Group Counseling

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 Opens: Friday, Aug. 21
• Application Deadline: Friday, Sept. 11
• Start Date: Friday, Oct. 2
• Facilitators: Tara Del Rosario, Psy.D. and Dean Schansinger, MBA, M.A.
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 10 a.m., location varies by week.
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 15

Expectations

• Students are expected to submit an application to express interest.
• 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.
• 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.
• Students are expected to commit to regular weekly participation, barring extenuating circumstances or illness communicated to facilitators in advance.

This five-week group is designed for students who would like to increase understanding of anxiety and 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. This group may be more suitable for participants with limited understanding of anxiety or no extensive prior treatment in this clinical area.

• Start Dates:
  • Section One: Wednesday, Sept. 9
  • Section Two: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Enrollment: Closed after first week of group.
• Facilitators: Hillary Pietricola, M.S., LMHC and Dammy Ogun, MHC-LP
• Group Meetings: Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• 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.

This six-week group is designed for those who struggle with anger and would like to utilize strategies focused on self-empowerment and self-respect to change their relationship with anger. The group is developed from a non-judgmental perspective that highlights that anger is a normal human emotion and the goal is not to eliminate anger, but to be able to increase our control of ourselves when angry.

• Start Date: Wednesday, Sept. 23
• Enrollment: Closes after the first week of group.
• Facilitators: Brandon Koscinski, Ph.D. and Tyrone Reese, LMSW
• Group Meetings: Wednesdays, 1 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• Students who tend to act on their anger in maladaptive ways as well as students who tend to suppress and internalize their anger are both suited for this group.
• This group is not designed for those looking to fulfill their community conduct sanctions.
• This group is not suited for students who are in acute post-traumatic distress.

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. The first five-week section will focus on interpersonal effectiveness. The second five-week section will focus on emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

• Start Dates:
  • Section One: Friday, Sept. 11
  • Section Two: Friday, Oct. 23
• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Facilitators: Emily LePage, MSN, PMHNP-BC and Yurui Xie
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 10 a.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• Each group session will begin with a mindfulness exercise connected to the skill being taught that day. We’ll then take time to answer any questions about the material from the previous session. Students who were absent will have a chance to check in, and those who attended can help review and explain what was covered. After that, we’ll go around and review the homework from the past week. Next, we’ll introduce the new skill for the week, summarize key points, have an opportunity to practice the skill and assign homework. To close, each group member will share one non-judgmental thought or observation from the 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.

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.

• Start Date: Thursday, Sept. 17
• Enrollment: Closed after first week of group.
• Facilitators: Chad Buske, M.S., LMHC and Niyoshi Maniar
• Group Meetings: Thursdays, 3 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• 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. The session 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.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a 10-week psychoeducational and experiential group, based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn and others. Through this group, participants will learn about mindfulness, the mind-body connection, how mindfulness reduces stress and how to practice mindfulness. Group participants will be invited to engage in experiential learning, then process their experiences with peers and facilitators in a safe and nurturing therapeutic atmosphere.

• Start Date: Wednesday, Sept. 16
• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Facilitator: Chad Buske, M.S., LMHC
• Group Meetings: Wednesdays, 11 a.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 10

This skills-based group is designed for students seeking support with everyday challenges, including executive functioning (such as organization and decision-making), academic and study strategies, social and communication skills, emotional regulation and navigating sensory sensitivities. This group offers a collaborative, empowering and affirming space to build confidence and learn new strategies or refine existing ones.

• Start Date: Tuesday, Sept. 15
• Enrollment: Closed after second week of group.
• Facilitators: Caleb Kessler, LMHC, Brianna Rivera, Psy.D. and Drew Killmer
• Group Meetings: Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• Group members will have input in determining group topics and focus. Each group session will cover specific themes and approaches to common challenges faced by neurodivergent students.
• The beginning of each group will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the prior group’s material and how aspects of the group have impacted them. Then the group will learn skills in a particular area and engage in activities to practice them. Group will typically end with members sharing their thoughts on the skill/activity and creating a plan for potential out-of-group challenges.

