The Counseling Center will host three groups, creative expressions, relaxation and stress relief and social development and support in late March and April. Each group consists of six sessions scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Each group will build a connection with the counselor, Pam Midgett, counseling center director, said.

“Students will benefit more if they go to all six sessions. Groups are different than one time presentations.  Groups are designed to be an experience for the participants, so several sessions are better than a one-time group,” Midgett said. “When people join a group, they bond and connect and want more. That’s why our groups are extending on.”

Last fall, the creative expressions and relaxation and stress relief groups were held, and due to student demand, have returned this spring with the addition of the social development group.

Students in the creative expression group will participate in craft-making activities designed to increase their awareness of their thoughts and feelings.  The activities include collage making, group drawing and painting.

The relaxation group will partake in relaxation and guided imagery activities designed to help slow breathing, reduce anxiety and relax.

The new social development class will participate in a traditional group therapy process with a focus on interacting with others in a safe environment.

“Our goal is to offer these type of groups every semester, but it is entirely based on student interest,” Midgett said.

The sessions involve more than just a simple lecture. Students will interact and participate with counselors in small and intimate groups of 8 to 10 people.

“These groups are supposed to be an experience, not just learning a technique through a handout,” Midgett said. “There is no one student or type of student who attends the groups.  We have students with all sorts of personality dynamics who would be appropriate for the groups.  The only thing we ask of students is that they come with an open mind and also that they do not talk outside the group about what happens in the group.”

Sessions will be offered for a full month to allow students to create a bond with those within the group and with the counselor as well.