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Group Counseling

Students may choose to participate in one of our psychoeducational, psychotherapeutic, or support groups. See offerings for Spring 2013 Groups below. Groups vary a great deal in content and format. Some are educational and curriculum-based and may feel like small seminars in which the leader instructs the participants with some discussion. Groups designed to teach study skills or coping strategies are examples. Other groups are designed to provide support for particular populations of students, such as international or GLBTQ students. Support groups are generally unstructured and informal, and the content is largely determined by the students in attendance. Other groups are more traditionally psychotherapeutic in nature, and the leader or co-leaders guide the participants in discussions of relevant topics. Whatever the format and content, group counseling can be intimidating to students at first because it may feel frightening to share personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a number of peers at once. However, once the initial anxiety is overcome, groups can provide relief, comfort, and support to participants. Most people find it very reassuring to talk with others who have similar feelings and life experiences, and a group can be a powerful tool for healing and change.

The makeup of groups will change from year to year and even semester to semester. Students who are currently seeing a CAPS therapist can speak directly to him or her about the possibility of joining a group. Other interested students should see check out the groups below and then call Chariklia Flanagan at 860.685.2910 to inquire about participation. It is likely that interested students will be asked to meet briefly with a therapist to ensure that participation in a group is the right decision.

Spring Groups 2013

Male Survivors Sexual Assault Survivors Support Group

(Wednesdays beginning April 3)

Heal in the company of others:

A new sexual assault support group for male identified survivors will be held on Wednesdays beginning April 3rd - May 2nd from 5:30-6:45pm. The group is open to survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault and rape. Meetings will follow an open support group format and participants determine group topics each week.

Contact Alysha B. Warren, LPC, Therapist/Sexual Violence Resource Coordinator, for more information at awarren@wesleyan.edu. Reference “Support Group” in the subject line. The deadline to sign-up is Tuesday, April 2^nd at 12pm.

Befriending the Body - Yoga Support Group

Mind –Body –Spirit Healing:

Many survivors of sexual violence find yoga to be a helpful complement to their healing process. “Befriending Your Body” is a new 11 week support group that incorporates yoga and discussions of self-care, mindfulness, body awareness and other topics to assist survivors in their healing process. The yoga session will be facilitated by a teacher who specializes in working with trauma survivors. Don’t let Rusty deter you - no yoga experience required.

The group begins meeting on Tuesday, February 12^th – Tuesday, May 7^th from 5:30-7:15pm. Space is (very) limited and registration is required. Contact Alysha B. Warren, LPC, Therapist/Sexual Violence Resource Coordinator, for details and more info at awarren@wesleyan.edu. Reference “Befriending Your Body” in the subject line.

The group will be facilitated by Alysha B. Warren, LPC, Therapist/Sexual Violence Resource Coordinator and Cheryl Hughes, RYT.

The deadline to sign-up Friday, February 8th. Space is limited, apply soon!

Sexual Assault Survivors Support Group (SASS)

Heal in the company of others:

The Sexual Assault Survivors Support Group (SASS) will be held on Wednesdays beginning February 27th and running through May 2nd from 3:45-5:00pm. SASS is open to survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault and rape. Meetings will follow an open support group format and participants determine group topics each week.

Contact Alysha B. Warren, LPC, Therapist/Sexual Violence Resource Coordinator, for more information at awarren@wesleyan.edu. Reference “Support Group” in the subject line. The deadline to sign-up is Monday, February 25th.

Grief Support (student-run)

Date: meets weekly on Wednesdays beginning 2/13/13
Time: 8:30 pm
Location: Davison Health Center - Solarium (room 201) - 2nd floor

Information: hvogel@wesleyan.edu - Phone: 240.463.6929 or lkoenig@wesleyan.edu - Phone: 443.739.7372