Group Therapy

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, 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. 

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Group offerings change from semester to semester. However, some commonly offered groups focus on anxiety, overwhelming emotions, coping skills, and substance use, 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.

For more information, you can call us at 216-687-2277, continue to explore our website, or email the CSU Counseling Center at counselingcenter@csuohio.edu.