Navigating university life can be overwhelming, and it can weigh heavier on students when they feel like they must travel down certain paths alone. Having the right support system in place can make all the difference and is of the utmost importance to the University Counseling Center (UCC). With that in mind, the UCC wants to remind students it offers a variety of therapy, support, and psychoeducation groups designed to help students cope with challenges and foster personal growth.

“There’s something powerful about sitting in a room with people who just get it,” said Luana Nan, psychologist and group program coordinator at UCC. “Group counseling lets students break down walls, connect on a deeper level, and realize they’re not navigating their struggles alone. It’s where the real breakthroughs happen.”

With a range of group offerings available, students are encouraged to explore which fits best with a UCC counselor. Let’s explore the three main types of groups offered: therapy groups, support groups, and psychoeducational groups.

Therapy groups: A space for healing and growth

Therapy groups at UCC focus on developing interpersonal and individual skills, creating a safe space for students to work on vulnerability, trust, and healing.

• Who they help: These groups include sessions for undergraduate students, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) graduate students, and those struggling with anxiety.
• How They Help: Therapy groups offer a confidential environment where students can openly share their experiences, receive feedback from their peers, and gain insights from outside perspectives. It’s a supportive setting where participants can explore their emotions and begin the process of healing.
• Entry Point: Students must be referred by a UCC counselor following a consultation. These groups are offered both in person and virtually. Weekly attendance is encouraged to build consistency, and the group dynamic helps create lasting connections that promote personal growth.

Support groups: Building community through shared experiences

Support groups provide a communal space where students facing specific life challenges can connect with others in similar situations.

• Who They Help: These groups offer support to students dealing with grief, chronic illness, interpersonal violence, gender identity exploration, LGBTQ+ issues, and spirituality (faith and doubt).
• How They Help: By offering a safe space to share experiences, support groups foster a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. Students are given the opportunity to form meaningful connections with peers who truly understand their struggles.
• Entry Point: Like therapy groups, support groups require a referral from a UCC counselor after a consultation. These groups are offered both in person and virtually. Weekly attendance is encouraged to help maintain a sense of continuity and build stronger bonds among participants.

Psychoeducational groups: Learning practical skills for life

Psychoeducational groups focus on equipping students with practical skills they can use in their everyday lives.

• Who they help: These groups are for students interested in covering topics such as emotional regulation, mindfulness, navigating crisis situations, building interpersonal relationships, and having difficult conversations.
• How They Help: Psychoeducational groups are different from therapy and support groups in that students are not required to share personal stories. The emphasis is on learning and applying practical skills in a structured environment.
• Entry Point: As with the other groups, students need a referral from a UCC counselor after a consultation. These groups run for 10 weeks and include a didactic component, providing students with a solid framework of knowledge and tools. These groups meet online, making it easier for students to attend and participate regardless of their schedule or location.

How to get involved

Students interested in joining any of these groups can begin by scheduling a consultation with a UCC counselor. During the consultation, the counselor will assess which group might be the best fit based on the student’s needs and goals.

Whether you’re looking to navigate personal challenges, find a supportive community, or build valuable life skills, the University Counseling Center’s group sessions offer an opportunity to connect with others and grow in a safe, collaborative environment. By engaging in these groups, students can benefit from shared experiences, practical guidance, and the comfort of knowing they’re part of a collective journey. The support you need might be just one conversation away.

Please consult the attached flyers for specific group details.