Group Counseling

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Syracuse University Barnes Center at The Arch Blue Calendar Icon
Mental Health Appointments
Syracuse University Barnes Center at The Arch Orange Telephone Icon
Call 315.443.8000
Syracuse University Barnes Center at The Arch Blue Clock Icon
Facilities and Hours
Syracuse University Barnes Center at The Arch Orange Laptop Icon
Wellness Portal

Participating in Group Counseling

Group counseling focuses on developing insight, changing behavior and improving relationship skills. In the group setting, students struggling with similar concerns can share feedback with each other and learn new ways of coping.

  • Call 315.443.8000 to meet with a therapist to discuss group options, or to complete the required facilitator-led group orientation prior to enrolling into a group or participating in a drop-in group.
  • Individual and group counseling are covered in full through the Health and Wellness Fee.
  • Most groups meet weekly for 90 minutes for the duration of the semester, and with one to two staff therapists.

Spring 2025 Counseling Groups

The Adventure Based Counseling (ABC) Series is designed for students interested in building leadership and relationship skills, self-esteem, communication, trust, respect and responsibility. Students interested in non-traditional and active methods of addressing emotional health and well-being are encouraged to apply.

  • Application Deadline: The application period for the Spring 2025 semester is now closed.
  • Start Date: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
  • Facilitators: Ed Millet, LMHC, CASAC, Chase Hollander, Pre-Doctoral Intern
  • Group Meetings: Fridays, 10 a.m., location varies by week.
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Maximum Group Size: 15

Expectations

  • Students are expected to commit to regular weekly participation, barring extenuating circumstances or illness communicated to facilitators in advance.
  • Students are expected to submit a completed application to express interest. Students not selected may be placed on a waitlist for the current semester or encouraged to participate in a future semester.
  • Group members will be oriented to facilitator roles, privacy limitations, safety considerations and equipment utilization during the first group meeting and at the onset of each new activity.
  • Students can expect to participate in several indoor and outdoor adventure-based activities including, but not limited to, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, ice activities, esports, rock climbing, challenge course activities and zip lining.
  • Transportation will be provided to meeting sites outside of the Barnes Center.
  • Group members are expected to complete a post-evaluation at the end of the group experience.
  • This is not a confidential therapy group. Staff from multiple disciplines are involved in facilitating the ABC Series. Students can expect that personally identifiable information will be protected and not shared with outside entities when possible.
  • Water or other hydration is encouraged.
  • Group members are recommended to dress in comfortable athletic clothing. However, students may be asked to wear more specific clothing depending on the activity of the week (i.e., dress in layers, wear closed-toe shoes).
  • Gear and equipment for each activity will be provided.
  • While attendance is expected, if unable to attend, please message a group facilitator as soon as possible or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
  • Two (2) absences without communication to facilitators will require a meeting with one of the facilitators individually before continuing with the group. Missing two or more sessions and failure to communicate with group facilitators about absences will result in dismissal from the group.
  • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a group facilitator to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, meeting with a group facilitator will help connect the student to other resources or opportunities that may better meet their needs.

This group is designed for students who would like to develop new or strengthen existing skills to cope with anxiety, stress, chronic worry, fear, panic and related symptoms that may interfere with academic and interpersonal functioning. Students who participate in this group should be prepared to practice skills each week during and outside of group sessions. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

Expectations

  • Students are expected to arrive to group on time.
  • Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, check in through the Patient Portal or the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
  • Each group session will cover one or more themes and approaches to anxiety management, with brief periods of reflection on how new skills may be used.
  • Each week’s work will build upon the last, so it is important that students commit to attending all sessions and completing assigned homework.
  • While attendance is expected, if unable to attend, please message a group facilitator as soon as possible or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
  • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a group facilitator to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group and identify alternative resources. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, sharing will work to meet student treatment needs.

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group is designed for students who have difficulty controlling their emotions and behaviors, and/or students who may be looking to navigate important relationships in their lives. In DBT, we will work to replace problem behaviors with skillful behaviors. Skills will be taught to help students experience a range of emotions without necessarily acting on those emotions.

