Counseling Center

Spring 2024 Groups

For more information about a group or to register, 
please email counselingcenter@csuohio.edu
or call the Counseling Center at 216.687.2277.  

Due to state laws, our groups are only able to include in-state students.  
Contact the Counseling Center to be connected to out-of-state support.  

Connections

For students who want to experience connection and improve their relationships with others. This is an ongoing group. Facilitated by Psychologist Todd Seibert and doctoral Psychology Interns Kylie Lichtenstein and Cris Wildmiller of the CSU Counseling Center. Pre-meeting with facilitator(s) required.  For more information, email counselingcenter@csuohio.edu.


LGBTQ+ STUDENT SUPPORT 

This is a student support group for LGBTQ students and allies. Hosted by Psychologist Bruce Menapace and doctoral Psychology Intern Cris Wildmiller of the CSU Counseling Center. For more information, email counselingcenter@csuohio.edu.


MAKING PEACE WITH OUR PARENTS

This is a group for students who have concerns regarding their parents -- whether parents have passed away, are estranged, or are currently a challenge to relate with. Hosted by Psychologist Bruce Menapace of the CSU Counseling Center. To register or for more information, email counselingcenter@csuohio.edu


RIO – RECOGNITION, INSIGHT AND OPENNESS

Starting mid-semester, this 3-week group will meet repeatedly. The group provides students with tools to reduce feelings of stress and improve emotional functioning. Facilitated by various members of the Counseling Center staff.  To register or for more information, email counselingcenter@csuohio.edu.


SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT GROUP

For students who are seeking support and healing from sexual assault. Facilitated by Licensed Social Worker Dorothy Hillaire and doctoral Psychology Intern Kylie Lichtenstein of the CSU Counseling Center. Pre-meeting with one of the facilitators required. For more information, email counselingcenter@csuohio.edu.         


Taming the Anxious Mind

A weekly group to learn and practice Mindfulness Meditation, a method for helping people quiet their minds, feel more relaxed, and focus on the present. Facilitated by Psychologist Bruce Menapace of the CSU Counseling Center. To register or for more information, email counselingcenter@csuohio.edu.


VIKINGS’ RECOVERY 

For students who are seeking support and healing from excessive substance use. Facilitated by Licensed Social Worker Dorothy Costakis of the CSU Counseling Center. Pre-meeting with one of the facilitators required. For more information, email counselingcenter@csuohio.edu.


WOMEN’S GROUP

A group for CSU students that want to talk about concerns affecting women, including cisgender, trans and non-binary. The group will meet in the CSU Women’s Center. Facilitated by doctoral Psychology Intern Kylie Lichtenstein and Social Work Intern Dana Hercbergs of the CSU Counseling Center. To register or for more information, email counselingcenter@csuohio.edu. Presented in conjunction with the CSU’s Women Center.


WISE MINDS

Based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy, this group helps students develop skillful coping. Facilitated by Psychologist Brittany Sommers and Graduate Assistant Jeannea Cobb of the CSU Counseling Center. For more information, email counselingcenter@csuohio.edu.


Due to state laws, our groups are only able to include in-state students.  
Contact the Counseling Center to be connected to out-of-state support.  

Please review "Best Practices When Participating in Virtual Groups".

Please watch this video: An Introduction to Group Therapy

Group Therapy FAQs

  • What is group counseling?

    Group counseling is often similar to individual counseling, but it occurs in a group format. There are typically one or two counselors who facilitate the group. There are typically 4-10 group members and, depending on the group, they often have similar concerns (e.g. anxiety, LGBTQ+ concerns, grief, etc.). Groups typically meet once a week and meetings usually last for an hour to an hour and a half. Some groups are limited in how many times they meet while others are more open-ended. Groups will now be held virtually while the CSU Campus is operating remotely.

  • Why might group counseling be a good option for me?

