Due to its popularity, University Counseling Services (UCS) has added an additional interpersonal process group (or “IP group”) to accommodate more students’ schedules. Because membership had reached capacity in the original IP group, UCS offered a second group last semester; now, it anticipates needing a third group this spring to accommodate student interest.
“The groups run for 90 minutes because students seem to really benefit from the discussion, and they appreciate the contributions and reactions from others,” said Richard Pazol, an associate director of UCS who co-facilitates the original IP group with Maryann McGlen. “Students clearly value this chance to work through some of the sticking points in their relationships, develop their interpersonal skills, and learn how they are viewed by their peers. There is such a demand for it that we have added a time for a third group on Thursday afternoons. That time is already filling up.”
Is it a group for couples? “No,” said Ann Letourneau, doctoral intern. “It’s really for individuals who want help navigating any kind of relationship in their lives. Our participants come with a variety of goals, such as improving small-talk skills, overcoming shyness, gaining assertiveness, and managing conflict with family, friends and colleagues. These groups are very focused on interpersonal interactions, not the kind of groups where you spill your deepest secrets. Students really seem to get the most out of peer feedback. For example, some students are very surprised to learn that their shy behavior can be read as aloof or disinterested. Others learn that they interrupt too much or that raising their voices can be seen by others as hostility instead of enthusiasm.”
The groups run on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Space is limited, so interested students are encouraged to schedule an initial half-hour interview with a facilitator as soon as possible.
Other therapy groups are also available, including a group for men seeking support for substance abuse and recovery, a group for students struggling simultaneously with academic and mental health concerns, and two groups for women seeking mutual support around shared experiences with gender dynamics.
There is also a drop-in relaxation/meditation group, a monthly support group for African-American women, and a support group for partners of medical students.
Learn more by visiting UCS directly at Sears Building, Room 220 or by telephone at 216.368.5872.