Counseling Services shares the benefits of group therapy, as well as the group and workshops offered for the Fall semester.
Counseling Services offers various services for Elon students, including group therapy. Group therapy is an effective therapeutic intervention for many mental health concerns and is often the preferred method of treatment. Group therapy allows students to build meaningful connections and community.
“Group therapy and skill-based workshops are very beneficial for students experiencing a range of concerns including generalized or social anxiety, depression and mood concerns, relationship issues, identity development, and many others,” said Anita Hodnett, director of Counseling Services.
Students have also shared anonymously how group therapy has benefited them. One student stated, “Group is a great way to get to know people and to talk about life and the stress of life in a different atmosphere.”
Another student shared, “It is a supportive space and you learn to work with other people who might be as nervous and shy as you are. It has been empowering being a part of it.”
Counseling Services offers two types of groups and workshops: “Show Up” groups and “Sign-up” groups.
“Show Up” Groups
“Show Up” groups are spaces where no prior connection with Counseling Services is required. You can even bring a friend! The support spaces offer ways for students to connect with peers who may share a similar identity or life experience with them. These may vary in frequency from weekly to monthly and are often in conjunction with campus partners. The following “Show Up” groups and workshops are starting in September
Hues of Her
Starting Friday, Sept. 8, 3-4:30 p.m.
Hues of Her promotes the emotional and social well-being of ALANAM students identifying as women or femme of center.
Life After Loss
Starting Thursday, Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Numen Lumen 201
During this group, students will learn to navigate through the grieving process by connecting and sharing with peers coping with loss.
Nature Rx
Friday, Sept. 15, 3-5 p.m.
Mental Health Hike @ Shallow Ford Natural Area
Nature Rx provides a space for students to explore the benefits of utilizing outdoor spaces and activities to improve mood and energy levels, decrease common symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increase their overall sense of happiness.
Visit the Groups and Workshops on the Counseling Services website to learn more about meeting times and locations.
“Sign Up” Groups
“Sign Up” groups involve signing up ahead of time (workshops), and may require a screening within Counseling Services to make sure these are a good fit for you (therapy groups). The following “Sign Up” groups are now open for enrollment:
Mindful Mondays Workshop
Starting Monday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m.-noon
During this workshop, students will learn practical mindfulness skills to help them better manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions.
Anxiety Toolbox Workshop
Starting Thursday, Sept 21, 1-2 p.m.
The Anxiety Toolbox Workshop allows students to increase awareness and understanding of anxiety symptoms and build skills to manage these symptoms.
Dungeons, Dragons, and Therapy
Wednesdays 4:30-5:45 p.m.
In Dungeons, Dragons, and Therapy, students will work with a clinician to create a fantasy character that is personalized to them and their goals. No previous experience with Dungeons and Dragons or other Role Playing Games is required.
LGBTQIA Counseling Group
Tuesdays 4:30-5:45 p.m.
This group is for students identifying with one or more LGBTQ+ identities to explore a variety of presenting concerns, increase self-awareness by exchanging genuine and honest feedback, practice assertiveness and other interpersonal skills to use in daily life, and develop more positive and meaningful relationships with others.
Understanding Myself and Others
Wednesdays 2:00-3:15 p.m.
This group is open to students who are interested in gaining greater self-awareness, understanding their relationships with others, and practicing healthier ways of relating to others.
For any questions or to request a pre-group appointment, students can contact Counseling Services at (336) 278-7280.