Descriptions of Counseling Groups

Counseling Center

Descriptions of Counseling Groups

group room

The following groups are described on this page. Click on a title to go to the description of that group.

Building Healthy Relationships
Recovering from Family Pain
Living without Misery
Social Skills and Relationship Enhancement Group
Loving the Body You're In
Women's Empowerment Group

Building Healthy Relationships

This group is for nontraditional and graduate students, late 20's - 50's. Group members work on current relationship concerns, family of origin issues, and self-esteem. Students often work through problems stemming from being an Adult Child of an Alcoholic or other dysfunctional family concerns. The group provides a good supportive place to get in touch with feelings and learn how to express them constructively.

Recovering from Family Pain

This is an ongoing, co-ed therapy group for students under the age of 30 who were raised in a home where alcohol, other substances, physical/sexual/emotional abuse and/or physical/mental illness impacted the family's functioning. The goal of this group is to help its members understand how they were affected by their family of origin experiences, work through the problems that are affecting them now, and integrate their experiences so that they can enjoy fulfilling and productive lives. Members' concerns typically include academic problems, relationship difficulties, anxiety, and depression. The group usually has 4-6 members and is limited to 8 members maximum.

Living Without Misery

This group is designed for students who feel dissatisfied with their personal lives. Students who benefit from the Living Without Misery group answer YES to several of the following questions:

EMOTIONS -

Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions?
Do you feel your emotions are in control of your life rather than you controlling your emotions?

RELATIONSHIPS -

Do you find yourself having chaotic, up and down, friendships or dating relationships?
Do you feel misunderstood or taken advantage of by others?

COPING -

Do you frequently feel other people can manage life better than you?
Do you engage in self-destructive behaviors such as cutting, an eating disorder, use drugs/alcohol in a way that interferes with school or relationships, have suicidal thoughts/plans, etc?

IDENTITY -

Do you feel lost, unsure of who you are or what you want?

DISTRESS -

Does life frequently feel overwhelming or distressing?
Are you feeling helpless or hopeless?

The Living Without Misery group teaches members alternative coping skills so they can learn to effectively manage their lives and be more satisfied with life.

Social Skills and Relationship Enhancement Group

This group is for younger students and students new to SIUC. Group members range in age from late teens to late 20's. Group members work on issues such as feelings of social isolation, difficulty with transition, and current interpersonal concerns. Students often work through problems stemming from dysfunctional families and difficult experiences in early childhood. The group provides a safe and supportive place to explore and process feelings, learn new skills, and get more out of relationships in their lives.

Loving the Body You're In

Difficulties with body image and poor body esteem are experiences that many women struggle with. Significant psychological and emotional distress are common reactions to this problem. For some, poor body esteem can disrupt day to day functioning, increase feelings of self consciousness, negatively impact one’s mood and disrupt healthy eating habits.

The Counseling Center is offering a body image group for women with body image concerns. We recognize that there is a range in the degree to which people struggle with this problem. We invite all interested women to contact us at the Counseling Center for more information.

The goal of this group is to provide women with a supportive experience that will allow them to safely explore, identify and challenge negative body image attitudes and perceptions and to address problematic behaviors that have resulted from this issue.

Women's Empowerment Group

This is an ongoing therapy group for women who are struggling with various concerns. The overarching goal of the group is to empower its members to live their lives more fully with joy and purpose. Issues discussed in group include relationships with significant others, family of origin, friends, and children; academic problems; divorce and other relationship losses; stress management; and the effects of past abuse (physical, sexual, & emotional) on present functioning. Members range in age from mid-20s to mid-40s. The group typically has 4-6 members and is limited to 8 members maximum.

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