Group Counseling
CAPS will be offering two Understanding Self and Others (USO) therapy groups in Spring 2025. Both will be held in person at CAPS in Van Campen Hall.
Thursdays 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Fridays 10 - 11:30 a.m.
What are Understanding Self and Others therapy groups? USO groups provide a safe and confidential space for group members to hear multiple people’s perspectives, get feedback and support, develop insight into themselves and their relationship patterns, and learn to communicate better. It can help group members have the powerful realization that they are not alone in their struggles.
We understand that some students initially feel a little unsure about group therapy as an option. However, it’s not uncommon for group members to tell us that they were skeptical at first about joining a group, but afterward they were so glad they did.
Here are some common concerns discussed:
Anxiety/nervousness when talking to people
Worrying about how others see you
Loneliness
Problems making/keeping friends
Depression
Difficulty with dating/romantic relationships
Low self-esteem
How to join
To get started, call CAPS at 330-672-2487 to set up a CAPS Consultation appointment, and mention your interest in group. At your appointment, your clinician will guide you through the process from there. We strongly encourage you to contact CAPS as early as possible in the semester, as there are a limited number of spots available.
Have a question about CAPS’ USO groups? Submit it using our online form.
Scroll down to read our Frequently Asked Questions for more information and answers to common questions about our groups.
FAQs:
What is group therapy?
The therapy groups that CAPS offers are sometimes called interpersonal process groups because they focus on the interactions between the group members. Group members relate to each other inside the group in similar ways that they relate to others outside the group, which can create a microcosm of the outside world. Group can be seen as a safe “laboratory” where you can learn more about your relationship patterns and experiment with new ways of relating. As just one example, if you are a person who tends to act like everything’s fine on the outside even when you don’t feel fine on the inside, in a USO group you might experiment with allowing your genuine feelings to show.
Why should I join a USO group?
USO groups can offer something that’s rare to find: caring people who will give you honest feedback - in a respectful, gentle way – about how you might be thinking or acting in ways that aren’t serving you very well. These conversations occur within a supportive and confidential space.
Here are a few other advantages:
Group therapy offers you multiple people’s perspectives, while individual therapy offers you only one.
You can find an individual therapist almost anywhere, but it’s harder to find groups like this once you’re out of college. Why not take this opportunity while you have it?
In group therapy you can see that others share similar struggles as you. You learn that maybe you’re not alone or as different as you think.
Isn’t individual therapy better than group therapy?
Many people are surprised to learn that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy, and for some concerns it is more effective. For example, CAPS’ USO groups can be especially effective for students who have concerns of an interpersonal nature such as social anxiety or relationship concerns.
What is a typical USO group like at CAPS?
Each USO group is made up of about 5-8 students and 1-2 group leaders who meet at CAPS for 90 minutes every week for the duration of the semester. Groups start accepting new members at the beginning of each semester, and once they are full, they close until the beginning of the next semester.
What if I feel anxious in groups? Will I be judged or criticized?
It is normal to feel nervous about starting group therapy or to worry about saying the wrong thing - most new group members do. Members almost always find, though, that within a few sessions they start to feel less anxious and more at ease. Keep in mind, too, that the group leaders are there to guide the process and create a safe environment for everyone.
I’m not comfortable sharing my feelings in front of a group of strangers.
That’s okay – you decide what (or if) you want to share, and you will never be forced to share anything you don’t want to. The leaders are there to make sure no one is pressured to talk, even when asked a direct question. That said, if you’re nervous talking about yourself with other people, then group might be the right place for you to try doing something different.
What if I see someone I know in the group?
If this uncommon situation should happen, let the group leaders know as soon as possible so that they may address it. The leaders will consult with the group members and decide how to handle the situation based on the circumstances and the preferences of those involved.
Is there a cost?
Students recommended for individual or group therapy at CAPS are eligible for up to six covered sessions each academic year. Beyond that, group sessions are billed to insurance. For students who don’t have insurance, CAPS offers self-pay rates. If you have insurance or billing-related questions, you may call CAPS’ main number or ask a CAPS clinician.
What’s the process for joining?
Interested students should call CAPS at 330-672-2487 to set up a CAPS Consultation appointment. At your appointment, let your clinician know you’re interested in joining a group, and they will provide more information and guide you to the next step, if appropriate. You’ll have a chance to meet with the group leader(s) to talk in more detail about the group so that you know what to expect. This meeting is an opportunity to get all your questions answered and to decide whether USO is a good fit for you. Space is limited, so we encourage you to contact CAPS as early as possible in the semester.
Have another question? Submit your question using our online form.