The University Psychological Clinic offers group therapy that provides social support and skill-based coping.
Our therapy groups are research-informed, supportive, educational, and focus on developing effective skills to manage mood and stress. We offer several therapy groups focusing on specific symptoms and areas of concern, such as social anxiety, dissertation stress, test taking anxiety, impostor syndrome, stress in caring giving, mindfulness and self-compassion, and psychological resiliency in fieldwork.
Our Approach to Groups
Groups provide a safe, structured environment to experience, learn and practice skills for effective coping. Participation is encouraged at your comfort level. Engaging with others struggling with similar concerns provides the opportunity to hear others’ perspectives. Interacting creates a support system and provides therapists an opportunity to interact and observe clients in a new setting, which contributes positively to treatment.
Registration is required for all group therapy sessions. You must register for groups one week prior to the first session. The cost is $40 per group session per week. Many insurances provide coverage for group therapy.
Groups Offered Through the Clinic
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Group
Audio Files for MBCT Group
The guided meditation and progressive relaxation audio files are available for streaming or download here:
Mindfulness and Self Compassion Group
This skills-based group focuses on building group members’ capacity for being present in the moment, and taking note of experiences without criticism and judgment. Participants will learn to bring a compassionate awareness to their thoughts, feelings, and sensations — and how to observe these experiences by “stepping back.” Participants in the group can expect to engage in experiential practices, such as guided meditation, breathing training, and more. Building mindfulness skills opens up space in individuals’ lives for greater peace, centeredness, and more adaptive decision-making. This group is a good fit for people who struggle with anxiety, often focused on the future or past at the expense of living a valued present life.
Reducing Performance and Social Anxiety
People with social anxiety often worry about appearing incompetent, weak, unintelligent, awkward, or anxious in social situations. They experience heart pounding, blushing, shaking, sweating, dry throat, or “blanking out” in these situations, and may ruminate about how they come across to others long after the event is over. These thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can lead to significant distress. This evidence-based group therapy helps participants identify and shift unhealthy thinking patterns and gradually face fears. Participants engage at their own pace in a supportive environment, building coping skills and reducing impairment. This is a good fit for those who find social anxiety negatively affects relationships, work or overall health.
Dissertation Stress Reduction
This group focuses on the cognitive and emotional nature of stress and worry as it relates to the sustained task of completing your dissertation.
We highlight evidence-based methods for reducing levels of stress that block productivity and general wellness. Specific topics of discussion address:
- Managing procrastination/low motivation/lack of concentration and organization
- Developing behavioral strategies to address anxiety/stress and enhancing relaxation
- Establishing and maintaining a sustainable work/life balance
- Building skills that improve communication with your advisor and/or peers
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group
This skills-based group is designed to help participants address a variety of challenges related to emotional regulation. Our experienced clinicians use evidence-based methods to help participants feel more grounded and in control of their emotions.
You will gain techniques to disrupt negative thought patterns and reach your goals. The group includes four modules:
- Emotion Regulation
- Mindfulness
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Distress Tolerance
This group is a good fit for those who struggle to manage their emotions, at the expense of goals and relationships.
Take the Next Step
If you are interested in one of our groups listed here or have a suggestion for a group therapy, please contact us. We often schedule groups as demand calls for them.
Past groups have also explored:
- Resilience in Foreign Fieldwork
- Test Taking Anxiety
- Imposter Syndrome
- Couples Group
- Relational Process Group
While we don’t have these currently scheduled, please contact us if you have an interest.