    There are several reasons why group counseling is equally effective, and often times more effective, than individual counseling for certain issues. For example, group counseling offers the unique experiences of feeling supported by others who share a common concern in a safe environment as well as supporting and helping others as they address issues that you have experienced or are experiencing. Likewise, since most people’s concerns impact them socially, group counseling allows the opportunity to address the social aspect of people’s concerns directly.

  • Is it normal to be anxious/hesitant/doubtful about going to group counseling?

    Yes! Most people are anxious, hesitant, and/or doubtful about attending group counseling. There are many reasons that such experiences are common, including trying something new, feeling vulnerable in a group of people that one does not yet know, and concerns about the effectiveness of group counseling, among others. Such feelings are often an indication that one is taking the endeavor of group counseling seriously and represents a healthy emotional response to a perceived risk. Such feelings may also themselves indicate that group counseling may be beneficial (e.g. if one is fearful of it, it may be helpful to face it directly).

  • Who is eligible to be in group counseling?

    It depends on the group. Some groups are open to all CSU students. Some groups require a meeting with a counselor at the Counseling Center before one can enter a group. Please check our website regarding CSU Counseling Center group offerings and for group-specific information about this topic.

  • I have difficulty talking to people, especially in groups. Could I still benefit from group counseling?

    Difficulties talking to people are very common. Such a difficulty actually suggests that group counseling may be especially helpful. Interacting with others one-on-one and in groups is an important part of everyone’s life experience. Having the opportunity to do so in a safe place like group counseling where one can specifically work on the skills and difficult feelings associated with talking to other people can be especially beneficial.

  • I am worried that I will have to talk too much. Might this happen in a group?

    Your participation in group is important, regardless of which group you attend. However, you will not be forced to talk or say anything you do not want to say, though you may be encouraged to participate.

  • I am worried that I will not get to talk enough. Might this happen in a group?

    Ideally, group members will participate roughly an equal amount of time over several group counseling sessions, but there are typically group members that participate a bit more than others. Nevertheless, group members rarely feel that they are not given enough time to talk. If a person ever feels that they are not being given enough time to talk, they are usually encouraged to voice this concern in the group or address it with the group facilitator.

  • Will I have to reveal my deepest, darkest secrets in the group?

    Absolutely not! Although disclosing important aspects of yourself may be helpful to you at some point during a group, you will not be forced or coerced to share any information that you do not want to share. You also will have the opportunity to develop a relationship with the other group members and group facilitator before choosing what information you want to discuss in a group.

  • Is group counseling confidential?

    The group leaders are legally and ethically bound to keep information discussed in the group confidential. However, other group members do not have the same legal obligation, so confidentiality cannot be 100% ensured. However, confidentiality is strongly emphasized with group members and maintaining confidentiality is typically a rule of every group.

  • What if one of the other group members is someone I know?

    If such a situation arises, group facilitators will attempt to address it with the best interests of all group members in mind and the input of the students in question will be of primary consideration.

  • Can I leave a group if I no longer want to attend?

    Yes. However, it is often important to discuss both thoughts and intent to leave a group with the group and/or group facilitator prior to actually leaving the group.

  • What is the difference between a group and a workshop?

    Workshops are educational/instructional in nature. Workshops primarily involve the workshop leader teaching information that might be important to mental health and/or academic success. Group counseling relies much more on participation from the group members and is focused on group members’ specific concerns.

  • What groups are offered at CSU’s Counseling Center?

    Group offerings change from semester to semester. However, some commonly offered groups focus on relaxation, grief and loss, women’s issues, LGBTQ+ issues, assertiveness, among others. Groups may also arise if enough people are interested in a particular topic or focus. Please check our website throughout the year or give us a call to find out what groups are being offered.

  • How can I get more information on group counseling?

    For more information, you can call us at 216-687-2277, continue to explore our website, or email Bruce Menapace, CSU Counseling Center's group coordinator at b.menapace@csuohio.edu.