What to Expect Our Groups Group Survey Group Schedule Group Therapy Rooms Each semester we offer a variety of group therapy sessions. Additionally, we offer informal outreach group sessions that will be posted on the UAH CC calendar. In these group sessions, participants explore: How to change their thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors to feel better about themselves and cope more effectively with life. How to better understand themselves and how they relate to others, as well as Developing skills for dealing with specific problems. What to expect in your pre-group meeting with counselors: Some groups may require you to meet with group leaders prior to starting any counseling group. It is equally important that you are placed in a group that is suitable for you and your needs. In this meeting the leaders will discuss what to expect from group therapy in more detail and answer any questions that you might have. What to expect from group counseling: Group counseling can provide a supportive and challenging environment where members can discuss their concerns with peers and professionals. Over time, students begin to care about and trust one another in the group environment. Under the facilitation of the group counselors, the group is able to give support, offer alternatives, or gently confront the person in such a way that the group member gains 1.) a new understanding of the issues that brought them to counseling; and 2.) a new experience in relationship with other group members. This allows members to find the assurance and confidence it takes to try new things outside the group environment. Spring 2023 Groups and Workshops Emotions > Emojis What are your most commonly used emojis? Being aware of and understanding our emotions can help us make decisions, resolve problems, and respond to situations and events. Our emotions are important – they are more than emojis on a screen. In this drop-in workshop, students will explore common emotions that, when experienced intensely, can consume their thoughts and behavior. Each session will focus on a different emotion. The ability to understand emotions, what they feel like, and what they mean is the first step in coping with and regulating them. Attendees will engage in discussion about their experiences and learn strategies to effectively cope with distress. So, bring your lunch and join other students as you learn to successfully navigate common feelings and stressors in your daily life. Trans+ An interpersonal support group for individuals that identify as transgender, agender, gender fluid, genderqueer, nonbinary, or other gender noncomforming identity. This is a closed, confidential group. If you are interested in joining, please email the Counseling Center at uahcc@uah.edu for additional information. The Black Experience The Black Experience is a safe space for black-identifying students of all gender identities to respectfully listen to each other, share thoughts, feelings, provide validation, and offer encouragement to fellow black students at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. We will focus on topics such as relationships, spirituality, mental health, sexuality, societal issues, etc. which will further encourage the fostering of unique conversations relating to vulnerability, identity formation, relationships, and values. The Black Experience will create an environment of unity and cooperation among its members. Under The Umbrella Under the Umbrella is a bi-weekly social skills group that will help students improve, engage, and create interpersonal relationships. The group fosters student educational, career, social and independent living skills through creative and flexible approaches and interactions. The group is meant to increase independence and decrease dependence on familial and coaching support over the course of the student's educational career. Healing Art Join the UAH Counseling Center for Art Therapy! Art therapy, also known as expressive therapy, is a type of therapy that uses art to help people express themselves in a healthy way and improve their overall mental health. Art therapy's purpose is to use the creative process to assist students in exploring self-expression and, as a result, discovering new ways to obtain personal insight and create new coping abilities. Any art skill level is welcome to participate! Please email the Counseling Center at uahcc@uah.edu with any questions. The Grief Support Group Everyone will suffer loss eventually. There are different types of grief and losses, all capable of causing isolation and sadness. Grief is a natural and normal response to loss, not only due to the death of a loved one but due to other types of major losses, too (such as divorce). We do not always have the tools we need to be able to process grief and move forward on our own. Luckily, this support group will offer emotional support, education, coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and build connections with others who have recently experienced loss. The F.O.C.U.S. Group Fixed Ongoing Concentration Unlimited Success, or F.O.C.U.S., is a 4-week workshop that reviews skills to help students identify strengths and overcome challenges of living with ADHD. The F.O.C.U.S. workshop will be offered in two separate 4-week sessions during the Spring 2023 semester. Both sessions will be held in-person at the UAH Counseling Center. If you are interested in participating in this group, please complete the registration at the link provided below. F.O.C.U.S. Registration REGISTER FOR A GROUP See the Group Schedule Please check the event calendar for updated group times or changes. Group Therapy Rooms Group Area The group area is a warm, comfortable, and inviting space for clients. The UAH CC Staff strive to offer a supportive and healing sanctuary for those responding to the call of personal growth. Group counseling provides students with the opportunity to connect with others in a safe, confidential and supportive space. Groups allow students to share their experiences with others who can understand and relate to their concerns, connect across differences, learn new perspectives, and experiment with new ideas, behaviors, and ways of being or interacting. The Studio The Studio is a great space to explore your creative side. We offer open studio times and counselor-lead art therapy sessions during the semester. You don't need to be a skilled artist to experience the benefits of being creative. Use this space to explore your emotions and experiences through the activities in the room. Being creative reduces stress, improves problem-solving abilities, and helps you gain insight. Wellness Space The Wellness Space is a tranquil environment where UAH students, faculty, and staff can participate in a variety of self-guided relaxation, stress management, and performance-enhancing activities. Relaxation is an important part of taking good care of yourself. Whether you want to learn relaxation techniques or use the massage chair, the wellness space is a great place to unwind. Seminar Room The UAH Counseling Center's Seminar room is a multi-purpose space that can be used to host to meetings, workshops, group therapy, discussions, lectures, and reflection activities. The staff utilize this area for training that is offered to staff, faculty, and students throughout the year. In addition, some of the groups offered during the semester utilize this space. It is a warm, but functional space that can enhance the training experience.