Group therapy is the treatment of choice for students experiencing issues that affect their interactions with others in their lives (e.g., friends, family, romantic partners, peers). The group process gives students the opportunity to get immediate feedback from other group members about how they are being perceived and how they are impacting the people around them. This allows for the increased self-awareness needed to create meaningful change in one’s life. Group therapy also gives students the opportunity to try out new behaviors, to express feelings that may generally be more difficult to express, to assert themselves in new ways, and to experiment with new ideas.
Group Descriptions (Downloadable PDF)
Students who are interested in joining other students in discussion about any of these group topics can contact us by phone (901-843-3128) or email (counseling@rhodes.edu) to let us know. We will set up a time to discuss participation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Group Counseling
What is Group Counseling?
Group Counseling is meant to be engaging and connecting. It is for students who want a confidential space to be alongside others sharing experiences, perspectives, challenges, struggles and successes in real and authentic ways. Participants in groups can learn more about themselves and their relationships with others and it often is a place of growth.
What are the different types of Group Counseling?
We have several types of groups available to students including closed groups and open groups. Closed groups are described as an opportunity for students to engage in a semester long group where they may build community, learn new skills, and process through areas of challenge. After the group has been established, anyone else who is interested would have to wait until the beginning of next semester. Open Groups can take on new members throughout the semester. These are more skill and coping based, versus process based (closed groups).
How does Group Counseling at Rhodes work?
Groups usually have 6 to 8 members and two facilitators. They meet weekly and typically start 2-3 weeks into the semester. Group days and times are established based on participant availability. Groups usually last 50 minutes. Groups usually last for one semester. Students can continue in groups for multiple semesters if they are interested.
How to participate in Group Counseling at Rhodes?
Students interested in participating in a group should contact the Student Counseling Center (901-843-3128) to set up a pre-group participation session to discuss what to expect and to address any questions or concerns.
At the initial group meeting, all group members will be introducing themselves for the first time. This experience can be a little bit uncomfortable at first, but it usually doesn’t take long until group members begin to look forward to the next group meeting. Group members are asked to keep the information discussed in group confidential. Group facilitators work with group members to determine goals of group and how the group will proceed.
Myths And Truths About Group Counseling
Myth: I will be forced to share my concerns and worries.
Truth: Group members share when they feel comfortable and only what they wish to share.
Myth: Group counseling is second best to individual counseling.
Truth: Group counseling has been found to be just as effective as individual counseling in improving
mental health. In some cases, Group counseling has been found to be more effective than individual therapy.
Myth: I will not be comfortable talking in a group or sharing my problems with people I do not know.
Truth: Most group members find their level of comfort and willingness to talk increases as group progresses. Group members often start to look forward to group meetings because they experience an increased sense of connectedness and belonging as the group moves forward.
Myth: Group members will share my concerns with their friends.
Truth: Group members are asked to respect the privacy of other members by not discussing anyone in the group or their experience outside of the group setting. Any concerns regarding confidentiality would be addressed within the group. Confidentiality is always maintained by the counselors that facilitate the group.
Myth: Group may be another place where I will feel judged and like I do not fit in.
Truth: People who have had painful or harmful experiences in social groups or organizations often report that this has been an opportunity to find healing and reconnection. Group offers validation, acceptance, and meaningful engagement that is restorative and may translate to enhanced opportunities for connection beyond the group experience.
Myth: All groups are led by the counselor because they are the expert.
Truth: Group members are the expert in their lived experiences. Group members set the flow of the group to support autonomy and progress towards identified goals. The counselors’ role is to support group members as they work together collaboratively to create the rules for group, create a cohesive group experience, and ensure that all members are being respected.