For graduate and law students seeking community, stress management skills and connection to others outside of their program. Group will incorporate alternative therapies including expressive arts and ecotherapy, as well as connection to community resources. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

• Start Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Enrollment: Drop-in/open-ongoing. No group orientation required.
• Facilitator: Virginia Evans, LCSW
• Group Meetings: Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m., location varies by week.
• Duration: 1.5 hours

Expectations

• This group is not consecutively held. Dates and locations of the sessions are in the table below.
• Weekly attendance is not required for this group. Continuous attendance is welcome.

Meeting Dates and Locations

For all students who have been impacted by sexual and relationship violence seeking a place to be believed, where they can explore what healing means to them and connect to others with similar experiences. Group will incorporate alternative therapies including expressive arts and ecotherapy, as well as key community resources. All Syracuse University students are welcome.

• Start Date: Friday, Sept. 25
• Enrollment: Drop-in/open-ongoing. No group orientation required.
• Facilitator: Virginia Evans, LCSW
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 2 p.m., location varies by week.
• Duration: 1.5 hours

Expectations

• This group is not consecutively held. Dates and locations of the sessions are in the table below.
• Weekly attendance is not required for this group. Continuous attendance is welcome.

Meeting Dates and Locations

Choices is a therapeutically supported peer group for drugs, alcohol and other life-interfering behaviors.

This is a process therapy group intended for students who need a space to reflect on behaviors that cause harm or negatively impact their lives. In high-stress, high-competition environments, it can be easy to develop coping behaviors to get by, but some behaviors also cause problems. These behaviors can be substance or alcohol use, gambling or risk-taking behaviors, including sexual activities. Other students might be unable to manage time they spend online with social media or gaming. Perhaps friends and loved ones have been mentioning concerns about these behaviors, or the students themselves have feelings of shame or guilt about them, but they’re struggling with how to reduce engaging in the behaviors.

While the group is supported by two counselors, the goal is to have students bring their own struggles, successes and insights into group to better explore what the current generation of Syracuse University students are experiencing. Group is open to new members to join at any time.

• Start Date: Thursday, Oct. 8
• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Facilitators: Ed Millet, LMHC, CASAC and Keith Brown, LCSW-R
• Group Meetings: Thursdays, 3:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• Weekly attendance is not required for this group. Students are highly recommended to attend four consecutive sessions. Students will attend a group orientation with the group facilitator before joining the group.
• Members are expected to communicate honestly about their behaviors.

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.

• Start Date: Friday, Sept. 11
• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Facilitators: Danqing Huo, Psy.D. and Chloe Lin, M.S., MHC-LP
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 10 a.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• 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.

This group is intended for graduate students who 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.

• Start Date: Friday, Sept. 11
• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Facilitators: London Hill, M.A., M.S., Tyrone Reese, LMSW and Peggy Lee
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 1:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• 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.

This group is intended for undergraduate students who 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.

• Start Date: Friday, Aug. 28
• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Facilitators: Ed Millet, LMHC, CASAC and Brianna Rivera, Psy.D.
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 3:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• 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.

This group is intended for graduate students who are also female-identifying. 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.

• Start Date: Wednesday, Aug. 26
• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Facilitators: Ed Millet, LMHC, CASAC and Yuchen Xing, M.A., M.Ed., MHC-LP
• Group Meetings: Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• 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.

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.

• Start Date: Friday, Sept. 11
• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Facilitators: Chloe Lin, M.S., MHC-LP and Dammy Ogun, MHC-LP
• Group Meetings: Fridays, 3 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• 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.

This group is for undergraduate 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 judgment of others, or for students who would like to develop and understand their decision-making skills, life and relational patterns, and social and 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.

• Start Date: Tuesday, Aug. 25
• Enrollment: Open until maximum group size is met.
• Facilitators: Ed Millet, LMHC, CASAC and Charlie Viglas, M.A.
• Group Meetings: Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m., Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling, Third Floor
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Maximum Group Size: 8

Expectations

• 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.

