University of the PACIFIC

Group Therapy...

is an opportunity for growth and change:
Group therapy provides an opportunity for small groups of students to meet and share common concerns, explore personal issues, and learn new skills in a confidential setting under the guidance of trained group facilitators.  It is often helpful to hear that other people are either experiencing a similiar concern or have already worked through it.  The shared experience of facilitated group interactions helps promote a trusting, respectful, and inclusive environment where people can feel free to care about and help each other.  Through helping others you can also learn to help yourself.

is useful for many topics and issues:
Groups provide a forum in which to express your reactions and share your support for others as well as listen to and reflect on what you are learning from them.  A group experience offers a safe environment where you can experiment with new ways of relating to people and expressing yourself.  By taking risks you might discover what does or does not work for you. Counseling Services provides a variety of groups each year and previous topics include finding meaning through art; grief & healing; handling depression; and many more. See our current therapy groups for what is being offered right now.

is confidential:
In group therapy everyone, including members and faciliators, share the responsibility for maintaining confidentiality.  This is done out of mutual respect for each individual in the group. All members will be asked to agree on the terms of confidentiality at the beginning of the first group meeting.

can be on-going:
Groups offered through Counseling Services differ in their timeframe.  Some groups last throughout the year, while others may be more time-limited.  A therapist can let you know what the timeframe is for particular groups, and we ask that you commit to regular attendance.  This type of consistency in group therapy is necessary in order to create and maintain a safe environment.

typically involves an intial screening:
Your first step is to meet with a therapist for a brief screening.  During this screening, the therapist will provide you with information about the expectations and responsibilities of group therapy.  Then you will have the opportunity to express your interest in a specific type of group, your own expectations about groups, and any questions you might have. 

I'm interested.  Now what?
If you think you may be interested in joining a group, or if you want more information on our current groups offered, you can contact Counseling Services by phone at 209.946.2315 ext. 2. You may also be interested in reading more about the process of group therapy in our Overview of Group Therapy brochure.