Group Counseling

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

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.

Fall 2023 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. Facilitated through multiple teams within the Barnes Center at The Arch, this series is a hybrid of adventure-based activities and experiential processing to foster personal growth. Students interested in non-traditional and active methods of addressing emotional health and well-being are encouraged to apply.

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.
  • 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.
  • Students 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.

The Alternative Healing Actions (AHA!) Group is designed to provide alternatives to Eurocentric, individual talk therapy and will utilize experiential healing processes that have been used since antiquity. This group may benefit students interested in exploring connection and meaning to themselves and their environment, as well as those who are interested in group therapy, but are unsure of a specific therapeutic goal, or hold anxiety around a traditional process group, particularly self-disclosures.

This group is not suited for students who are actively experiencing events that are better suited for individual therapy or process groups (i.e., relational conflicts/concerns, family of origin themes, suicidality, acute or complex trauma, or substance use/abuse).

  • Enrollment: Coming soon!
  • Facilitators: Barnes Center at The Arch Staff with Guests
  • Group Meetings: Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m., Third Floor Meditation Room, Barnes Center
  • Duration: 1.5 Hours
  • Maximum Group Size: 8

    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.

    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.
    • The group will cover one or more themes, with brief periods of reflection on how we can use our new skills.
    • No unrelated cell phone use.
    • Light food/drink are OK. If students intend to eat or drink in group, a preemptive check-in for allergies or aversions will be hosted.
    • 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 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group is designed for students who find themselves feeling stuck in unpleasant emotions that impact their work and/or relationships, or for students who struggle with intense, overwhelming emotions. It can also be helpful for students interested in learning more about mindfulness and how to practice it. This five-week workshop will teach practical skills for coping with everything from minor daily setbacks to major life crises. Based on the DBT framework developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan, this group will give you the tools you need to build a sense of balance and emotional resilience.

    • Tuesdays Group Enrollment: Coming soon!
    • Fridays Group Enrollment: Coming soon!
    • Facilitator: Shyla Powell, M.A., LP-MHC
    • Group Meetings: Tuesdays or Fridays, 1:30 p.m., 304 Barnes Center at The Arch
    • Duration: 2 hours
    • Maximum Group Size: 8

    Expectations

    • The focus of the DBT Group is on learning new behaviors, changing old behaviors and exploring new ways of doing things.
    • The DBT Group meets for 120 minutes per week, and it runs for five weeks. All DBT Group members must attend the first group/orientation session.
    • Group consists of 4-8 students and two Skills Trainers/co-leaders.
    • Students are expected to arrive to group sober, on time and open to participate. Students who arrive 15 or more minutes after group has started are asked to not interrupt group, as it will have already started.
    • Each group member is asked to sign a group contract in which they agree to commit to group rules. Group rules will be discussed and established at the first group.
    • The first 15 minutes of group focuses on a mindfulness exercise. The rest of group focuses on learning and practicing new skills.
    • It is recommended that the students who attend DBT Group also attend individual therapy during the same period. There may be times when a student and their Skills Trainers feel the student could benefit from supplemental sessions with an individual therapist. We ask that students follow their Skills Trainers' recommendations regarding individual therapy. With adherence to the DBT model, the focus of Individual Therapy will be on developing ways to have the behavior happen.
    • Light food/drinks during group sessions are 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.
    • If a student has relapsed, they are encouraged to return to group to discuss the circumstances with their group.

    This group is for students who are curious and committed to learning about themselves through exploring their dreams with others in a supportive space. This group is ideal for students experiencing major life transitions, losses, bereavement and other major adjustments, as well as students struggling with creative blocks, perfectionism, excessive self-criticism, rigidity, or feelings of disconnection from or conflict within themselves. Based on the belief that all dreams come in the service of promoting health and wholeness, this group is also useful for students experiencing sleep disturbances due to nightmares, recurring dreams or vivid dreams.

    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.
    • The group will explore dreams and provide activities to help facilitate exploration between groups, e.g. dream journaling, sleep/wake practices.
    • Members are expected to communicate honestly about substance use, nighttime medication or any other habits/behaviors that could influence sleep/dream states.
    •  No unrelated cell phone use.
    • Light food/drink are OK. If students intend to eat or drink in group, a preemptive check-in for allergies will be conducted.
    • 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 group intended for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other LGBTQIAA+ identifying students.

    • Enrollment: Closed
    • Facilitator: Maricelis Abreu, LMSW
    • Group Meetings: Fridays, 10 a.m., 304 Barnes Center at The Arch
    • Duration: 1.5 hours
    • Maximum Group Size: 8

    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.
    • The group will cover one or more themes, with brief periods of reflection on how we can use our new skills.
    • No unrelated cell phone use.
    • Light food/drink are OK. If students intend to eat or drink in group, a preemptive check-in for allergies or aversions will be hosted.
    • 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 provides a supportive space for students to talk about substance use and what they want out of their lives. Whether students are using substances, wanting to make changes or working on quitting, this is a group to help students find their own path forward. Through this short-term group, members will form connections with each other as they explore the process of change and gain clarity about their relationship with substances.

    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.
    • Members are expected to attend group for the full five-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.
    • No unrelated cell phone use.
    • Light food/drink are OK. If students intend to eat or drink in group, a preemptive check-in for allergies will be conducted.
    • 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 who are actively practicing abstinence from one or more substances.

    • Enrollment: Closed
    • Start Date: Friday, Feb. 3, 2023
    • Facilitators: Ed Millet, LHMC, CASAC, Melissa Parker, LCSW
    • Group Meetings: Fridays, 1 p.m., 304 Barnes Center at The Arch
    • Duration: 1.5 hours
    • Maximum Group Size: 8

    Expectations

    • Students are expected to arrive to group sober, on time and open to participate.
    • Students are asked to refrain from glamorizing other substances or related situations during the process.
    • 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 interdictions, group rules and expectations, goals for group and process.
    • The group topics are generated by the group members, and the group time is spent processing these topics in the space.
    • At the beginning of each group, group members participate in a check-in and are asked to share generally how they are doing and topics related to addiction and/or recovery that they would like the group to explore that day.
    • 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 they may have.
    • Light food/drinks during group sessions are 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.
    • If a student has relapsed, they are encouraged to return to group to discuss the circumstances with their group.

      This group is for undergraduate and graduate students who are currently practicing abstinence from at least one problematic substance (alcohol or other drugs) and would like support managing the unique stressors of living a sober lifestyle on a college campus.

      • Enrollment: Coming soon!
      • Facilitator: Melissa Parker, LCSW
      • Group Meetings: Fridays, 1 p.m., 304 Barnes Center at The Arch
      • Duration: 1.5 hours
      • Maximum Group Size: 8

      A weekly structured group open to all survivors of sexual violence. This group offers a safe and understanding environment to explore individual coping skills, strengthen self-esteem and increase sense of personal empowerment.

      • Enrollment: Coming soon!
      • Facilitators: Ingrid Rauk, Ph.D.
      • Group Meetings: Mondays, 2 p.m., 304 Barnes Center at The Arch
      • 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, check in through the Patient Portal or the Counseling Front Desk. A facilitator will escort the group to the meeting location.
      • If running late, please message a facilitator or contact the front desk, who can notify a facilitator.
      • Light food/drinks during group sessions are 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 examines thoughts, emotions and behaviors that hold us back from authentic connections and belonging. The group will focus on shame resilience skills, themes of vulnerability and increasing self-trust. The Daring Way™ is a highly experiential methodology based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown.

      Expectations

      • Students are expected to arrive to group on time, willing 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.
      • Each session starts with a check-in and “permission slips” (permission slips will be introduced in the first group).
      • Each session typically starts with a 2-10 minute introductory video, pre-recorded by Dr. Brené Brown.
      • Each week will have curriculum work completed via worksheets. The completed worksheets and topics, answers and experiences are shared.
      • 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.
      • Light food/drinks during group sessions are 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 who are open to trauma processing. Traumatic experiences can get “trapped” or “stuck” in our bodies in ways that can be detrimental to our health, emotions, relationships and overall wellness. This group will guide students through various movements and techniques that support rewiring their brains and nervous systems, allowing trauma to be processed and moved. The group will deepen students' understanding of what trauma is and how it gets healed, as well as support the growth of their full, present potential.

      • Enrollment: Coming soon!
      • Facilitators: Susanne Rios, LMFT, CDWF, Barnes Center at The Arch Recreation Staff
      • Group Meetings: Tuesdays, 9 a.m., Third Floor Meditation Room, Barnes Center
      • Duration: 1.5 hours
      • Maximum Group Size: 8

      Expectations

      • Students are expected to arrive to group on time.
      • Upon arrival to the Barnes Center, students will check in through the Patient Portal. The student can then go directly to the Meditation Room, located on the third floor of the Barnes Center. The doors will remain propped open for the first five minutes of group, so students should make efforts to be punctual to reduce disruptions.
      • The group will start with 20-30 minutes of psychosocial education on trauma and how particular movement patterns, breathing repetitions, etc. can rewire our brain and body’s responses to trauma. 30-50 minutes can be spent on movement.
      • Every other week, students will have the option of receiving Reiki or other energy work in a private space within the Meditation Room.
      • Sessions which are not fully taken for movement can be used to process or for questions.
      • No unrelated cell phone use.
      • Water or other hydration is encouraged.
      • Students are asked to wear clothing that allows unrestricted movement. Most students choose to remove their shoes and practice on a provided yoga mat.
      • Students are not required to share the type or capacity of trauma they are hoping to work through in the 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.

      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.

      • Enrollment: Coming soon!
      • Facilitator: Ed Millet, LHMC, CASAC
      • Group Meetings: Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m., 304 Barnes Center at The Arch
      • 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.
        • 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/drinks during group sessions are 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.

          In a safe affinity space, students will learn and practice effective interpersonal skills to become more comfortable having conversations and interactions with others. Group members will learn to develop more satisfying relationships, and how to practice introspection and self-acceptance. The group will develop insights about personal patterns through giving and receiving supportive, honest feedback. This group is intended for students that identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC).

          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/drinks during group sessions are 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 open to undergraduate and graduate students who want to understand how their families of origin impact their views of themselves, others and how they interpret the world. The group will engage in conversations on the foundation for attachment styles, communication patterns, negotiating needs/boundaries in relationships, emotion regulation and self-worth. The group will provide members with a safe and supportive environment in which members will be able to understand family patterns, heal emotional pain, develop communication skills and create a healthier family dynamic.

            • Enrollment: Coming soon!
            • Facilitators: Danqing Huo, Psy.D.
            • Group Meetings: Thursdays, 3:30 p.m., 304 Barnes Center at The Arch
            • 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.
            • 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/drinks during group sessions are 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 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 yourself and others in a safe, contained place.

              • Enrollment: Coming soon!
              • Facilitator: Ed Millet, LHMC, CASAC
              • Group Meetings: Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m., 304 Barnes Center at The Arch
              • 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.
              • 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/drinks during group sessions are 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.

                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.