Group Counseling and Current Support Groups
Introduction
The Counseling Service offers counseling groups each semester, along with individual and couples counseling. Some students who seek counseling move directly into a counseling group, while others have first been involved in individual counseling. A decision about group participation is made jointly by the student and the counselor who will be facilitating the group.
What is group counseling?
In group counseling, six to eight students meet together with a counselor to address personal issues. Most Counseling Service groups are focused on a particular issue, such as recovery from sexual assault, grief, or stress management.
Groups typically meet for 90 minutes in the evening, once a week, for 8 to 10 weeks. Some groups do follow other schedules. Before a group begins, the counselor who will be the facilitator decides on the primary focus and structure of the group, selects a meeting time and place, and meets with students who are interested in participating.Once the membership of the group is finalized and the group begins meeting, no new members may join the group.
In the group meetings, the counselor's role is to help the group members interact in ways that further the primary goal of the group (for example, helping members build their skills in stress management) and the specific goals of individual members (such as learning to better manage stress around academic performance).
The interaction of the group members is the chief vehicle for accomplishing goals. Members are encouraged to talk openly about their own issues, thoughts, feelings and behavior and to give honest and considerate feedback to each other. Along with encouraging and guiding group interaction, the counselor may also share information, teach skills, and suggest relevant activities that group members can do individually in between sessions.
Why is group counseling valuable?
Group counseling offers some unique opportunities to address personal issues and learn new skills. Groups offer the support and ideas of peers who are working with similar issues. Members often feel less alone and more accepted and supported in their own work toward growth and change. Members have the chance to learn more about their own interpersonal styles and how they impact others. The opportunity to help and support others often enhances self-esteem. A group experience can be personally empowering in ways that are less possible in individual counseling.
What about confidentiality?
Confidentiality is critical to the success of a group. The group facilitator will discuss confidentiality individually with each prospective member and secure a strong commitment to maintain confidentiality prior to allowing the person to join the group. This means that group members are asked to promise that they will not reveal the identities of members or anything which other members share in sessions to anyone outside the group. The group members have the final responsibility to be sure that confidentiality is preserved. It has been our experience that group members take this responsibility very seriously and respect the rights of other members to confidentiality and privacy.
What if I know someone in my group?
On a small campus like Luther, there is always the possibility that someone you know from another part of your life here will be in the same group. If you know that a good friend, roommate, or dating partner is also interested in joining the group, it would be advisable to discuss this both with your friend and with the counselor. This way, everyone concerned is aware of the situation and can discuss what the implications might be for both you and your friend. If you discover at the first group session that you know someone else in the group and you believe this will significantly diminish your ability to be open and comfortable in the group, you should talk about this in group or with the counselor after the session.
What do I do if I am interested in a particular group?
Contact the counselor who will be facilitating the group and arrange to meet in person to discuss the group. The counselor will explain the nature of the group, discuss the ground rules (such as confidentiality) and answer any questions you have about group counseling or the specific group in which you are interested. The counselor will ask you about yourself and the basis of your interest in the group. Together, you and the counselor will decide if the group is a good fit with your needs and what you hope to gain from a group experience.
Other Support Groups
There are a number of other independent support groups on campus and in the Decorah community. On campus groups include:
- PRIDE works toward a safe, nurturing environment for GLBT students through education, advocacy, and collaboration with other campus organizations.
If you would like information about support groups in the Decorah community, including AA and NA.