Have you ever thought about joining a group?
Group counseling is a unique type of therapy in which several individuals meet together with a trained therapist(s), often focusing on a common goal or process. Most groups contain 5-10 students and occur on a weekly basis. Some groups are focused on a single goal or skill-focused, while others are more open in content. Discussion is often based on what students currently find troubling, and group members are encouraged to respond and provide feedback to other students. Feedback provides individuals with the opportunity to think about their own interpersonal styles and discover new ways of thinking about him/her self. As with individual counseling, group sessions are safe and confidential, and students agree not to discuss group material outside of the group. Group therapy may also offer an opportunity for longer term counseling, rather than the short-term nature of most individual therapy at the Counseling Center.
Group psychotherapy can work to help students in many ways. First of all, groups allow people to feel that they are not alone, and that other people may have experienced similar thoughts and feelings. Additionally, since the group functions through interpersonal interactions, many real-life interpersonal difficulties are also seen in the group itself. This allows individuals to gain a new insight regarding their typical modes of interacting and how they might better handle interpersonal challenges. Furthermore, the contributions and support that an individual offers in the group can, in turn, help the individual learn more about him/her self and can promote positive change.
During the fall and spring semesters, we offer various groups to students based on current interests and needs of students. Groups provide a safe and confidential environment to discuss issues and support fellow students who are likely experiencing similar problems. Groups are open to Fordham students and are free of charge.
Current Groups:
Seniors Transition Group
If you are a graduating senior who is feeling pressured to be optimistic about leaving college but find yourself feeling confused, sad, or doubtful about this important life change, consider attending this safe and confidential psychotherapy group. The group meets every Thursday at 11am. Call CPS at 718-817-3725 for more information, or drop in!
Between 2 Worlds – International Group
Leaving home and creating a new life in the U.S. can be exciting, but challenging. Learn from others and explore your experiences as you make sense or your personal journey. Contact Sivanie Shiran, Ph.D. at (212) 636-6225 for more information.
LGBT Group
Have you ever questioned your sexual identity? Wanted to meet other students with similar backgrounds? Had trouble meeting friends or problems with relationships? If so, then this safe and confidential psychotherapy group might be for you. Please contact CPS for more information.
Interpersonal Groups
Are you curious about how you could improve your relationships with others? Are you ever concerned with how others perceive you? Join a safe a confidential group aimed at discussing these and other relationship issues. The Counseling Center currently offers one interpersonal group at the Rose Hill Campus and two groups at the Lincoln Center Campus (1 graduate, 1 undergraduate group).Contact Maya Vaknin, PsyD, for Lincoln Center Graduate Group (212-626-6227), or Karen Lutwin, PsyD, for Lincoln Center Undergraduate Group (212-636-7549).
Bereavement Group
Losing a friend or family member is never easy, and the Counseling Center provides a resource for support. Run in conjunction with Campus Ministry on Rose Hill, this group provides support to students who are grieving and coping with death and loss. Contact Sister Regina at (718) 817-4501 or Sarah Landew, Psy.D. at (718) 817-3738.
Eating Issues Group
This is a weekly psychotherapy group at Rose Hill for students who are questioning their eating habits and attitudes surrounding food (e.g., restrictive eating, binge eating, weight and body image concerns) or have prior issues with food. Contact CPS for more information.
Survivors of Sexual Assault
This is a weekly psychotherapy group at Rose Hill. It provides a supportive environment for female students who have been, or think they may have been sexually assaulted. Contact Kathy Behrend, Ph.D. (718) 817 3733 or Sarah Landew, Psy.D.(718) 817 3738.
Can You Go Home Again?
Parents turn your room into a den? Trying to make your dorm feel like home? There are many changes involved in maintaining stability in college. This group is an open support group meeting weekly to help students adjust to finding a home space. Contact Josh Hooberman, Ph.D. at (212) 636-6230.