Current Groups
Friends, Family, Partners-Relationships are Hard!
Drop in for an open-table discussion on all things relationship hosted by the Counseling Center.
WHEN: Every Monday, 5:15-6:15pm
WHERE: Redwood Hall, Room 105A
- Topics are flexible, will vary from week-to-week, and will be announced every Monday via email.
Questions? Contact Paul Quanbeck at pquanb@midwestern.edu
Groups at MWU--FAQ's
Why group counseling?
Group counseling is an ideal format for students to discuss shared concerns, exchange ideas, try out new ways of relating, build new skills, and get feedback from other students in similar situations. A common concern of students is the fear that they are somehow lacking or not good enough when compared to their peers. In fact, MWU counselors hear many of the same things from students, and it can be reassuring for students to learn they are not alone as they share their thoughts and feelings with one another in a group setting.
In addition, research shows that group counseling is effective at treating many different problems, including some of the most common problems that students bring to the Student Counseling and Academic Support Center. These include anxiety, depression, academic problems, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and loneliness. Group counseling is effective in addressing all of these issues.
Is group counseling confidential?
All counseling services in the Student Counseling and Academic Support Center are confidential. In order to participate, group members must sign a statement agreeing to keep the identity of other members and what they discuss private. In other words, what happens in the group, stays in the group.
Is it normal to feel anxious about talking about my personal issues in front of my peers?
Yes. Students often worry that their classmates will think less of them because they seek help. Yet it is important to remember that all of us struggle with mental health challenges to varying degrees at different times in life. Moreover, the education and training for healthcare professionals is often one of the most difficult times in one’s life. An important part of being a healthcare professional is to know when you need help and ask for it. When professionals get too stressed out, they are more likely to make mistakes. Students at MWU have a chance to develop and refine healthy self-care strategies by sharing their experiences with each other.
I have social anxiety and do poorly in groups. Wouldn’t individual counseling be better for me?
Many students worry that being introverted or having social anxiety means that they should not try out group therapy. In fact, the opposite is true. In the real world, challenging your social anxiety can be scary. However, counseling groups provide a safe place to practice social skills and get feedback from others on how you interact. One of the group leader’s jobs is to ensure the emotional safety of all members and help them resolve any misunderstanding, conflict, or issue that might arise within the group. In fact, the counselors at MWU have found group members to be patient, kind, and supportive of each other.
Do I have to say anything in the group if I don’t want to?
Counselors do not force anyone to talk in groups. Some students can learn and grow simply by listening to others. Each person has his/her/their own comfort level and pace, and the counselors respect this. However, students who do participate with other group members tend to report getting more out of the experience.
How many students are in the group?
Typically, group membership ranges from 2-5 members, with one counselor who acts as the facilitator. Unless the group is specifically for students in one program, members can come from any of the professional schools at MWU.
I’m not sure that group is right for me. Can I just come one to try it out?
Yes. Our groups are “open,” meaning that a student can come once or every week that the group meets. Students who come more frequently tend to report getting more out of the experience. Students should realize that their particular experience may vary, depending on the group make-up on any given day.
How long are groups and when are they scheduled?
Groups at MWU tend to meet weekly and run either 45 or 60 minutes through most of the quarter. Students interested in groups should watch for weekly e-mail announcements or go to the Student Counseling and Academic Support Services Center website for more information about our services.