Why Groups?
Group therapy helps people learn about themselves and improve their interpersonal relationships. It addresses feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety, and it helps people make significant changes so they feel better about the quality of their lives.
SHAC offers a variety of groups and workshops throughout the academic year. If you would like a counseling group for an area of interest, please talk with any of our counselors.
Current Therapy Groups
Change and Transitions Therapy Group
Change and Transitions is an opportunity for seniors to meet as a group and talk through the challenges in moving forward, accepting the multitude of emotions when you are in your senior year. This group is for you to recognize you are not alone with these highly charged and changing emotions and allows you to collaborate and process it with other seniors. Change and Transitions is a way to be proactive in your mental wellbeing while allowing space to process the ongoing challenges you are experiencing throughout this transition. The therapists will guide weekly check-ins and provide a space for you to receive feedback and support to manage future changes and transitions as you launch away from college. The Change and Transitions group will consist of 5-10 students and will be run by licensed clinicians, Kenneth Hanna LICSW and Lucy Baquero Oja, LMFT.
Group will be held on 6 consecutive Thursdays from 4:00-5:00, starting Week 3 (1/19).
Contact Lucy Baquero Oja to register.
Location: SHAC Group Room (G 07) –Registration Required
First Gen Circle
Calling all first gen students! Come join first gen students and staff for support, empowerment, and guidance. All winter groups are held in Sayles Hill Lounge between 4pm and 4:50pm. No registration required.
Group is held 3 times throughout the term, on Tuesdays 4:00-4:50 pm.
Dates: January 10th, February 7th and March 7th.
Location: Sayles Hill Lounge
BIPOC Mental Health Collective (BIPOC MHC)
The BIPOC Mental Health Collective (BIPOC MHC) at Carleton College provides a community for Black Indigenous and People of Color students to engage in restorative practices that support their mental health and well-being. The BIPOC MHC is led by staff from Student Health and Counseling, and the Office of Intercultural Life. No registration required.
Group is held 3 times throughout the term on Thursdays during common time 12:00-1:00 pm.
Dates: January 26, February 16, March 2nd
Location: Sayles 251
Current Workshops, Presentations & Other Resources
Koru Mindfulness Course: Learn to Meditate
This is a 4-session course that will teach you the skills of mindfulness. It will also help you build the habit of using it in your life on a regular basis. Developed for emerging adults; useful to all. There are 2 spots reserved for staff and faculty each session. More details about Carleton’s Koru offerings are available, as well as general details about Koru Mindfulness.
Silent Retreat options, as well as Koru 2.0 information, can also be found on the Koru Mindfulness page
Time to Meditate
Practice moment-to-moment awareness, without judgment. No experience necessary, and any experience welcome. Gently guided by Betsy Lane-Getaz, Chaplain’s Associate Aravindh Subramanian, or other students. This is a drop-in group, and one can participate once or as many times as desired. No sign up required. Sponsored by SHAC and Chaplain’s Office.
Mondays: 8:15 pm – 8:35 pm in the Chapel
Fridays: 8:05 am – 8:25 am in Chapel
Registration Not Required
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
We are happy to help you determine which group would be the best fit for you. Please contact Student Health and Counseling to schedule an initial meeting with a counselor.
What is group therapy?
A therapy group is usually comprised of 5-10 people who meet face to face with 1 or 2 trained facilitators and talk about what is concerning them most. Members listen to each other and openly provide each other feedback. These interactions give members an opportunity to increase understanding, try out new ways of being with others and learn more about the ways they interact. The content of group sessions is confidential: members agree not to identify other members or their concerns outside of group.
How effective is group therapy?
Group therapy has been proven effective in helping people deal with a broad range of issues from mild adjustment and developmental concerns to severe or chronic mental health concerns. It has been shown
to be as effective as individual therapy, and for some issues, it is even more effective than individual therapy.*
*It is well documented that group therapy is equally effective, and sometimes more effective, than individual therapy (e.g. Burlingame, Fuhriman, and Mosier, 2003).
Common reasons for joining a group?
Group therapy is often the most effective treatment for interpersonal concerns, anxiety, social skills, eating disorders, and life adjustment. It is also helpful for depression, poor self-esteem, perfectionism, grief, trauma recovery, and substance use.
What can I expect if I join a group?
If this is your first experience in a therapy group, you probably have some apprehensions — most people do. Walking into the first session is sometimes the hardest part about group. A primary goal of any group is to help establish feelings of safety and trust. Some members will be ready to open up about their concerns early in group, others may need more time. Each group member’s pace and readiness for sharing is respected. Members tend to quickly develop deep and supportive connections with each other and learn to improve their ability to connect with (and care for) themselves and others. Leaders and members will help each other to face challenges (particularly those that brought them to therapy) and to make the changes they desire. It is usually a difficult thing for group members to say goodbye at the end of a term due to how much they have valued each other and valued the work they have done together.
Other Groups that have run in the past:
Groups will be created as needed to meet student requests. If you would like a group that you don’t see here, call Student Health and Counseling (507-222-4080) and request it. Past Groups have included: Coming Out, Mastering The Transition To College, Self-Esteem Workshop, Grief Support, Off-Campus Programs Re-entry Support, Men’s Group, Overcoming Social Anxiety