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 2007-08
Anxiety Management Group
Back on (Academic) Track
Beating The Blues
Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Eating Disorders Therapy/Support Group
Finding Your Niche for 1st Years & Transfer Students
International Student Support Group
Moving On: Group for 4th Year Students in Transition
Queer on a Continuum Women's Issues Group
Sexual Orientation Men's Support Group
Understanding Self and Others

Anxiety Management Group
This time limited group is for individuals experiencing anxiety-related difficulties.  These might include constant worry, test anxiety, fearfulness in social situations, panic reactions, or any other uncomfortable anxiety symptoms.  Group members will learn to understand and change thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns that contribute to anxious reactions. 
Fall Semester Brandon Phillips, MA & TBA

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.
Offered Both Semesters Warrenetta Mann Psy.D. & TBA

Beating The Blues
This therapy group is designed for undergraduate and graduate students with depressive symptoms which are interfering with academic and/or interpersonal functioning.  The group will focus on understanding how depression affects group members’ lives, learning a “bag of tricks” to cope with depressive symptoms, and finding ways to improve interpersonal functioning. 
Spring Semester Belinda Overstreet Ph.D. & TBA

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.
Offered Both Semesters Russ Federman Ph.D. & TBA

Eating Disorders Therapy/Support Group 
This group is for students who have been in therapy for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder and who are committed to work toward recovery. Group themes may include: sense of personal identity and self worth, perfectionism and control, body image and obsessions, exercise extremes, anxiety or down moods, family concerns, relationship skills, sexuality and balancing achievement with the rest of life.
Offered Both Semesters Emily Lape LCSW & TBA  

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 William Anderson Ph.D. & 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. 
Offered Both Semesters Warrenetta Mann Psy.D. & TBA

Moving On: A Group for  4th Year Students in Transition
This time-limited dynamic group program is to help graduating seniors prepare for the next phase of their lives. Graduation is both a time for anxiety and excitement. The next step - from college to grad school, job - may seem even bigger and scarier. This confidential group will address ways to say goodbyes, gain perspective on the unknown, use the skills you have already acquired, and prepared emotionally and behaviorally for the change. Spring Semester Group Leader(s) TBA

Queer on a Continuum Women's Issues Group
This group will be run as women’s issues process group for lesbian, bi, trangendered and women questioning women. 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. Offered Both Semesters Belinda Overstreet & TBA

Sexual Orientation Men’s Support GROUP     
This supportive group is for gay bi transgendered 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. Offered Both Semesters William Anderson Ph.D. & TBA

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.
Offered Both Semesters Supervised by Emily Lape Co-leaders TBA