Group counseling is a form of treatment that allows participants to learn about themselves and their relationships with others and to address personal difficulties that are often shared by other members of the group. A significant benefit of group therapy includes not feeling as alone since others in the group will likely have experienced similar concerns. Most students, though somewhat apprehensive at first, report that the group experience was helpful far beyond their expectations.
Research shows that group counseling is one of the most effective and efficient tools for addressing concerns common among college students. Not only do students receive tremendous understanding, support and encouragement from others facing similar issues, but they also gain different perspectives, ideas and viewpoints on those issues.
How to Join a Group:
Groups are only open to currently enrolled USD students
There is no charge for group counseling. If you have any questions about the groups offered from Student Wellness, please call (619-260-4655) and ask to speak with the Group Coordinator,
Sylvie Marques, PhD or the Counseling Center Director, Steve Sprinkle, PhD. You may also visit the Counseling Center in Serra Hall 300 during walk-in hours (Monday-Friday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and Wednesday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm) and let the person who greets you know that you are interested in learning more about the Wellness Groups. If you see a group that interests you, please contact the group’s facilitator directly.
2011-2012 Groups
The availability of groups varies from year to year, depending on student interest. For the 2011-2012 academic year, the following groups are offered:
- Alcohol & Other Drug Behavioral Change Support Group
- Guy Talk: A Group for Men
- LGBTQQ & Allies Discussion Group co-sponsored with PRIDE
- Life Skills in 60 Minutes
- Nutrition 101
- Relationship Therapy Group
- Support Group for Helping Professionals
- The Family Dance: Who's Taking Care of You?
- Tobacco Cessation
- Women of Color Discussion Group co-sponsored with the Women's Center
*Groups form at the beginning of the semester, so we urge anyone interested to plan ahead.
*Groups are only open to all currently enrolled USD undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
**Many thanks to the Pace University Counseling Center and the University of California Riverside Counseling Center for permission to use and adapt their group information websites.