• If you are new to the Counseling center, call us at 315.443.8000 and let us know you are calling specifically for a group.
• For skills groups and process groups, you will be scheduled for a group orientation, in which you meet with the group facilitator(s) ahead of time for a 30-minute session to discuss group fit, general expectations and time commitment.
• Support groups are drop-in, for which you can show up directly at the time of the group without registration. You will scan a QR code by the entrance to sign in.
• If you are already connected to an individual counselor, you can discuss with your counselor the group(s) you are interested in, and they will be able to refer you.
• For groups that are currently closed, spots may open up later in the semester or in future semesters. You can still call and request to be added to the waitlist. We will reach out to you by phone if the group(s) you are interested in becomes available.

Group counseling is covered in full through the Health and Wellness Fee.

• If you are an enrolled full-time student, there is no additional cost to attend group counseling.
• If you are a part-time student, you can contact your academic department and opt-in the Health and Wellness Fee to receive services at the Counseling center.

• For drop-in support groups, weekly attendance is not required, though we recommend consistent attendance for continuity, rapport-building and support. For all other groups, including skills and process groups, regular and timely attendance at all sessions is expected. You are expected to be present each week, to arrive on time and to remain throughout the entire meeting.
• Skills and process groups will be closed after the first few weeks of sessions, or when the maximum number of participants is met. This is designed to create containment and safety for group members to build connections and relate with each other authentically. Showing up every week will not only be beneficial for you to get the full experience of group therapy, but it is also crucial for groups to be run in an effective manner.
• We ask that once you commit to a group, treat it as a commitment. While school can get busy, having to catch up on an assignment or having club meetings are not excused absences. If you have more than two (2) unexcused absences, we ask you to meet with the group facilitator(s) to discuss barriers for your attendance.
• If you must miss a session due to unforeseeable circumstances such as illness and emergencies, please contact your group facilitator(s) as soon as possible by sending a message on the Patient Portal or calling 315.443.8000. No-showing without prior notification will result in a no-show fee posted on your account.

Running into someone you know in groups can happen on a college campus, but you can successfully attend groups if the dual relationship is properly navigated. Depending on the type of group you are enrolled in, you may benefit from having a conversation with your acquaintance(s) or friend(s) about proper boundaries to keep in and outside of group. Regardless of your prior relationships, all group members are required to treat matters that occur in the group with utmost confidentiality. This ensures that the group is a safe place to discuss personal issues and concerns.

If attending group with someone you know will interfere with how authentic you can be in group or impact your personal dynamics outside of group, please feel free to reach out to the group facilitator(s) for an individual meeting or utilize the group space to discuss concerns of the dual relationship.

Group is a social laboratory where you can learn skills and gain insights into your relationship patterns, which you can in turn use in making changes to your real life. While becoming friends outside of group sessions is not strictly prohibited, we encourage you to refrain from making friends with other members until you have both concluded with the group. This is to ensure that therapeutic relationships you are building with other members are not impacted or complicated by personal relationships outside of group.

Group is a great place to systematically practice new emotional regulation skills, start a healing journey with others who have the same goals in mind and learn how to have better relationships with others. You will also get a chance to receive multiple perspectives and feedback from a supportive community. If you are unsure about groups or which group is best for you, sign up for a group orientation to ask more questions so you can make an informed decision.

Unlike individual counseling, where time is entirely devoted to discussion between you and your counselor, group counseling will require members to share time with other members. However, students frequently report feeling less alone in their struggles after attending groups due to the experience of sharing and relating to other people in a genuine and deep manner. Group counseling can be a supplement for support in between your individual counseling sessions. Specialized groups can also be the best treatment of choice for certain presenting concerns.

Yes! You are welcome to participate in multiple groups at the same time. For example, you may benefit from attending a skills group to practice emotional regulation skills, while also attending a process group to connect with other students who would also like to work on reducing their substance use.

Please note that many groups require weekly attendance and are 90 minutes to two hours in length. It is advised that you consider your other academic and work responsibilities before committing to a group.