Group Therapy
Group Therapy
Group therapy is an evidence-based form of counseling that enhances the work of therapy through a supportive community of peers. Therapy groups are usually comprised of 6–10 students and 2–3 professional therapists that meet once a week for 60–90 minutes.
Group therapy is helpful for a variety of concerns, including loneliness, making friends, depression, anxiety, difficulties with relationships, identity concerns and trauma. Although clients often start group feeling anxious, the vast majority report enjoying group significantly by the end of the semester.
Location:
Center for Counseling and Student Development
Warner Hall, Suite 201
280 The Green
302-831-2141
Hours of Operation:
Monday–Friday, 8:30–5 p.m.
Last appointment taken at 4 p.m.
Group Therapy FAQs
Relationships are an immense part of what makes therapy work. Group therapy takes advantage of this by creating opportunities for several impactful connections at once. Group is a bit like building a house; it’s more efficient to work with a crew of builders and two house-building experts than just you by yourself!
Group therapy can help students build deeper and more satisfying relationships, develop skills to better cope with emotions, increase their sense of belonging and decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness, and increase students' assertiveness skills and independence.
Students participating in our groups report these benefits:
- Getting multiple perspectives and support of others who can relate and empathize with them.
- Connecting with others that understand them.
- Not feeling as alone in the world or at UD.
- Getting to practice their goals with others and getting honest and supportive feedback.
- Feeling more motivated to work on and accomplish their therapy goals, as group meetings help keep them accountable.
- Getting a lot of skills in a short amount of time to help them better cope.
- Feeling more prepared for and getting more from individual therapy.
Most of what brings students into therapy can be addressed in group therapy. For some concerns, such as social anxiety, loneliness, relationship difficulties, and communication skills, group is one of the best treatments available. Group provides a unique opportunity to practice new skills & techniques with your peers that individual therapy is not well-suited to provide.
Not at all! Like any relationship, it is important to build trust before feeling comfortable enough to share vulnerably. We recommend starting small and then stretching yourself to share more deeply as time goes on. Group therapy is like a gym; starting with smaller weights builds the muscles to lift the heaviest ones. Practice your therapeutic goals over time, and you’ll see results!
A typical group session starts with a check-in where the group leaders ask who would like to share today. Group members can share how they’re feeling or if there’s something they’d like to talk about with the group. Some groups will have more structure to help guide the discussion. Group members give and receive feedback to each other while the facilitators help to keep the group on track.
Absolutely! Scientists researching effective therapy practices have shown group therapy works just as well as individual therapy. For some concerns, group therapy can be more effective than individual therapy. Talk to a counselor to learn more!
*Pre-screening required
For groups marked with an asterisk, students must attend a pre-screening to participate in the following group sessions. If you are interested, please fill out our registration form and staff will be in touch to schedule an initial triage appointment.
Groups for Support and Connection
Managing Stress 101
Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
This is a four-week skills-building group designed to help first year and transfer students learn new, positive ways to manage stress, pursue a life with meaning and purpose, and improve overall wellbeing.
U Belong
Mondays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
— or —
Thursdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Adjusting to college life can be both exciting and challenging. This transition involves developing a new support network and learning a new environment, which comes with increased independence and responsibility. U Belong provides a safe space for individuals to connect and share experiences. This group is geared towards first year and transfer students.
Mental Health Activity Nights
Weekly activities with new themes each week!
Tuesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Weekly Themes
8/27: Puppy Love & Refreshments
9/3: Stress Less
9/10: Maneuvering Campus
9/17: Creativity Night
9/24: Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem
10/1: Puppy Love & Refreshments
10/8: Intimacy and Health - Sex Jeopardy
10/15: Relationships
10/22: Decision Making - Map Your Night
10/29: Halloween Fun!
11/5: Election Day - Center Closed
11/12: Self-Care
11/19: Pay it Forward
11/26: Movie Night
12/3: Creativity Night
12/10: Stress Less
12/17: Survived the Semester Celebration!
Groups for Resident Assistants
Consultation Groups for RAs
Fridays, 1–2 p.m.
— or —
Thursdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
This group is exclusively for resident assistants to provide a confidential environment to receive support, consult about challenging situations, and learn more about yourself.
Programs for Graduate Students
Graduate Student Understanding Self and Others*
Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m.
Meet other graduate students who will help you better understand yourself and relationships. Common topics include coping with depression, anxiety, navigating challenging relationships, setting healthy boundaries with others, and living a more authentic and values-driven life.
Making Sense of it All as a Grad Student*
Thursdays, 3–4:30 p.m.
Making Sense of it All is an existential therapy group that offers a safe place to explore how to live authentically while confronting life’s ultimate concerns of uncertainty, freedom and responsibility, existential isolation, and the search for meaning and purpose.
Programs for all Students
Navigating Relationships*
Mondays, 1–2:30 p.m.
— or —
Thursdays, 2–3:30 p.m.
Navigating Relationships is a therapy group that focuses on helping students improve their interpersonal skills and communication. In this group you can expect to give and receive feedback on your interpersonal style while practicing skills that will help you develop more effective connections with peers and family alike.
First Steps Forward*
Tuesdays, 5–6:30 p.m.
Do you struggle with symptoms related to trauma? Would you like to gain a better understanding of yourself and how to cope? Join us for our four-session weekly series on how trauma impacts the brain, building positive coping skills and more.
Embracing Change: Group Therapy for Substance Misuse*
Mondays, 5–6 p.m.
This therapy group strives to provide a safe and supportive environment to receive treatment for those struggling with substance misuse or those who have a family member or friend struggling with substance misuse.
Can't Stop the Feelin'*
Wednesdays, 3–4:30 p.m.
This group will provide information on skills proven to be effective for managing difficult emotions. Participants will be encouraged to apply what is being learned to personal examples in a safe, supportive environment.
Serene Eating: Develop Peace with Food and Weight*
Thursdays, 3–4 p.m., 10/24/24–11/21/24
Register by 10/17/24
Intuitive Eating is a non-diet approach that allows you to listen to and honor your body while helping you move away from diets. This group combines nutrition and psychological principles to heal your relationship with food and to engage in enjoyable and sustainable methods of eating and exercise and values-driven life.
Lavender Chats*
Wednesdays, 4–5 p.m.
— or —
Fridays, 3–4 p.m. Subject to Availability
This is a support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/gender non-conforming, queer, asexual, questioning, and intersex students. At Lavender Chats, you will find a safe space to seek support with relationships, family and friends, coming out, transitioning, questioning, and identity development, as well as get information and connect with others.