Expectations

  • Students will need to complete an initial consultation with Counseling. If a student is assessed as appropriate for group therapy, the student will be referred for a Group Orientation with a Skills Trainer. During Group Orientation, the Skills Trainer will be assessing appropriateness, readiness and goals for group with the student. A brief overview of the group therapy process will also be reviewed.
  • Students are expected to arrive to group on time and open to participate. Students who arrive 15 or more minutes after group has started will be asked not to join that week, and it will count as an absence.
  • Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, students should check in at the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
  • The beginning of each group session focuses on a mindfulness exercise that is tied to the specific skill being taught that day. Afterwards, we will discuss any questions about material covered in the previous session. There will be a check-in with students who may have been absent in the previous session, and an opportunity for students who were present to teach the previous session’s material to those who were absent. Then we will go around and review homework and diary cards. We will take a break prior to introducing that week’s skill. We will summarize skills, develop practice commitments and assign homework for the week ahead. Group will end with members going around and sharing one non-judgmental thought or observation they had from the day’s session.
  • The role of Skills Trainer is to teach and model the skills in a way that builds understanding and competency for group members each week.
  • No unrelated cell phone use.
  • Light food/drink during group sessions is OK.
  • While attendance is expected, if members are going to be late or are unable to attend, please message a Skills Trainer as soon as possible through the Patient Portal or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
  • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a Skills Trainer to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, sharing will work to meet student treatment needs.

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group is designed for students who have difficulty controlling their emotions and behaviors, and/or students who may be looking to navigate important relationships in their lives. In DBT, we will work to replace problem behaviors with skillful behaviors. Skills will be taught to help students experience a range of emotions without necessarily acting on those emotions.

Expectations

  • Students will need to complete an initial consultation with Counseling. If a student is assessed as appropriate for group therapy, the student will be referred for a Group Orientation with a Skills Trainer. During Group Orientation, the Skills Trainer will be assessing appropriateness, readiness and goals for group with the student. A brief overview of the group therapy process will also be reviewed.
  • Students are expected to arrive to group on time and open to participate. Students who arrive 15 or more minutes after group has started will be asked not to join that week, and it will count as an absence.
  • Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, students should check in at the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
  • The beginning of each group session focuses on a mindfulness exercise that is tied to the specific skill being taught that day. Afterwards, we will discuss any questions about material covered in the previous session. There will be a check-in with students who may have been absent in the previous session, and an opportunity for students who were present to teach the previous session’s material to those who were absent. Then we will go around and review homework and diary cards. We will take a break prior to introducing that week’s skill. We will summarize skills, develop practice commitments and assign homework for the week ahead. Group will end with members going around and sharing one non-judgmental thought or observation they had from the day’s session.
  • The role of Skills Trainer is to teach and model the skills in a way that builds understanding and competency for group members each week.
  • No unrelated cell phone use.
  • Light food/drink during group sessions is OK.
  • While attendance is expected, if members are going to be late or are unable to attend, please message a Skills Trainer as soon as possible through the Patient Portal or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
  • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a Skills Trainer to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, sharing will work to meet student treatment needs.

This is a process group intended for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and other LGBTQIAA+ identifying students. Within a safe, inviting and trauma-informed group setting, students are encouraged to explore their identities, connect with peers and find support while developing the confidence to navigate the campus community in a healthy and meaningful way. The group aims to provide a safe and confidential space to address the unique needs of the LGBTQIAA+ community. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

  • Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
  • Start Date: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
  • Facilitator: Maricelis Abreu, LMSW, Caleb Kessler, LMHC
  • Group Meetings: Fridays, 10 a.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Maximum Group Size: 7

Expectations

  • Students will need to complete an initial consultation with Counseling. If a student is assessed as appropriate for group therapy, the student will be referred for a Group Orientation with the group facilitator. During Group Orientation, the group facilitator will be assessing appropriateness, readiness and goals for group with the student. A brief overview of the group therapy process will also be reviewed.
  • Students are expected to arrive to group on time.
  • Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, check in through the Patient Portal or the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
  • After the last group session, each group member is encouraged to meet with the group facilitator for a 30-minute “Group Check-Out” meeting, where they will have a confidential and safe space to explore their experiences in group and an opportunity to discuss anything they didn’t feel comfortable addressing in group.
  • No unrelated cell phone use.
  • Light food/drink during group sessions is OK.
  • While attendance is expected, if unable to attend please message a group facilitator as soon as possible or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
  • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a group facilitator to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, sharing will work to meet student treatment needs.

