Among the Counseling Center’s many services, group counseling is one of the most dynamic, but often overlooked resources.
Group counseling is proven to be highly effective in mitigating common college students’ concerns including depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. It can be an ideal setting for students grappling with the college transition, experiencing loneliness, or feeling inhibited by unwanted thoughts or feelings. The group experience provides a secure space in which students can discuss shared experiences, provide support to others, and practice new ways of connecting with peers. Benefitting from the synergy of group members, this modality inherently offers a unique opportunity to connect with one’s peers in ways that are highly therapeutic. Feeling connected to others and creating meaningful relationships are powerful experiences that cultivates well-being and foster positive emotional health. Being a group member can also allow students to feel a sense of belonging, and increases their awareness of their value to others. There is power in knowing you are not alone in your struggle, and this is a common insight of students who participate in group counseling.
Each semester, the Counseling Center offers a range of counseling groups, including skills-based workshops, support groups for specific concerns, and less structured groups that allow for a range of topics to be addressed.
If your student is interested in counseling, group may be something they aren’t aware of, but may be a helpful option to consider. You can direct them to our website (https://counselingcenter.lafayette.edu/) or encourage them to call (610-330-5005) to inquire about current group offerings.