Why Groups?
Group therapy helps people learn about themselves and improve their interpersonal relationships. It addresses feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety, and it helps people make significant changes so they feel better about the quality of their lives.
SHAC offers a variety of groups and workshops throughout the academic year. If you would like a counseling group for an area of interest, please talk with any of our counselors.
Current Therapy Groups
Change and Transitions Therapy Group
Change and Transitions is an opportunity for seniors to meet as a group and talk through the challenges in moving forward, accepting the multitude of emotions when you are in your senior spring. Change and Transitions is a way to be proactive in your mental well-being while allowing space to process the ongoing challenges you are experiencing throughout this transition, evaluating your values and the impact this has on your current vision as a graduating senior. The therapists will guide weekly check-ins and provide a space for you to receive feedback and support to manage future changes and transitions as you launch away from college. The Change and Transitions group will consist of 5-10 students and will be led by licensed clinicians, Kenneth Hanna LICSW and Lucy Baquero Oja, LMFT.
Group will be held on 5 consecutive Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 pm, starting Week 3 (4/10).
Location: SHAC Group Room (Davis 03) – Registration Required
To register, contact Lucy Baquero Oja
Mindfulness Monday Therapy Group
Mindfulness Monday is a group opportunity to walk in nature while practicing mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness is proven to reduce stress and anxiety. SHAC Staff will guide students on an outdoor walking retreat to practice grounding and take a pause from the stress of Carleton. Mindfulness Monday group will be led by licensed clinicians Leah Ernste, LPCC and Lucy Baquero Oja, LMFT.
Group will be held on 5 consecutive Mondays, starting Week 3 (4/8). Meet in SHAC group room at 3:00 pm and start walking 3:15-4:15 pm.
Location: SHAC Group Room (Davis 03) – Registration Required
To register, contact Lucy Baquero Oja
Recognition, Insight, and Openness Workshop (RIO)
RIO is a 3 week workshop that focuses on Recognition, Insight and Openness. Many people pursue therapy with the idea that their therapist will know exactly how to “fix” them. The main goals of RIO are to give you tools to recognize your concerns and to develop a clearer idea of what you want to change in your life. It is specifically designed to help people with their emotional concerns. Each topic gets its own week to give you time to fully understand how each concept applies to you and practice with the exercises. (RIO was developed by staff at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.) RIO group will be led by licensed clinicians Leah Ernste, LPCC and Kenneth Hanna, LICSW.
RECOGNITION (week 1) – Focus on our reactions to our uncomfortable internal experiences and recognizing when or how we may be stuck.
INSIGHT (week 2) – Focus on how to gain understanding into our internal experiences and what they are communicating to us or discovering their purpose.
OPENNESS (week 3) – Focus on choosing to move our lives in a more fulfilling direction.
Group will be held on Thursdays from 9:00-10:00 am starting Week 3 (4/11).
Location: SHAC Group Room (Davis 03) – Registration Required
To register, contact Kenneth Hanna
BIPOC Mental Health Collective (BIPOC MHC)
The BIPOC Mental Health Collective (BIPOC MHC) at Carleton College provides a community for Black Indigenous and People of Color students to engage in restorative practices that support their mental health and well-being. The BIPOC MHC is led by staff from Student Health and Counseling, and the Office of Intercultural Life. No registration required.
Group will be held 4 times this term on Thursdays during common time, 12:00-1:00 pm. Dates: April 4, April 25, May 9, and May 23
Location: Sayles 251
Contact Lucy Baquero Oja to be added to our Google group.
Current Workshops, Presentations & Other Resources
Koru Mindfulness Course: Learn to Meditate
This is a 4-session course that will teach you the skills of mindfulness. It will also help you build the habit of using it in your life on a regular basis. Developed for emerging adults; useful to all. There are 2 spots reserved for staff and faculty each session. More details about Carleton’s Koru offerings are available, as well as general details about Koru Mindfulness.
Silent Retreat options, as well as Koru 2.0 information, can also be found on the Koru Mindfulness page
Time to Meditate
Practice moment-to-moment awareness, without judgment. No experience necessary, and any experience welcome. Gently guided by Chaplain’s Associates. This is a drop-in group, and one can participate once or as many times as desired. No sign up required. Sponsored by SHAC and Chaplain’s Office.
Visit the Time To Meditate page on the Chaplian’s Office website for days/times.
Registration Not Required
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
We are happy to help you determine which group would be the best fit for you. Please contact Student Health and Counseling to schedule an initial meeting with a counselor.
What is group therapy?
A therapy group is usually comprised of 5-10 people who meet face to face with 1 or 2 trained facilitators and talk about what is concerning them most. Members listen to each other and openly provide each other feedback. These interactions give members an opportunity to increase understanding, try out new ways of being with others and learn more about the ways they interact. The content of group sessions is confidential: members agree not to identify other members or their concerns outside of group.
How effective is group therapy?
Group therapy has been proven effective in helping people deal with a broad range of issues from mild adjustment and developmental concerns to severe or chronic mental health concerns. It has been shown
to be as effective as individual therapy, and for some issues, it is even more effective than individual therapy.*
*It is well documented that group therapy is equally effective, and sometimes more effective, than individual therapy (e.g. Burlingame, Fuhriman, and Mosier, 2003).
Common reasons for joining a group?
Group therapy is often the most effective treatment for interpersonal concerns, anxiety, social skills, eating disorders, and life adjustment. It is also helpful for depression, poor self-esteem, perfectionism, grief, trauma recovery, and substance use.
What can I expect if I join a group?
If this is your first experience in a therapy group, you probably have some apprehensions — most people do. Walking into the first session is sometimes the hardest part about group. A primary goal of any group is to help establish feelings of safety and trust. Some members will be ready to open up about their concerns early in group, others may need more time. Each group member’s pace and readiness for sharing is respected. Members tend to quickly develop deep and supportive connections with each other and learn to improve their ability to connect with (and care for) themselves and others. Leaders and members will help each other to face challenges (particularly those that brought them to therapy) and to make the changes they desire. It is usually a difficult thing for group members to say goodbye at the end of a term due to how much they have valued each other and valued the work they have done together.
Other Groups that have run in the past:
Groups will be created as needed to meet student requests. If you would like a group that you don’t see here, call Student Health and Counseling (507-222-4080) and request it. Past Groups have included: Coming Out, Mastering The Transition To College, Self-Esteem Workshop, Grief Support, Off-Campus Programs Re-entry Support, Men’s Group, Overcoming Social Anxiety