Group Therapy - Counseling and Psychological Services

Welcome to Group Therapy at CAPS!

***UPDATE: Fall 2024 groups are listed below!! Group screening appointments will start the first week of classes (8/26-8/30) and they are first come, first serve! You may be scheduled for one of these group screenings as early as 8/12, so long as you are registered/enrolled for the Fall 2024 semester, so be sure to visit us sooner rather than later if you can!

Group therapy provides students with an opportunity to connect with and receive support from other students who are experiencing similar concerns. It is an effective way to learn from others and build strategies to navigate personal challenges and difficult emotions. We invite you to review our current offerings and consider which group may be a good fit for you!

Group spots are limited, so we encourage you to get connected sooner in the semester rather than later! All groups will be in-person, unless indicated otherwise.

~Don’t see what you’re looking for? CAPS is not the only place at Mason that runs groups! Scroll all the way down to see other group opportunities around campus!~

Click here to learn! Getting Started with Group Therapy at CAPS

Fall 2024 Group Therapy

Building & Strengthening Relationships (BSR) Group
Do you ask yourself “Why are relationships so hard?!” If so, we can help! Whether we are talking about romantic partnerships, friendships, family, or acquaintances, they can often feel overwhelming or even confusing. This group is a safe space to help you practice creating deep, meaningful relationships in your life, all for the purpose of cultivating connection and enhancing well-being.
Option 1: Tuesdays at 1:30pm with Mandi, Taeja, and Allison
Option 2: Thursdays at 1:30pm with Allie, Bianca, and Hannah
Option 3: Fridays at 1:30pm with Mandi, Mira, and Aditi

Anxiety Group	Allison & Bianca	Fridays at 3pm
The Anxiety Group is designed to help students who experience symptoms of anxiety. This structured group utilizes an integrative theoretical approach, incorporating mindfulness, CBT, DBT, and ACT, among others. In group, participants will explore thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors that lead to anxiety and learn various coping skills with intentions of reducing and managing symptoms of anxiety.

Flexible and Balanced (FAB) Living Group	Kevin & Mira	Tuesdays at 3pm
Flexible and Balanced Living (FAB Living for short) is a 9-week group for students who feel stuck in a cycle of striving for perfection or high standards. It is based on concepts and skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and it helps members learn new ways to deal with perfectionism and the problems it can cause (e.g. stress, anxiety, depression). Each week includes group discussions and guided exercises that help you gain a better understanding of the way you think, feel, and act. Topics we’ll discuss include changing unhelpful thinking patterns, adjusting unhealthy self-expectations, challenging negative self-talk, and improving self-worth and self-esteem.

I Thought It Was Me (ITIWM) Group	Keshani & Taeja	Thursdays at 3pm
This group is designed to support students who have been negatively affected by traumatic experiences and/or forms of abuse within their family-of-origin and who are actively seeking healing around issues related to these experiences. We strive to create a supportive and safe environment that acknowledges that the healing process is unique to each individual. The goal of the group is to facilitate a sense of awareness, reduce self-blame and shame, and build mutual support and connection between members.

Men & Masculinity Group	Matt	Thursdays at 3pm
If you have ever found yourself trying to “perform” a version of manhood that never felt right, this group is for you. Join other men in challenging cultural and personal stereotypes, while forging your own path to authentic manhood. Together, we will explore topics like emotional expression, fulfilling relationships, societal expectations, and healthy self-esteem. Discover how to redefine strength and embrace vulnerability in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Graduate Student Group	Andrew & Joe	Mondays at 1:30pm – VIRTUAL
That’s right!! Our Grad Student Group is BACK! This group is designed to help graduate students explore issues and dynamics that are affecting their personal lives. Specific areas of focus are generally determined by group members and may include relationships, intimacy, boundaries, communication, and self-awareness. This group also provides an opportunity for connection and support around shared issues that grad students face, such as imposter syndrome, impact of grad school on personal relationships, juggling multiple “hats”/roles, etc.

OTHER GROUP OPPORTUNITIES ON CAMPUS
Proudly United
Proudly United is a biweekly, student-centered learning community facilitated by LGBTQ+ Resources and CAPS focused on empowering queer, trans, non-binary, and questioning students in the face of personal and political stress. Come learn to embrace your identities, build community, and face the world’s challenges in a space of acceptance and celebration of what LGBTQ+ communities bring to the world. This group will be held in the LGBTQ+ Center, from 5-6:30 PM on the following dates:
September 9 and 26, October 7 and 24, November 4 and 21, December 9

*Seeking Safety*
Tuesdays from 1:30-2:45pm
This group is hosted by SHS! Seeking safety is a structured, present-focused therapy designed to help people with substance use and trauma to achieve safety in their current lives. If you are interested in learning more, please click here or call SHS at 703-993-2831. This group plans to begin September 17, 2024, so don’t wait to connect!

*GMU’s Center for Community Mental Health (CCMH) Group Therapy*
CCMH always has wonderful group opportunities to choose from! Check what they have going on here.

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