Group Therapy at UB

Group therapy is one of the primary modes of treatment offered by UB Counseling Services. Each semester a variety of different types of groups are offered. UBCS offers, therapy, discussion and psycho-educational groups each semester. Specific information about the types of groups currently is listed below for information on how to join a group call Counseling Services at 645-2720 and ask to speak with a counselor.

What is a Therapy Group?

In a therapy group, six to eight people meet face-to-face with two or more trained group therapists and talk about what is troubling them. Members give feedback to each other by expressing their own feelings about what someone says or does. This interaction gives group members an opportunity to try out new ways of behaving and to learn more about the way they interact with others. What makes the situation unique is that it is a safe system. The content of the group sessions is confidential; what members talk about or disclose is not discussed outside the group. Members work to establish a level of trust that allows them to talk personally and honestly. Group trust is enhanced when all members make a commitment to the group.

Why Does Group Therapy Work?

When people come into a group and interact freely with other group members, they usually recreate those difficulties that brought them to group therapy in the first place. Under the skilled direction of the group therapists, the group is able to give support, offer alternatives, or gently confront the person. In this way the difficulty becomes resolved, alternative behaviors are learned, and the person develops new social techniques or ways of relating to people. During group therapy, people begin to see that they are not alone. Many people feel they are unique because of their problems, and it is encouraging to hear that other people have similar difficulties. In the climate of trust provided by the group, people feel free to care about and help each other.

What do I talk about when I am in group therapy?

Talk about what brought you to the Counseling Services in the first place. Tell the group members what is bothering you. If you need support, let the group know. If you think you need confrontation, let them know this also. It is important to tell people what you expect of them. Unexpressed feelings are a major reason why people experience difficulties. Revealing your feelings - self-disclosure - is an important part of group and affects how much you will be helped. The appropriate disclosures will be those that relate directly to your present difficulty. How much you talk about yourself depends upon what you are comfortable with. If you have any questions about what might or might not be helpful, you can always ask the group.

Common Misperceptions about Group Therapy

1. "I will be forced to tell all of my deepest thoughts, feelings and secrets to the group."
   You control what, how much, and when you share with the group. Most people find that when they feel safe enough to share what is troubling them, a group can be very helpful and affirming. We encourage you not to share what you are not ready to disclose. However, you can also be helped by listening to others and thinking about how what they are saying might apply to you.
2. "Group therapy will take longer than individual therapy because I will have to share the time with others."
   Actually, group therapy is often more efficient than individual therapy for two reasons. First, you can benefit from the group even during sessions when you say little but listen carefully to others. You will find that you have much in common with other group members, and as they work on a concern, you can learn more about yourself. Secondly, group members will often bring up issues that strike a chord with you, but that you might not have been aware of or brought up yourself.
3. "I will be verbally attacked by the leaders and by other group members."
   It is very important that group members feel safe. Group leaders are there to help develop a safe environment. Feedback is often difficult to hear. As group members come to trust and accept one another, they generally experience feedback and even confrontation as a sign of caring. One of the benefits of group therapy is the opportunity to receive feedback from others in a supportive environment. It is rare to find friends who will gently point out how you might be behaving in ways that hurt yourself or others, but this is precisely what group can offer. This will be done in a respectful, gentle way, so that you can hear it and make use of it.
4. "Group therapy is second-best to individual therapy."
   Group therapy is being recommended to you because your intake counselor believes that it is the best way to address your concerns. We do not put people into group therapy because we don't have space in individual therapy, or because we want to save time. We recommend group when it is the most effective method to help you. Your intake counselor can discuss with you why group is what we recommend for you.
5. "I have so much trouble talking to people; I'll never be able to share in a group."
   Most people are anxious about being able to talk in group. Almost without exception, within a few sessions people find that they do begin to talk in the group. Group members remember what it is like to be new to the group, so you will most likely get a lot of support for beginning to talk in the group.

Group counseling available at Counseling Services

Counseling Services offers a variety of weekly groups. Groups are open to all registered students; there is no fee for participation in a group. Interested students should call Counseling Services at 645-2720.

Fall 2008 Group Descriptions

A safe environment to connect with other students while increasing your self awareness.

A safe environment to talk about what it means to be a woman in relationships and identity.

A safe environment to talk about what it means to be a man in relationships and identity.

A discussion group exploring adjustment and cultural issues faced by international students.

6-session group to minimize the negative effects of alcohol/drug use on your health, relationships, and academics. This group is also for individuals who have experienced an alcohol/drug related incident that places them at risk for further problems associated with substance use.

Exploring special issues faced by graduate and non-traditional students.

Eight session structured group that focuses on eating disorder and body image issues. This group will provide education; explore triggers and patterns, as well as effective ways to implement behavioral changes. It will also assist participants in understanding the contributing factors, function and role of these issues in their lives.

5-week group that provides coping skills to decrease stress and anxiety and improve emotional well being.

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