Group Counseling

Group counseling provides a highly effective means of addressing personal concerns, either as a supplement to individual counseling work or in lieu of individual counseling. Group counseling can be particularly beneficial for people who are concerned about how they relate to other people, or who feel isolated depressed or anxious. Counseling Services at the HCC offers a variety of group counseling options each quarter to meet the specific needs and interests of the DU student population.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is group counseling?
In group counseling, 6 to 10 people meet face to face with one or more trained group therapists and talk about their concerns. Group participants are able to obtain immediate, genuine feedback from the other group members and the therapists, which allows participants to increase you awareness of yourself and identify aspects of your life you want to change. Group counseling sessions are confidential: what is discussed in group may not be disclosed or discussed outside the group.

Why does group counseling work?
When people participate in a group and interact freely with other group members, they typically recreate difficulties in their lives that brought them to group in the first place. With the direction of the group therapists, the group is able to offer support, offer alternatives, or gently confront the person. During group counseling, participants are able to see that they are not alone in the problems they experience and it is encouraging to hear that others have similar difficulties. The group process often helps the participants resolve their difficulties, learn alternative ways of responding, and develop new ways
of relating to others.

2008 Fall Groups & Workshops

There are a variety of counseling groups available to all University of Denver students during the Spring 2008 quarter. You must complete an initial consultation to ensure you are placed in an appropriate group. If you are interested in participating or want more information, please call the HCC at 303.871.2205.

Nourish the Body and Self
Concerned about your body image and your relationship with food? You are not alone. Explore your concerns and struggles while offering insight and support in a process-oriented therapy group at the DU Health and counseling Center. This group offers open enrollment and currently is accepting new participants.

Day: Tuesdays
Time: 4:00–5:30
Start Date: September 17, 2008
Facilitators: Michael Maley, Ph.D. & Lisa Fuchs, M.S.

Relationship Group
This group is for people who are interested in improving the quality of their relationships with partners, friends and family members. Various issues related to communication, interpersonal skills, acceptance and gender differences will be explored. Come learn how to enhance your current relationships and/or develop healthy relationships in the future. This group offers open enrollment and currently is accepting new participants.

Day: Wednesdays
Time: 1:00–2:30
Start Date: September 10, 2008
Facilitators: Jacaranda Palmateer, Psy.D & Kim Pfaff, M.A.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT helps individuals obtain the skills necessary to resolve their problems and attain their personal goals. Specifically, this group focuses on the teaching of skills that promote healthy interpersonal relationships, control over impulses, assertive behavior, regulation of unstable and unpredictable emotions, and tolerance of distressing situations and events. Members are expected to practice applying the skills they have learned, to explore this experience in group, and to support other group members' practice of skills.

Day: Thursdays
Time: 2:00–3:30pm
Start Date: September 18, 2008
Facilitators: Sarah Wilson, Ph.D & David Colarossi, M.A.

Healing Stories
This 5 week thematic group is for students working on nourishing their relationship with their bodies, food & themselves. Each week a story from Anita Johnston’s Eating in the Light of the Moon will be read and discussed. Participants will explore their thoughts and feelings, and discover how these inform the key relationships in their lives.

Day: Wednesdays
Time: 4:00–5:30pm
Start Date: September 16, 2008
Facilitators: Michael Maley, Ph.D & Tess Siler, M.A.

Queer Men Relating
This group will provide support, increased communication skills and self-understanding for queer men who are interested in enhancing their relationships with partners, peers and families. The unique challenges faced by these men will be supported through empathic understanding, warmth and a safe environment. Both facilitators have extensive experience in celebrating and working with the diverse perspectives and worldviews that gay men bring to humanity.

Day: Thursdays
Time: 9:15am–10:45am
Start Date: September 11
Facilitators: Dianna Ducote-Sabey, Ph.D & Kirsten Ging, M.A.