Each semester, Counseling Services offers a variety of confidential group therapy experiences. In group therapy, you can count on the expertise of the counselors who facilitate the group, and you can also get to know other students who are experiencing similar issues as you.
Groups at Berea College are designed for students who want to understand themselves and others in greater depth. These may be students who have concerns about relationships with others; students who feel different from their peers because of the type of problem currently being experienced; and/or students who make choices based on what others want or expect instead of evaluating decisions for themselves. A common theme for group participants is wanting to learn how to change thinking, feelings, and/or behavior to feel better about themselves and cope more effectively with life.
What groups are being offered this semester?
Am I eligible for Group Counseling?
Can I trust that group counseling will be confidential?
Who are the group therapists?
How do I join a group and when does it start?
What can I expect group counseling to be like?
Groups are organized and offered every fall and spring semester. Most organize and fill up to capacity (usually 6-9 members) within the first month of the semester. However, some groups remain “open” to accept new members even up until the last month of the semester. Check out the list of personal growth and theme-centered groups currently being offered by Counseling Services this semester.
Am I eligible for Group Counseling Services?
All Berea College students are eligible for Group Counseling Services. Some groups require prescreening to assess needs.
Berea College Counselors are ethically committed to confidentiality and federal and state laws require it. That means that even your attendance in a group at BC is kept private and confidential by our staff. The issue of confidentiality is an important one which is always addressed in the group immediately. Group members are asked to make a commitment to protect each other by agreeing not to divulge details which would identify you outside of group. While it is okay to share your own group experience with friends or family, it is not okay to discuss other members in any way. While we at the BC cannot provide you an absolute guarantee of confidentiality since we cannot control every group member, our experience indicates that students respect each other’s privacy, because they want their privacy respected as much as you do.
Groups are led by counselors who have training in group therapy and expertise in the specific areas that a group has been designed for.
Every semester, a variety of different groups are offered, and you can check out our current semester’s groups. If you are interested in joining a group, call 859-985-3212 to schedule an individual meeting with the group therapist(s), who will recommend whether the group could be of benefit to you. Most groups start near the beginning of the semester. You are invited to drop in to the “open” groups.
There is no cost for Counseling Services at BC.
Groups can offer an intense, thought-provoking experience. The secret strength of group therapy is in the unique blend of professionals and clients united in the challenge of growth.