This is a process therapy group intended for students who are in need of a space to reflect on their own substance use or who are curious about changing their habits. In high-stress, high-competition environments, it can be easy to get caught up in or fall into a “culture” of use. It can be a quick thing to “take the edge off,” or it might be something that’s become more habituated. Perhaps friends and loved ones have mentioned students’ substance use to them, or maybe they’ve noticed that substance use is not really what they want for themselves, but they’re struggling with how to navigate cutting back. Whatever the motivation, Prevention Group is a space to find support while developing the confidence to navigate the campus community in a healthy and meaningful way.

  • Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
  • Start Date: Friday, Feb. 7, 2025
  • Facilitators: Chad Buske, M.S., LMHC, CASAC, Keith Brown, LCSW-R
  • Group Meetings: Fridays, 9 a.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

  • Students interested in joining group will meet with the group facilitator for an individual orientation to discuss the group’s purpose, logistics and ensure that this group is right for them.
  • Students are expected to arrive to group on time.
  • Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, check in through the Patient Portal or the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
  • Members are expected to attend group for the full ten-week duration and engage with agreed-upon activities between sessions to facilitate self-understanding and group conversation.
  • Members are expected to communicate honestly about substance use, medications or any vitamins/supplements being taken.
  • After the last group session, members will meet with the facilitator individually for a brief check-out meeting tailored to assist members in solidifying next steps and provide feedback to facilitators about their experience in group.
  • While attendance is expected, if unable to attend please message a group facilitator as soon as possible or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
  • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a group facilitator to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, sharing will work to meet student treatment needs.

The purpose of this group is to support survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence. This group is open to all students who have been impacted by sexual and relationship violence. The group focuses on developing tools to cope with the emotional impact of trauma. Common topics and themes addressed in group include self-esteem, trust, control and power, guilt, impact of trauma on relationships, normalizing responses, identifying strengths, empowerment and resiliency. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

  • Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
  • Start Date: Monday, Feb. 3, 2025
  • Facilitator: Hillary Pietricola, M.S., MHC-LP, Melissa Parker, LCSW-R
  • Group Meetings: Mondays, 3:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

  • Contact Counseling to speak with a group leader to schedule a group orientation and answer any questions you may have. The group orientation will help you think about what individual goals you would like to work on within the group context and determine if the group is a good fit.
  • Students are expected to arrive to group on time and open to participate.
  • Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, check in through the Patient Portal or the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
  • The first few group sessions will focus on building trust and identifying relevant topics for the group to explore.
  • Group appointments typically begin with check-ins, updates and group member reflections. Sessions incorporate psychoeducation, experiential learning activities and opportunities for connection, self-disclosure and peer support.
  • No unrelated cell phone use.
  • Light food/drink during group sessions is OK.
  • While attendance is expected, if unable to attend please message a group facilitator as soon as possible or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
  • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a group facilitator to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, sharing will work to meet student treatment needs.

This group is for students wanting to understand their interactions and reactions with others. The group would be useful for those who spend a lot of time in self-judgment or in judgement of others, or for students who would like to develop and understand their decision-making skills, life and relational patterns, and social/relational dynamics. This is a group where one can improve on their self-esteem, assertiveness, practice vulnerability and explore person-to-person dynamics in a safe, contained place.

    Expectations

    • Students are expected to arrive to group on time and open to participate.
    • Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, students should check in at the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
    • The first group will center on introductions (name, pronouns, year/major), group rules and expectations, goals for group and process.
    • At the beginning of each group, group members participate in a check-in and are asked to share generally how they are doing and if they would like dedicated time in group to share.
    • Group topics are generated by the group members and the group time is spent processing these topics in the space.
    • Group facilitators are active members of the group, assisting with the process and flow of group, offering feedback and reflective questions, and role modeling this for group members.
    • Prior to the end of the group time, group members participate in a check-out and are asked to reflect on the group experience that day, share any feedback for the group and/or any concerns.
    • No unrelated cell phone use.
    • Light food/drink during group sessions is OK.
    • While attendance is expected, if unable to attend, please message a group facilitator as soon as possible or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
    • Two (2) no-shows, consecutive or non-consecutive, will result in removal from the group to allow waitlisted students to participate.
    • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a group facilitator to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, sharing will work to meet student treatment needs.

