Group Counseling

What are the benefits of group counseling? 

Participating in a group is a great way to:

  • Make connections
  • Feel supported
  • Learn life skills
  • Navigate emotions
  • Feel empowered
  • Manage stress
  • Maintain well-being

 

How do I join a CAPS group?

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers several types of groups for students.

If you’re interested in joining a CAPS group, please schedule an initial CAPS appointment or talk to your current CAPS counselor to learn about group options and get connected to the appropriate group facilitator(s) for next steps. 

Explore the CAPS groups available in Fall 2024 below.

 

Skill Building Groups

  • Coping with Difficult Emotions: Learn coping skills to tolerate and manage challenging emotions and to enhance life experiences. This group meets in person for eight weekly sessions from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at CAPS. 
  • Finding Your Focus: Improve attention, organization and time management, and reduce overwhelm. This group meets in person for four weekly sessions from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays at CAPS. 
  • Anxiety & Depression Management: Manage and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by learning tools designed to address symptoms. This group meets virtually for four weekly sessions, with two options: 1 to 2 p.m. on Mondays via Zoom or 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays via Zoom. 

 

Support Groups

  • Graduate Student Support: Make connections with other graduate students, gain support and navigate graduate school stress. This group meets in person every other week from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursdays at CAPS.
  • Women of Color Empowerment & Connection: Reflect on your lived experiences. This group is an affirming, in-person space for students who self-identify as Women of Color. This group meets in person weekly from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays at CAPS. 

 

Exploratory Groups

  • Therapeutic Art: Explore ways to process and express emotions and foster coping skills through various expressive art modalities. This group meets in person every week from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at CAPS. Group members can attend as needed. 
  • Understanding Self & Others: Learn more about yourself and how to relate with others. Explore topics such as self-esteem, social anxiety, life and relationship choices, family issues, and coping with challenging situations. This group meets in person every week from 3 to 4:15 p.m. on Fridays at CAPS. 

 

Additional Options

We also encourage you to join us for Mindful Mondays, a weekly guided meditation group open to all UAlbany students, faculty and staff. No registration or previous experience is required. 

Please visit the Collegiate Recovery Program page for information on substance use recovery groups.