Groups & Workshops

Group Therapy

Group therapy is an opportunity for one to meet with other students who are struggling with similar issues.  It can be a powerful experience as it allows one to see that they are not alone in their problems.  Group therapy gives one a chance to tell their story in a safe space, feel supported and understood by others, hear how others have dealt with the same issues, and/or help someone else cope with a problem that one has experience with.  Often, people find that the feedback that they get from group therapy helps them to gain perspective and be more effective in their personal lives as well as their relationships outside of group.

How Group Works

A group of 4 to 8 students meets weekly at the same time and place for about 50 minutes.  The groups are led by one or two of the staff therapists at Health & Counseling Services and are held at the health office.  The group leaders assist members in sharing their stories and getting to know each other.  They also offer feedback and education about a particular issue when appropriate.  However, over time, the group members take more ownership of these processes and the group leaders take a step back and loosely guide the discussion. 

It is important that one is able to commit to the full hour that the group meets and can attend the group on a weekly basis for the semester.  Without the commitment of the members of the group to attend weekly sessions, it will be difficult for participants to reap the benefits of group therapy. 

 

Confidentiality

One of the most important guidelines of group therapy is confidentiality.  This basically means that what is said in group, stays in group.  We ask that all participants keep the information from group confidential.  This helps to maintain a sense of trust and respect amongst the group members and allows people to feel safe in the group.

 

Groups Offered

The Health & Counseling office at Pratt is planning to offer the following groups during the Spring 2013 semester:

 

Choices

A non-judgmental group for students who are trying to moderate or cut down on their use of alcohol or substances. Confidentiality respected. Please contact Jernee Montoya, LCSW in advance at jmontoya@pratt.edu. Begins as soon as there are enough members. Tentative meeting time: Wednesdays 1-2pm.

Interested in Group Therapy?

If you have any questions or concerns about group therapy, please contact Health & Counseling Services at 718-399-4542 and ask to speak with Sarika Seth, Psy.D.  You can also email Sarika at sseth@pratt.edu. If you are interested in a group, but are finding it difficult to overcome anxiety or feelings of embarrassment, it might be helpful to talk about your concerns with one of the therapists at Health & Counseling Services. 

 

Workshops   

The Health & Counseling office at Pratt is offering a new program this Fall called "Wellness Wednesdays". Please click on link to "Outreach Programming" for additional information.