    This group is intended for graduate students that also identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color (BIPOC). This process group offers a safe and inclusive space to explore the unique challenges of higher education, build resilience, increase sense of belonging and foster personal growth. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

    • Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
    • Start Date: Friday, Jan. 17, 2025
    • Facilitator: Ed Millet, LMHC, CASAC
    • Group Meetings: Fridays, 3:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
    • Duration: 1.5 hours
    • Maximum Group Size: 8

    Expectations

    • Students are expected to arrive to group on time and open to participate.
    • Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, students should check in at the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
    • In this group, students will be utilizing the therapeutic space for topics such as exploring identity, sense of belonging, navigating the difficulties of higher education, family dynamics, relationships, etc. The group is one where individuals will be practicing interpersonal skills and self-reflection in an affinity space that is trauma-informed.
    • No unrelated cell phone use.
    • Light food/drink during group sessions is OK.
    • While attendance is expected, if unable to attend, please message a group facilitator as soon as possible or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
    • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a group facilitator to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, sharing will work to meet student treatment needs.

    For female-identifying graduate students who wish to explore judgment, decision-making, life and relational patterns, social/relational dynamics, self-esteem, assertiveness, practicing vulnerability, and understanding themselves and others in a safe, contained place. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

    Expectations

    • Students are expected to arrive to group on time and open to participate.
    • Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, students should check in at the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
    • The first group will center on introductions (name, pronouns, year/major), group rules and expectations, goals for group and process.
    • At the beginning of each group, group members participate in a check-in and are asked to share generally how they are doing and if they would like dedicated time in group to share.
    • The group topics are generated by the group members and the group time is spent processing these topics in the space.
    • Group facilitators are active members of the group, assisting with the process and flow of group, offering feedback and reflective questions, and role modeling this for group members.
    • Prior to the end of the group time, group members participate in a check-out and are asked to reflect on the group experience that day, share any feedback for the group and/or any concerns.
    • No unrelated cell phone use.
    • Light food/drink during group sessions is OK.
    • While attendance is expected, if unable to attend, please message a group facilitator as soon as possible or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
    • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a group facilitator to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, sharing will work to meet student treatment needs.

    This process group is intended for graduate international students who grapple with cultural adjustment, social anxiety/isolation and other academic, career and personal challenges. Through sharing and giving feedback to each other in a safe and confidential environment, members will have an opportunity to develop better understandings of their decision-making and relational patterns, establish healthier and more sustainable coping strategies, and build meaningful connections with peers. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

    • Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
    • Start Date: Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025
    • Facilitators: Chloe Lin, M.S., MHC-LP
    • Group Meetings: Thursdays, 3:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
    • Duration: 1.5 hours
    • Maximum Group Size: 6

    Expectations

    • Students are expected to arrive to group on time and open to participate.
    • Upon arrival to Barnes Center Counseling, students should check in at the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
    • The first group will center on introductions (name, pronouns, year/major), group rules and expectations, goals for group and process.
    • At the beginning of each group, group members participate in a check-in and are asked to share generally how they are doing and if they would like dedicated time in group to share.
    • Group topics are generated by the group members and the group time is spent processing these topics in the space.
    • Group facilitators are active members of the group, assisting with the process and flow of group, offering feedback and reflective questions, and role modeling this for group members.
    • Prior to the end of the group time, group members participate in a check-out and are asked to reflect on the group experience that day, share any feedback for the group and/or any concerns.
    • No unrelated cell phone use.
    • Light food/drink during group sessions is OK.
    • While attendance is expected, if unable to attend, please message a group facilitator as soon as possible or call Barnes Center Counseling at 315.443.8000.
    • Two (2) no-shows, consecutive or non-consecutive, will result in removal from the group to allow waitlisted students to participate.
    • Should circumstances arise that prevent participating or lead to feeling that the group is not suitable, please meet with a group facilitator to discuss what contributed to the decision to leave the group. If there is something inherent to the group, group dynamics, unmet expectations or more, sharing will work to meet student treatment needs.

    Group Counseling Types

    • Process Groups: Explore a variety of presenting concerns, increase self-awareness by exchanging genuine and honest feedback, practice assertiveness and other interpersonal skills to use in daily life, develop more positive and meaningful relationships.
    • Options Education Group: Focuses on the impact of substance use on physiology, perception and decision-making. Discusses the progression of use and ways to reduce risk.
    • Skills Groups: Learn certain skills to cope with and manage concerns such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation and stress management.