Group Therapy

The presenting concerns of University students are often very effectively addressed through group therapy approaches. Talking to other people who have similar experiences provides unique perspectives, connection and support.

CAPS provide a range of group therapy, support and personal/interpersonal growth groups. Some are brief and focus on specific issues, others are broader based and run both semesters. Students may join for a single semester or longer.

• All groups are confidential, free of charge, and led by trained group therapists.
• Most groups require an initial meeting with the group leader(s) before joining the group.
• Click on Titles below for Group Descriptions and Therapist Contact Info.
• For more information on how groups work or how to join click here

Offerings 2009-10
Active Solutions Group
Back on (Academic) Track Group
Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Dealing With Emotions
Eating Disorders Therapy/Support Group
Finding Your Niche: A Transition Group For First Years & Transfer Students
Interpersonal Process Group: Understanding Self and Others
International Student Support Group
Men's Gay, Bi and Questioning Support Group
Souls of Black Men
Women of Color Support Group

Active Solutions Group
This group is for students who are struggling with anxiety symptoms, including frequent worrying, test anxiety, panic attacks, or social anxiety.  Group members will have the opportunity to discuss ways of coping which have been helpful, learn more about the symptoms they experience, and share support with other group members.
Wednesdays 3:30 - 5:00 , Belinda Overstreet Ph.D.

Back on (Academic) Track Group
This time limited group offers problem-solving support for students who are unhappy with their motivation and academic achievement at UVA.  Emphasis will be on skills building, maximizing academic efficiency, as well as on developing a stronger sense of self-efficacy. Themes addressed may include: time management, organization, procrastination, balancing work and play, and the ability to focus on academics. Participants will work together to identify their concerns, establish obtainable goals, and support one another’s success. 
Wednesdays 4:00-5:00, Kate Gibson Psy.D.

Bipolar Disorder Support Group
This time limited group will provide a supportive setting where participants can explore experiences of living with unstable and unpredictable shifts in mood states, energy levels and variable functioning.  The group offers support and can assist members with coping skills and management of mood instability, medication issues, life planning and the complexities of interpersonal relationships from a “bipolar perspective.” Open to students who have been previously diagnosed with bipolar or cyclothymic disorder. 
Fridays 1:30-3:00, Russ Federman Ph.D.                         

Dealing with Emotions
Do you think you are too emotionally sensitive? Do you get frustrated easily? Do you tend to do things impulsively and regret it later? Do your emotional reactions sometimes make things worse rather than better? Emotions can be very useful in motivating us, and allowing us to appreciate experiences. Sometimes, though, they make it more difficult to have relationships and get things done. This workshop will focus on helping you understand your emotions, reduce emotional suffering, trust emotions, and have your emotions help you to live life more fully.  
Spring Semester Time TBA, Baozhen Xie Ph.D.      

Eating Disorders Therapy/Support Group 
This group is for students with bulimia or binge eating disorder who are committed to work toward recovery from their eating disorders. Group themes may include: sense of personal identity and self worth, perfectionism and control, body image obsessions, family concerns and relationship skills, sexuality and balancing achievement with the rest of life. The group draws on both practical cognitive-behavioral techniques as well as interpersonal exploration. Some previous or current individual therapy or nutritional counseling is helpful.
Thursdays 3:30-4:45, Emily Lape LCSW       

Finding Your Niche: A Transition group for first years & transfer Students
This time limited group is designed as a support system for new and transfer students who are trying to "settle in" at UVA. Discussion issues will be determined by the group but could include adjusting to college, how to access support and resources around grounds, homesickness or roommate issues, dining hall food, Greek life, transferring past experiences and skills to new situations, making friends, and getting involved in campus activities. Students will be able to share their struggles and to hear how others are coping with finding their way here at UVA.
Fall Semester Time TBA, William Anderson Ph.D.                           

Interpersonal Process Group: Understanding Self and Others
This interpersonal process group is for male and female students who want to explore their own identity and self worth, find newer ways to connect & communicate with others, and also understand what may be getting in their way of achieving these goals. Students can use the interpersonal interaction of the group itself to learn about themselves, identify and expand their own interpersonal patterns, try new behaviors and clarify confusing feelings within a supportive yet challenging and growth producing atmosphere.
Tuesdays 3:30-4:45pm, Leaders TBA                     

International Student Support Group
This group is for students of diverse cultural backgrounds who are citizens of countries other than the US.  The focus of the group is to provide a safe and confidential place for students to explore the challenges and rewards associated with living, working and learning at UVA.  Undergraduate and Graduate students are welcome.  There is no pre-screening required and students may join at any time during either semester.
Mondays 6:15-7:45pm, Baozhen Xie Ph.D.                                               

Men’s Gay, Bi and Questioning Support GROUP          
This supportive group is for gay and bisexual men and those who may be questioning their sexuality. The goal of this group is to provide a safe, supportive atmosphere to learn to accept yourself and better your lives. Themes may include: how out is out, talking to relatives and friends, identity, relationships, role models, discrimination, internalized homophobia, self esteem, assertiveness, and taking control of responsibility for one’s own life.
Fridays 1:30-2:45, William Anderson Ph.D.

Souls of Black Men
This group provides a comfortable and safe space for men who identify as Black to discuss and explore their unique experience as members of the UVA community.  The focus of the group is to provide an empowering atmosphere where Black Men can examine their sense of self and identity, while exploring issues of transition, academics, personal development, achievement and masculinity. Spring Semester Time & Location TBA, Warrenetta Mann Psy.D. & Maurice Apprey Ph.D. FIPA

Women of Color Support Group
This group provides an opportunity for women of diverse cultural backgrounds including but not limited to African, African American, Asian, Biracial/Multiracial, Latina, Middle Eastern, Native American and Pacific Islander to connect with other women of color on grounds.  The focus of the group is to provide a supportive atmosphere where women of color can engage in discussion and self expression related to the challenges, celebrations, and complexities related to their life at UVA. Spring Semester Time & Location TBA, Warrenetta Mann Psy.D.     

Return to Counseling and Psychological Services Home Page

Maintained by: studenthealth@virginia.edu Last Modified: Thursday, 10-Sep-2009 15:57:29 EDT © 2002 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia