Group counseling involves a small number of individuals working together on common problems or concerns. Counseling groups may focus on a particular issue (for example, exam anxiety or relationship issues) or they can be less structured sessions that explore broader issues or student concerns.
Typically, groups meet for 90 minutes each week and are led by one or two staff counselors. Groups are offered throughout the academic year. The group counseling listing is updated each semester to reflect that semester’s offerings.
Below is a list of the group counseling topics offered this semester. For additional information about topics, leaders, meeting times and locations, please stop by the Counseling Center, contact us at 777-2772, or check back on the website since details are posted as they become available.
Facilitator: Sefali Bhutwala, Ph.D.
This new group welcomes students who would like to discuss their experiences at BU as international students and who are looking forward to meeting new friends. We are a welcoming and inclusive group that aims to promote feelings of connection and belonging and welcome those who are "international at heart". We will explore typical issues that international students encounter: homesickness, loneliness, academic stress, language and communication difficulties. For more information, please call the counseling center at 607-777-2772 or email Sefali Bhutwala at bhutwala@binghamton.edu
Facilitator: Tracy Lord, Psy.D.
This is an interpersonal group in which men and women can focus on their relationships with
others, be it friends, romantic partners, co-workers, or family members. Common concerns
include anxiety in social situations, difficulty making friends, assertiveness, beginning and
ending relationships, and conflict with others. An interpersonal group can be beneficial in several
ways, including learning that other students struggle with similar concerns, which can help
you feel less alone. During group sessions, members will explore how they relate to others both
inside and outside of group. This insight can help you improve how you relate to others and can
help you build stronger, healthy relationships.
Facilitator: Sefali Bhutwala, Ph.D.
This support group for students who have lost a loved one is now accepting new members. This group provides a venue for sharing feelings, and helps individuals find meaning through sharing one's story and receiving understanding from others. It is a way you can support your own healing process as you come to terms with what you have experienced. Call theUniversityCounselingCenterand ask for a group screening with Sefali Bhutwala, PhD. If you have any questions about the group, or would like more information on bereavement, stop by the University Counseling Center (LN-1202) or call 777-2772.
Facilitators: Dara Raboy-Picciano, LCSW-R and Nathan Gismot
This group is for anyone struggling with issues related to their sexual orientation; coming out to family and friends, concerns about the future, inner religious conflicts etc. If you have an interest in this group, you may contact the UCC office at 7-2772 to set up a screening appointment with one of the facilitators.
Searching for a discreet place to talk about your sexual identity? Dealing with religious issues and your sexuality? Conflicted about disclosing to loved ones? If you are interested in attending a group devoted to exploring these concerns, please contact one of the co-leaders for the group location. Dara Raboy Picciano piccian@binghamton.edu or Bryson Rose bwrose@binghamton.edu
Feeling stressed? Need to relax? Come learn how to relax through a variety of techniques that will vary weekly, including guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and more. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to be part of this relaxation community any week they wish – no appointment is necessary. The group meets in the Counseling Center.
The University Counseling Center is now holding open enrollment for a specialized group therapy targeting the common problems associated with gambling. If you experience any financial stress, academic problems or interpersonal conflict related to your current or past gambling behavior, then you may benefit from this group.
Searching This support group provides a venue for sharing feelings, and helps individuals find meaning through sharing one's story and receiving understanding from others. It is a way you can support your own healing process as you come to terms with what you have experienced. Men's Group
This group is for female survivors of rape or sexual assault (recently or in the past) who feel this traumatic event is currently having a negative impact on their life.
This group is for doctoral students who are beyond the preliminary stage of their work and need an extra push to finish their dissertation.
This is a support group for students who have a loved one in the Iraq/Afghanistan combat zone.
This is group addresses issues of interpersonal relationships, covering a wide spectrum of concerns such as trust, intimacy, isolation, relating to others, relating to groups and loneliness.
This group explores life issues through the sharing of life stories.
Mission Meltaway is a free, 8-week jumpstart weight loss program that supports a team approach to healthy eating and increased physical activity. Meetings cover a broad range of topics including menu planning, nutrition, physical activity and behavior modification. All participants receive a physical assessment of their blood pressure, body mass index and weight before starting the program and again on completion of the program.
This non-traditional workshop helps students negotiate the rites of passage of young adulthood and how to initiate relationships with crucial life tasks, world arenas and dimensions of self. Issues addressed include love and sex, negative emotions, parents and mentors, self-empowerment, calling and character, freedom and choice, self and others, and power.
This is a 5-week workshop that explores the personal and social attitudes and behaviors that shape our eating. Sessions include lecture presentation and discussion time.
This group helps men define and forge meaningful life directions, as well as explore sacred aspects of relations, careers and self. Self-awareness will be cultivated through exploration of differences.
This group helps participants work through current issues as well as change the impact the abusive experience is having on them. The group strives to help members move past seeing life through the lens of trauma so they may regain the ability to experience joy and hope for the future.
This group addresses the needs of male graduate students who are struggling with marital or relationship issues, interpersonal conflicts, performance anxieties, professional objectives, or the completion of research or dissertation/thesis.
