Group therapy is an opportunity for students to meet other students and share problems, concerns, issues, and goals. Some of the groups have an educational model, where theories of life management are presented and discussed and skills are taught to help students cope with stress and feel more positive and confident about themselves. Other groups are more open-ended and group members explore themes that emerge in group.
In all groups members give and take feedback. Group therapy is an opportunity to try out new attitudes, perceptions, new ways of behaving, and to learn new insights about the way we interact with others. Groups can be powerful experiences that lead to positive change. Groups are facilitated by one or two therapists and there are usually 6-8 members. Most groups require a pre-group screening with one of the leaders. Some groups are ongoing and others meet for the semester. Ongoing groups have a rolling admission. Many groups are offered during both fall and spring terms.
Typical issues that are helped by group therapy
- Relationship issues: forming friendships, roommate issues, dating, romantic relationships, family issues, and work issues
- Shyness
- Loneliness
- Problems regulating emotions: anxiety, depression, anger management, substance abuse, eating disorders
- Issues around diversity, class, race, and gender
- Grief around death or serious illness of a loved one
Group therapy can help people change and reach personal goals, but it also alleviates feelings of alienation and aloneness. It is one resource available to students seeking more of a sense of community at Harvard.
Please feel free to email the group leaders with any questions regarding their groups or the program, or contact Rue Wilson, ED.D., Group Therapy Coordinator, for more information.
Referral Information
- Self referral—If you are interested in a specific group, you may either call 617-495-2042 to speak with the group leader, or you may book a half-hour session with the leader to discuss the group you are interested in.
- Clinicians, Tutors, Proctors, etc., who may want to refer someone to a group may call the leader directly for information or, if uncertain which group may be appropriate, contact Rue Wilson, Coordinator of Group Therapy Programs, to discuss options at 617-495-2042 or rwilson@huhs.harvard.edu.
MONDAY
Worriers Guide to the Summer
June 3 - July 22, 2013
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Steven Steinke, LICSW
Through a four week period, the workshop will be focused on managing persistent low grade worry and anxiety. Members will be presented with an evidence based understanding of anxiety’s component parts and treatment.
Skills exposure will target cognitive distortions, physiological distress and avoidance behaviors. The workshop members will be given an overview on relaxation training, self-monitoring exercises and specific cognitive restructuring skills.
TUESDAY
Stay Calm and Carry On
June 4, 11, 18, 25; July 2, 9, 30; August 6, 20
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Maureen Rezendes, PhD
Seeking that balance between productivity and relaxation? Need some support to stay focused and motivated? This weekly workshop could help you. Participate in discussion and practice activities that will focus on stress management, organizational skills, time management and maintaining a healthy life balance.
WEDNESDAY
Staying Real
June 5 - August 14, 2013
4:00-5:30 p.m.
Frances Turnbull, Ed.D
This group provides an opportunity to talk about expressing more of your authentic self. The group will address topics such as the imposter syndrome and perfectionism and how to stay true to your values in this diverse and stimulating community. We will look at the importance on maintaining practices that help you stay grounded, and at prioritizing self-care. We will also consider how to invest in and maintain “real” relationships, those which enhance and support your authentic self.
THURSDAY
Minding The Self
June 12-26, 2013
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Joyce Marenghi, LICSW
This will be two sessions of a four week group. The group will review CBT and mindfulness skills, as well as how to create and maintain self care routines for managing depression and anxiety. Group is open to women and men.
FRIDAY
Keeping It Together Workshop
June 21 - August 16, 2013
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Rue Wilson, Ed.D
This weekly one hour workshop introduces basic skills to practicing mindfulness, increasing distress tolerance, reducing negative thinking patterns, and improving relaxation skills. Participants can discuss how to apply skills to their specific concerns and practice together.
Attend as often as interested. Skills may be repeated week-to-week.