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Group therapy is a powerful venue for growth and change. Not only do students receive tremendous understanding, support and encouragement from others facing similar issues, but they also gain different perspectives, ideas and viewpoints on those issues. Most students, though somewhat apprehensive at first, report that the group experience was helpful far beyond their expectations.

We offer group therapy at the Counseling Center because it works for students. We are convinced that group therapy is one of the most effective tools for addressing issues common among college students. Groups are composed of about 6-8 male and female students along with a professional group leader who meet for 1 ½ hours a week. Members are asked to commit to attending group for a minimum of one semester to allow time to establish trusting relationships and to develop them to the point of working through issues that might emerge. A wide variety of topics and issues will be addressed in a therapy group. Such issues may include difficulty being assertive, self-esteem, sharing deep feelings, managing emotions and relationships.

There is no charge for group counseling at Hamilton’s Counseling Center. Students who may be interested in joining a therapy group should contact the Counseling Center at #4340.  Groups form at the beginning of the semester, so we urge anyone interested to plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Group Therapy

What is group therapy?

Group therapy is a form of treatment that allows participants to learn about themselves and their relationships with others, and to address personal difficulties that are often shared by some other members of the group. A significant benefit of group therapy includes not feeling so alone with your concerns since others in the group will likely have experienced similar things. Also, the interactions members have with each other in the group will parallel interactions they have with people outside of the group. This allows members to learn about their reactions and practice taking risks with new strategies for interacting with others in the safe environment of the group. These insights and new ways of interacting can then be transferred to relationships outside of the group with the aim of improving them.

How does group therapy work?

In group therapy, 6-8 members meet with a trained leader for 1 ½ hours each week. Members are asked to commit to attending group for a minimum of one semester. This is to allow the time to establish trusting relationships and to develop them to the point of working through issues that might emerge such as difficulty being assertive, being vulnerable, or sharing deep feelings. Learning in the group occurs through participation. However, members can also learn about themselves by listening and observing the interactions of others. No one is forced to discuss issues they are not ready to discuss.

Is there a structured format in group therapy?

There is no agenda. It is up to group members to determine what they want to work on each week. Often there is continuity from week to week related to the topics raised. Topics might include self-esteem, relationships, family of origin, life roles, dealing with emotions, among many others. The leaders work with the group to facilitate meaningful interaction and attend to identified problems or areas of dissatisfaction in the member’s lives. Also, leaders and members too, over time, begin to address issues, feelings and dynamics that come up among members in the group in the here and now. This is a very powerful means of learning about you, and and about changing pattens of behavior that are not working.

Can I be in individual and group counseling at the same time?

Group therapy is often the ideal form of therapy for college students since a primary focus of group is on relationships and understanding and managing feelings. These are common issues for students. Group therapy alone can be a sufficient means of dealing with these issues. However, some students benefit from both individual and group therapy. The professionals at the Counseling Center can help you decide what forms of therapy may be best for you.

How Do I Join a Group?

Contact the Counseling Center by calling 315-859-4340 or by coming to the office on the second floor of the Student Health Center Building from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday. When you do, just tell the person who greets you that you are interested in possibly joining a therapy group.