The Counseling Center - Psychological Services

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Counseling Center > Psychological Services > Group Counseling

Group Counseling

The Counseling Center offers small groups designed to support students as they meet normal life challenges. Group counseling is a very effective means of counseling, especially for those who are interested in improving their self-awareness and their relationships with others. Some students attend both group and individual counseling. One advantage to group counseling is that, unlike individual counseling, there are no session limits .

To read about other advantages of group counseling: Group Benefits(pdf)

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Why join a group?
People join groups for many reasons, among these, to enhance their personal support systems. Groups offer an opportunity to meet others who have had similar experiences and who also want to pursue personal growth. Most groups have 5-8 members and meet once a week for an hour-and-a-half. Group counseling is a very effective way to learn about yourself and about how others perceive you. In the supportive atmosphere of the group, you also may experiment with new, more rewarding ways of relating to people.

The following groups are offered to all registered USF graduate and undergraduate students, however you must first attend an individual meeting with the group's facilitator.

If you are interested in joining a group, please contact the group's facilitator (listed below after the title of each group); this will be an opportunity for you to learn more about the group.

For general information, you may also contact the Groups Coordinator, Jill Langer, at 974-9255 or jlanger@cchd.usf.edu.

New! International Student Success Group
Facilitators: Anca Mirsu-Paun, Ph.D. 974-9269 and Lisa Ferdinand, Ph.D. 974-9303
Meets Wednesdays 3:00-4:30pm
Are you an international student at USF? Would you like to meet other international students and discuss topics such as adjusting to a new country and culture, relationship issues, academic success, family concerns, etc.? This group is designed to provide a safe and confidential environment for you to do so. You will have the opportunity to discuss issues such as academic success strategies, financial challenges, language and communication, and post-graduation plans.

ACOA Group – Adult Children of Addictions
Facilitator: Abigail Saneholtz, Psy.D. 974-9293 and Julia Hadricky, 974-9298
Meetings: Mondays 1:00-2:30pm
Individuals who come from homes where substance abuse is present often have similar characteristics and behaviors. Some of these include: low self-esteem, a tendency to be overachievers or underachievers, fear of intimacy, questioning what “normal” is, and problems with procrastination. This group provides a mutually respectful, safe and confidential environment that allows individuals to discuss common experiences relating to how other’s (family member, spouse/partner, friend, roommate) substance use has influenced their life, find support and discuss ways to cope.

Women’s Personal Issues Group
Facilitators: Jill Langer, Ph.D., 974-9255 and Brittany Brucato, 974-9294
Meets Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30pm
This group provides a welcoming space for women to meet and explore their concerns together. We emphasize collaborative sharing, support, and problem solving and believe each group member has something important to contribute. The group members chose the issues they wish to discuss; some common issues from past groups include mental health issues (depression, anxiety), social issues (relationships, self-assertiveness), family issues, and academic goals and concerns.

Understanding Self and Others Counseling Group
Facilitator: Lisa Ferdinand, Ph.D. 974-9303
Meets Thursdays 1:00 – 2:30pm
This group will offer a confidential, safe, and supportive environment where diverse group members can learn to understand more about themselves and their interactions with others, through their interactions with others. Topics will vary from week to week depending on group members’ needs, and have typically included a range of subjects (e.g. relationship and academic difficulties, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, disordered eating). The focus of the group will be on using both the content of what is shared and the process through which it is shared to enhance intra- and interpersonal communication. Weekly participation is expected in this group, which past members have described as a life-changing experience.

Personal Growth Counseling Group
Facilitators: Kristen Davis-John, Ph.D., 974-9257 and Ryan Barbeau, 974-9297
Meets Thursdays 3:00-4:30pm
This group is designed to provide members with a supportive environment for personal and interpersonal development and growth. Group members come from diverse backgrounds and are invited to discuss concerns such as self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, self-knowledge, and social skills. We will use interactions within the group context to enhance self-knowledge, communication, problem solving, and general coping skills.

General Psychotherapy Groups
Facilitator: Marcia Hausman, Ph.D., 974-9263
Two groups offered: Fridays 9:00-10:30am, or Fridays 2:30-4:00
Do you experience more anxiety, depression, or anger than you would like? These feelings can begin in childhood as a result of early interactions with family that continue to shape our relationships even after we become adults. This psychotherapy group offers a unique opportunity to explore messages we have learned as children that may be harmful to us today. It also provides an opportunity to practice new behaviors within a safe, confidential, and supportive environment where group members learn to interact in a more honest, genuine, and confident manner. Mutual respect is valued and encouraged. A commitment of at least three months is required.

Ready to Exhale: A Support and Resource Group for Black Women
Facilitator: Kristen Davis-John, Ph.D., 974-9257
Meets 7 Wednesdays, October 14th – December 2nd, 1:00-2:30pm
This 7-week semi-structured group is designed to provide information and discussion relevant to enhancing the lives of Black women members including: Learning self-care strategies for emotional health; making lifestyle choices for physical wellness; enhancing skills for academic and career success; choosing positive relationships for social support; and using spiritual practices for life balance. Space is available for 10 motivated women. Commitment to weekly attendance is required.

The Art of Conversation
Facilitator: Susan Crane, M.A., 974-9316
Meets 4 Consecutive Wednesdays, October 7th – 28th, 3:00 – 4:00pm
To register for this group, call 974-9316
Many people feel awkward in social situations and may be unsure of what to say when meeting others. In fact, they may dread “small talk” so much that they avoid talking to people they don’t know. However, “small talk” is an opportunity to make an initial impression, gain information about others and share information about ourselves. By sharing information about ourselves, we may find that we share common ideas and interests with others, which could from the basis of new friendships. This 5-week structured group is designed to provide information and discussion about techniques that will help you have interesting conversations in social situations.

Body Image Group for Women
Facilitator: Jill Langer, Ph.D., 974-9255
Meets Wednesdays, noon – 1:00pm
This is a 6-week structured/educational group for women who want to improve their body image. Each session includes information, activities, and homework designed to help you foster a more realistic and favorable evaluation of your body. You will learn about the “thin ideal,” how it is perpetuated by the media, and other factors that influence your body image. You will also learn strategies to change the negative thoughts and feelings you have about your body. This challenging group is appropriate for women who are ready to get serious about losing body-hatred rather than losing weight.