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Counseling and Psychological Services

Services

Group Counseling

Group Counseling is different than Support groups. Support groups offer resources and coping for students with similar experiences. Learn more about CAPS support groups.

Group counseling helps students improve their inter-personal relationships. Currently enrolled students meet for 1.5 hours in-person weekly with other members and 1 or 2 clinicians to explore new ways of coping, behaving, and interacting with others. There are no fees for students to participate in a group.

Benefits of group counseling:

  • Opportunity for students to participate in ongoing groups during the academic year.
  • Groups will stay on the same day, same time, and have at least one of the same co-leaders throughout the semester.
  • Consistency in group offerings allows students to prioritize the day and time of their desired group when scheduling classes for the following semester

If you are interested in more information about group counseling please contact your individual CAPS clinician or call CAPS for an Access Visit and ask about group counseling.

Below are descriptions of our currently offered groups:

Understanding Self and Others

This group is a good fit for those who may feel socially isolated, have difficulties connecting with others, suffer from excessive self-criticism, or have problems asserting themselves in relationships. In this group, members give feedback to each other by expressing their thoughts and feelings about what others say or do in a group. Members also share about themselves and relate to each other's experiences, enabling members to provide much-needed support to one another. One unique feature of this experience is that facilitators try to make it safe for members to try out new behaviors such as increasing assertiveness or improving communication skills. Members are also encouraged to ask other members for feedback in order to learn more about themselves and how others might perceive them. The main goal is for group members is to determine possible changes that might improve their connections and interactions with others and themselves and then begin making these changes. Understanding Self and Others groups are a good match for those wanting a mixture of support and feedback regarding their goals and how they relate to others.

Music Therapy Group

Much like the standard Understanding Self and Others group, the music group seeks to help individuals struggling with interpersonal concerns.  The music group is unique in that participants will process and engage in dialogue through the creative use of music. In this space, participants will be encouraged to express their thoughts, reactions, and overall connection to one another after the introduction of a musical selection provided by facilitators or group members. This group is a good fit for individuals who struggle to express themselves as well as for those who would like to enhance their awareness and interpersonal skills through the use of the arts.

Grad(graduate) Student Group

The Grad group is a process-oriented group with a focus on helping graduate students process their unique and collective experiences. This group is a good fit for those who struggle with interpersonal concerns, isolation, anxiety, or feelings of being overwhelmed due to the rigor of graduate academics and obligations. Individuals who participant in this group can expect to be engaged in open dialogue that serves to connect, increase understanding, and self-awareness. This group does not have a specific topic of discussion. Thus, the participants are encouraged to honor their goals and to highlight the important aspects of their graduate journey. Criteria: Currently enrolled UH graduate student 

Navigating Social Waters

This group is for students who feel anxious about interacting with others or being the center of attention (e.g., giving a presentation). These students will most likely benefit from learning about their anxiety and learning tools to combat it, which is the focus of this group. This group will provide coping skills and techniques, as well as discussion of thoughts and feelings that occur in the group sessions. The small group format provides an unbeatable opportunity for members to practice engaging in interpersonal situations in new ways.

Fall 2024 Group Offerings

DAY TIME TOPIC
Tuesdays 11:30am - 1pm Navigating Social Waters
Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:30pm Understanding Self and Others (in-person)
Tuesdays 5:00 - 6:30pm Understanding Self and Others (in-person)
Wednesdays 3:00 - 4:30pm Understanding Self and Others (in-person)
Thursdays 10:00am - 11:30am Music Therapy Understanding Self and Others (in-person)
Thursdays 2:30 - 4:00pm Understanding Self and Others (in-person)
Thursdays 5:00 - 6:30pm Grad Group
Fridays 2:00 - 3:30pm Understanding Self and Others (in-person)