Group Counseling

Group Therapy

Group therapy offers a unique opportunity to build community, explore your needs, share your experiences, offer support to others, and develop strategies to combat a variety of mental health concerns. In fact, studies show that group therapy is just as effective as (and, in some cases, even MORE effective than) individual therapy!

All group therapy services are free, confidential, and conducted securely through an online platform.

To participate, call the Counseling Center at 936-294-1720 between 8:30am-11am or 1pm-2:30pm to initiate services. 

No appointment required!

Group Therapy – Summer 2024

Group Descriptions

Anxiety Support: This support group focuses on how to manage anxiety and learn coping skills. 

Calm in the Storm: This group is designed to help you better manage difficult life situations and intense emotions. This 5-week psychoeducational group helps you learn practical life skills on mindfulness, distress, tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. 

Healing through Art Expression: This group will use art to help you learn to cope with feelings and explore relationships. No previous artistic experience is required, and all materials/supplies will be provided.

Self-Compassion & Mindfulness: Self-compassion is caring for ourselves as we would care for someone we love. Mindfulness is a practice that will help bring our awareness to the present moment and help you to manage stress and improve your overall emotional and physical well-being. This 5-week group will serve as in introduction to both.

Woman of Color (Virtual): This support group focuses on the needs and issues salient to women of color in the college environment. This group provides a space to connect and talk about mental and emotional wellbeing. Participation is welcomed by all. 

For more information, contact Dr. Michelle Castanon at (936) 294-1720 or mmc039@shsu.edu

Group Counseling Frequently Asked Questions

I'm used to receiving individual therapy. Is group counseling effective?

• Absolutely! In fact, research suggests that group counseling is just as effective and (in some cases) even MORE effective than individual counseling! Let's face it: We live in a social world. Group counseling takes advantage of the power of social connection while helping you to learn new skills and gain support.

What do I talk about in group counseling?

• Anything! If it's bothering you, the group wants to hear about it!
• Common topics of discussion include (but are not limited to): managing depression and anxiety, navigating social, familial, or romantic relationships, coping with everyday stressors (e.g., school and work), improving low self-esteem, decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness, working through past traumas, and coping with socio-political stress.

I'm afraid that I'll be the only person in the group experiencing a particular problem. No one will understand me.

• This is a common fear that many people have before joining a group. However, a majority of members are surprised to find that they are not alone in their struggles and experiences. Hearing how others are coping with challenged can help you feel more optimistic about addressing your own concerns.

How many people will be in my group?

• Groups generally consist of 4-12 members and 2 group leaders.

I'm nervous about beginning group. Am I going to be forced to talk?

• It is not uncommon to feel nervous about opening up to new people. In fact, most members will feel some level of anxiety during their first few group meetings! While group leaders will never force you to talk if you're feeling too uncomfortable, students tend to get more out of their group experience if they openly discuss their concerns.

I'm a private person. Do I have to tell my deepest secrets to this group?

• Not at all. You are in control of the information that you decide to share with the group. However, the more your share, the more you get out of group!

If I do open up in group, won't every share my private information?

• The leaders of the group are bound by professional and ethical rules to keep your information confidential. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality, which will be discussed during your initial screening appointment and pre-group meeting.
• While we recognize that group members are not bound by the same profession and ethical rules that therapists are, co-leaders do a good job of emphasizing the importance of maintaining all members' privacy throughout the group experience.

What if someone I know (i.e., a friend or roommate) in my group?

• We understand that this can make group participation feel awkward and uncomfortable. If you do have a close relationship with someone else in the group, please let one of the group leaders know. We'll do our best to figure out a compromise that works for everyone involved. For example, we may have you or the other person join a different group.
• Similarly, if you and someone you know are both planning to join a therapy group, it is recommended that you join different groups. Even though having a friend in the group may make you feel more comfortable initially, you may find that you avoid talking about certain topics because the other person is in the room. This may negatively impact your (and your companion's) ability to make progress towards your goals. Therefore, it is usually in everyone's best interest for you and your companion to join different groups.
• Some support groups (e.g., Sister to Sister, LGBT Support, and Graduate Student Support) have different rules when it comes to knowing other group members. Please consult with the group leaders if you have any questions.

How do I join a group?

• Visit the Counseling Center, and ask about the group of your choice during your screening appointment. If the therapist at the screening appointment also feels like group is a good way to address your concerns, they will help you schedule a pre-group meeting with the group leaders.

What happens during the pre-group meeting?

• This meeting will give you time to get to know the group leaders and learn specific information about the group. Feel free to ask questions or bring up any concerns that you may have. The group leaders will do their best to help you feel as comfortable as possible before you start group.

I still have questions about group counseling. Who can I talk to?

• You can contact the Group/Workshop Coordinator, Dr. Michelle Castanon at (936) 294-1720 or mmc039@shsu.edu. Please remember that  e-mail is not an appropriate medium for counseling, nor can privacy/confidentiality be guaranteed through electronic communication.