All groups will be held in person at the Counseling Center, Suites on Maple East G31.
Participation in these groups requires an initial 30-minute appointment—an information and assessment session to see if the group is right for you.
To schedule this appointment or to ask questions, contact the Counseling Center by phone at 724-357-2621 or email counseling-center@iup.edu.
Groups are a therapeutic experience unlike any other, including
- a great source of feedback
- a place to get support
- often humorous and fun
- creative exploration surrounding each member's individual challenges
Research has shown that group counseling is as effective as individual counseling. Talking with other students who have similar experiences helps us realize we are not alone.
Contact the Counseling Center by phone at 724-357-2621 or email counseling-center@iup.edu.
Women's Group
Tuesdays 2:30–4:00 p.m.
This is a supportive and confidential space where women come together to share their experiences, explore personal challenges, and work toward emotional growth and healing. The group is facilitated by two trained therapists guiding discussions on various topics relevant to students, such as body image, relationships, stress, communication, and personal development.
Belonging: A Process Group for BIPOC Students
Wednesdays 2:00–3:30 p.m.
This will be a confidential space to connect with one another around the challenges and blessings that come with our racial identities, as well as the experience of attending a predominantly White institution and existing in a rural community. With the support of IUP counselors (who are also BIPOC and/or international), the group provides an opportunity to find validation, new perspectives, motivation, and acceptance among BIPOC and international peers. We’ll also take some time to focus on general wellness and staying emotionally healthy during college and beyond. We welcome anyone who identifies as BIPOC or international with their whole intersectional selves.
Building a Better Me (Approaches to Well-being)
Wednesdays 3:00–4:30 p.m.
College is an exciting and stressful time. We have the freedom to choose who we want to be and what is important to us, but it can be difficult to be our best and most authentic selves when we are under stress. The Counseling Center has created a group to give students a safe space to explore these issues through conversations, writing, art, and other fun activities, while also teaching foundational mental health skills for navigating adulthood. Join us to learn more about yourself, understand your values, and build essential skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and communication.
Understanding Self and Others
Thursdays 4:00–5:30 p.m.
This is a therapy group where students meet with others, share who they are, and learn about themselves and each other while gaining skills and insight to use outside of the therapy room. This is a meaningful way to receive multiple perspectives, support, encouragement, and feedback, and to learn how to relate to others in a safe and confidential space.
The Gay Agenda
Fridays 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This is a therapeutic group designed for individuals from marginalized backgrounds who identify under the LGBTQIA umbrella. The purpose of this group is to foster a sense of community and provide a safe space for individuals to explore the complexity and empowerment of their identity. This group will also help students identify and reach their therapeutic goals related to their identity development and mental health. With the support of IUP counselors (who are a part of the LGBTQIA community), the group will address common stressors such as discrimination and anxiety, and develop an awareness of the authentic self. We will facilitate the development of healthy connections and emotional wellness anchored in the experience of being a part of a marginalized identity at IUP.
Participation in group therapy requires an initial 30-minute appointment.
To schedule this appointment or to ask questions, contact the Counseling Center by phone at 724-357-2621 or email counseling-center@iup.edu. Counseling services are open to all students who are currently paying the Wellness Fee.