Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions at the Health & Wellness Centre consist of 6-12 individuals and 1-2 trained professionals. Through interactive discussions, life issues are explored based on the group’s needs. A safe environment where trust, honesty, and improved communication can thrive is continually promoted at each group session. All the information shared during a group session is confidential.
How to Attend Group Therapy?
Below you will find information about the groups that are offered at UTSC. Check the intranet for more information on how to register for the respective group of your interest. Also, to inquire about these groups, contact health-services@utsc.utoronto.ca.
*You may need to attend a short meeting or fill out a short survey prior to attending the group therapy session of your interest.
Group Therapy Types:
Exposure to a new culture and lack of familiarity with local behaviours and customs can complicate the process of adjusting to university life and achieving academic goals. The Social Adjustment Support Group provides an opportunity to learn from one another about adjusting to a new culture and educational system, dealing with different customs, and building intimate, supportive networks.
This group will not be offered during this semester.
This group will provide you with an opportunity to share personal experiences and learn new coping strategies. Topics will include:
- Relaxation and stress management techniques
- An introduction to mindfulness meditation
- An exploration of how thoughts and feelings are connected
- How to alter negative thinking
- Ways to improve relationships and self care
Click here for more details about this group!
This group program is particularly suited for students who want to enhance their self-esteem and self-awareness as well as further their relationship skills. The group usually consists of 8-12 members and meets for 90 minutes every week. This personal growth program is a process group that is developed by the members. Confidentiality is essential as it provides a level of safety for members, which in turn facilitates more open sharing among students.
Click here for more details about this group!
Everyone experiences grief and loss in their own way, but nobody needs to carry the grief on their own. In this small confidential group, you will be able to share your loss with other people in a supportive atmosphere. We will also learn more about grief, and share with each other ideas and materials that we have found helpful and comforting.
This group will not be offered during this semester.
Is your mind feeling overloaded? Are your muscles tense? Come join us for a mid-day escape. Experience and learn the art of relaxation through mindfulness mediation, stress management, and gentle stretching of the body and soul. This is a drop in group that you can join at any time. Come one week, come every week!
Click here for more details about this group!
You just made them and oops they already have fallen apart or soon will…. Come join this group to learn to wield your will to keep a resolution or to learn why you are not able to keep a resolution. Learn why we make and then break our own resolutions….Is there a divine design or devices of your own mind which you will learn to fine tune!
This group will not be offered during this semester.
Group Therapy FAQ:
In order to ensure that a group is appropriate for you, you may need to have a short interview with the group facilitator. The facilitator will discuss with you how to get the most out of group, clarify group expectations, and identify your personal goals. This meeting will also allow you to ask any questions you may have about the group.
Under the skilled direction of the group therapists, the group is able to provide support, offer alternatives, or gently challenge you to develop healthier behavior patterns.
During group therapy, students begin to see that they are not alone. Many, who feel that they have unique problems, find it helpful to hear that other students have similar concerns. In the climate of safety and trust provided by the group, members feel free to care about and support one another.
Group therapy can be engaged in as either a skill-building or process-oriented group in order to deal with issues raised by the group members.
Students share common concerns related to self esteem, self image, relationships and life choices. Groups are most helpful for students who want to: build skills, increase self awareness, enhance self esteem, learn to deal with feelings, refine social skills and explore the process of developing meaningful relationships with others.
In order for students to feel comfortable to express themselves it is imperative that they feel the group is a safe environment. This safety is created by the following conditions: the content of the group sessions is absolutely confidential; what members talk about or disclose is never discussed outside the group. Group members work to establish a level of trust that allows them to feel safe to talk personally and honestly. Group trust is also enhanced when all members make a commitment to working together in the group.
Common Misconceptions:
All the information you share with a counsellor is confidential and will not be released without your permission except as required by law.
You control what, how much and when you share with the group. In fact, we encourage you not to share what you are not ready to disclose. When you feel safe enough to share what is troubling you, the group can be very helpful and affirming. There is also the benefit of listening to others and thinking what they are sharing may apply to you.
Many are anxious about being able to talk in group. Almost without exception, group members find that they do begin to talk in the group within a few sessions. As this is a common issue for so many group members, the group provides lots of support.