Named (In-Person) Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.
Discover the magic that lies inside you. Strengthen your skills to fight the dementors of anxiety and depression. The words and stories we tell ourselves are powerful spells. Learn to cast new spells of empowerment and confidence while having fun at the same time. Inspired by the Harry Potter stories, this is an expressive arts group that uses art, writing and storytelling to illuminate the "magic" that is within all of us. You do not need to have read the books or have seen the movies to participate. Group meets weekly for 6 weeks.
Relationships 101 (In-Person) Tuesdays, 3-4:30 p.m.
In this group you will discuss all types of relationships, such as romantic partners, roommates, friendships, and family. Group members process critical aspects of relationships, including psychoeducation and skills building. Members will share personal experiences and learn how to initiate, strengthen, or recover from a breakup. Group meets weekly.
The Men's Group (In- Person) Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m.
This insight-oriented group explores the nature of men and topics pertaining to them based on social, cultural, and contextual norms. Session focus will largely be determined by group members. Facilitators will provide psychoeducation on internal and external factors that affect men’s lifetime development. Themes include identity formation, relationships, values, behaviors, and emotions. Through self-disclosure and honest feedback group members will learn more about themselves and their relationships in a therapeutic setting.
Understanding Self and Others (In-Person)- Mondays, 1:00-2:30 p.m., Tuesdays, 1-2:30 p.m., Wednesdays, 3-4:30 p.m., Thursdays, 3-4:30 p.m., Fridays, 11-12:30 p.m., (Virtual) Fridays, 3-4:30 p.m.
The Understanding Self and Others (USO) groups are insight-oriented groups that provide a safe environment for exploring personal growth through connections with others. This group is for students wanting to better understand themselves and their relationships and will allow for the opportunity to provide and receive honest feedback in a therapeutic setting. Members guide session focus. Group meets weekly.
Understanding Self and Others BIPOC Edition (In-Person)- Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m.
A dedicated space for students to discuss stressors that affect the BIPOC community as well as receive and offer support to each other. As an interpersonal process group, we will also work to develop insight, and increase compassion for self and others through the connection with peers in a therapeutic setting. Sessions will be guided by group members, with support from facilitator. Group meets weekly.
Current Workshops
Expressive Arts Therapy Open Studio (In-Person)- Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. & Fridays, 1-3 p.m.
Learn how to utilize art making and creative processes to enhance coping with life’s stressors by attending an in-person Open Art Therapy Studio workshop. Participants do not have to be present for the entire time and are welcome to use materials to make whatever they would like to create the art activity. *Previous art experience is not required – the emphasis is on the creative process rather than on the product.
Creative Journaling Workshop (In-Person)- Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m.
Discover your inner voice through writing and art. Take time to explore who you are and who you want to be. Find comradery and inspiration with others.
What is Group Counseling and Why Join?Group counseling is a powerful and effectual way for students to share, give and receive support, as well as to learn and heal. Many students can benefit from counseling in a group format and all the information shared remains confidential. Therapy groups are free and open to all currently enrolled UNF students. Group works! In studies comparing group psychotherapy to individual counseling, group therapy has been shown to be as effective and sometimes even more effective than individual counseling. Group therapy offers the opportunity for students to learn new skills, to share concerns as well as inherent wisdom in a facilitated environment with other students. Some groups are focused on common concerns, such as anxiety, relationships, and self-understanding while other groups offer an opportunity for students with a shared identity to gather and connect in community.
How Do I Join a Group?Not all of our groups require an initial assessment prior to participation, and some are open/drop-in groups, meaning you are welcome to join even if you are not an established client of the center. If you are not already a client of our center and want to participate in a group that requires an initial assessment, you are invited to contact the center to schedule an appointment. During this appointment, you will have an opportunity to talk with a counselor about your immediate concerns and interest in group therapy. This appointment will provide you an opportunity to learn more about the various groups that are offered and to determine if the group format would be a good match for you! |
