Group Counseling

Many times people only think about individual counseling to help them with their challenging personal issues. Although groups aren't for everyone, there are some distinct advantages to participating in a group:

Feel more connected

Often people enter counseling believing that their problems are unique. Groups provide the opportunity for participants to see that they are "part of the human race". There is not a thought or an action that is fully outside of the experience of others. A group experience has the potential of helping people feel less alone and less "different" from others.

Explore issues

In group counseling, members are given the opportunity to receive support, reassurance, suggestions, and insights from other members. This occurs in a small group setting, where members agree to keep what is said confidential. This atmosphere of safety helps members take the necessary risks to explore their concerns.

Gain Insight

Group counseling can help participants feel hopeful about making and maintaining changes in their lives or in themselves. People tend to have patterns of behavior or ways of interacting that repeat themselves across different relationships. Usually these patterns come from our experiences growing up. A group allows these patterns to become more visible because of the opportunity to interact with several different people. When these patterns become more visible, the group member can make desired changes.

Learn new skills

As group members learn about their patterns of behavior, they also learn new behaviors and skills that can help them become more effective in relationships. A group counseling setting is a safe place in which to "try out" these new skills, and get both support and positive feedback from others. Groups provide an opportunity to observe the improvement other members make, and also to learn how people with similar concerns may have coped with them in more effective ways.

Help others grow

Just as the individual in a group benefits from insights given from other members, s/he is allowed the opportunity to give to other group members. Helping others with their issues and concerns, and becoming important to others, usually raises a person's self-esteem.

Fall Groups

Meet with others to share common concerns, gain support and learn new coping strategies when feeling sad, overwhelmed or confused.

Interested students are encouraged to sign up for a brief intake interview by calling (651) 962-6780 or visiting Personal Counseling, Room 356, Murray-Herrick Campus Center.

Creating Positive Body Image Group

This is a group for women who are interested in improving their body image through talking with others, creative activity, and personal reflection.  The goal of the group is to help students accept their bodies and, in turn, themselves. The group meets in room 370 Murray Herrick hall on Thursdays during the convocation hour (12:00 – 1:00 p.m.).  Please contact Deb Broderick djbroderick@stthomas.edu for more information, or call 651-962-6780.

The Anxiety Support Group

The Anxiety Support Group will meet Tuesdays between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. in Murray Herrick Hall, Room 370.  The goal of this group is for students to learn how to manage their anxiety and stress in a healthy way using mindfulness meditation and group support.  For further information, please email Steve Maurer (stmaurer@stthomas.edu) or Laura Sherr (ljsherr@stthomas.edu), or call Personal Counseling at (651) 962-6780 to set up an intake meeting.

Relationships Group

How do you relate to the people in your life? Ever wonder how others see you? Get feedback and ideas for addressing these questions and enhance your personal relationships, increase self-awareness, and strengthen communication skills. Join us Wednesdays from 1:00 -2:00 p.m. in Murray Herrick Hall, Room 370. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please call 651-962-6780, or email Sarah Armstrong skarmstrong@stthomas.edu.