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. 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 both fall and spring semesters.

Typical issues that are helped by Group Therapy 

1. Relationship Issues.
    -Forming friendships, roommate issues
    -Dating, romantic relationships
    -Family issues, work issues 
2. Shyness 
3. Loneliness
4. Problems Regulating Emotions
    -Anxiety
    -Depression
    -Anger Management
    -Substance abuse
    -Eating Disorders
5. Issues around diversity, class, race, gender issues
6. Grief around death or serious illness in 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 program. Contact Rodney Sloat, LICSW, Group Therapy Coordinator.

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 and your interest in it.
• Clinicians, Tutors, Proctors, etc., who may want to refer to a group may call the leader directly for information or, if uncertain which group may be appropriate, may call Rodney Sloat, Coordinator of Group Therapy Programs to discuss options. Call (617) 495-2042 or email (rsloat@uhs.harvard.edu).

WORRIERS GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE  3:00-4:30pm
9/28-12/14/09
Steven Steinke, LICSW (ssteinke@uhs.harvard.edu)

Meets in the HUHS, Wacker Room, 4th Floor

A 10 week group focused managing persistent worry and anxiety. Group members will learn to manage the three components of anxiety: cognitive distortions, physiological distress and avoidance behaviors. The group will incorporate relaxation training, self-monitoring exercises and specific cognitive restructuring skills.

EATING CONCERNS GROUP 4:30-6:00pm
10/5/09-Ongoing
Frances Turnbull, EDD (fturnbull@uhs.harvard.edu)

Meets in the HUHS, Wacker Room, 4th Floor

A group for those with body image and eating concerns; including anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. Focus is on understanding how self image, relationships, mood impact eating patterns and behaviors as well as work symptom management Call 617-495-2042 to set up a pre group interview appointment.

YOUNG ADULT GROUP 4:30-6:00pm
Ongoing
Chandana Kanithi, Psy.D (ckanithi@uhs.harvard.edu)

Meets in the HUHS, Mental Health Conference Room, 4th floor

This is a psychodynamic process group for graduate students and post docs who are motivated to explore and improve how they relate to other people. This is a co-ed group that runs yearlong. This group offers opportunities for members to share feelings and experiences with others, to explore the ways they relate to others, and to work on understanding and expanding relational skills. Call 617-495-2042 to set up a pre group interview appointment.

MANAGING YOUR MOODS 4:00-5:30pm
9/22-12/3/09
Rowell Levy, Psy.D (rlevy@uhs.harvard.edu)

Meets in the HUHS, Monks Library, 2nd Floor

Do your moods manage you? This 8 week group will help you better understand, recognize, and influence your different mood states. This group will be part skills based and part process.

LGBTQ THERAPY/ SUPPORT GROUP 4:00 - 5:30pm
9/15/09-Ongoing
Sara Kimmel, PhD (skimmel@uhs.harvarvard.edu)

Meets in the HUHS, Mental Health Conference Room, 4th floor

This group is intended for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer/questioning and intersexed students to provide support and a confidential/safe place to process concerns about coming out and relationships. Concerns around sexuality and gender identity, being LGBTQI on campus and any other concerns relevant to the LGBTQI community. Call 617-495-2042 to set up a pre group interview appointment.