UNH Counseling Center Smith Hall, 3rd Floor ~ Mon.-Fri. 8a-5p 603-862-2090 TTY: 7-1-1 or 800-735-2964 (Relay NH) www.unh.edu/counseling-center G

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Grad Student Support (CLOSED FOR SPRING – CHECK BACK IN FALL) Thursdays 3:40-5:00p This is a support group for graduate students who are feeling stressed or overwhelmed by graduate school and

would like a place to talk about their concerns. Meetings will focus on reducing stress, building connections with fellow graduate students, and helping group members provide each other with support. During the Fall 2016 semester, the group will meet on Thursdays from 3:40-5:00pm. Please call the UNH Counseling Center for more information.

Anxiety Management Skills (CLOSED FOR SPRING – CHECK BACK IN FALL) Wednesdays 3:10-4:40p Do you struggle with feelings of anxiety such as worry, panic, specific fears or phobias? Share with and learn

from others about your experiences and about ways to manage stress and anxiety effectively. This group will also teach various anxiety reduction techniques and will help you develop coping skil ls. The group meets weekly and a pre-group screening is required.

Overcoming Social Anxiety (CLOSED FOR SPRING – CHECK BACK IN FALL) Date & Time To Be Determined Do you tend to feel uncomfortable and anxious in social situations? Do you prefer to avoid social situations

when possible? This group focuses on creating a safe space to learn strategies to ma nage social anxiety and

strengthen interpersonal skil ls. Meets weekly. A brief screening with the group therapist is required .

Grief and Loss Support Group (CHECK BACK IN FALL) Wednesdays 3:10-4:30p A support group for students who have experienced the death of a family member, friend or a loved one.

Express, explore, and process grief in a safe, supportive environment. Find connection and support, and learn various ways to heal from grief and loss. The group meets weekly and a pre-group screening is required.

Let’s Talk Mondays 1:00-2:00p (OMSA Lounge) (OPEN) This is a weekly drop-in group put on by the Counseling Center in collaboration with OMSA. This group provides a space for connection, support, and empowerment for all students. It is a student-driven conversation about topics including academic struggles, current events, interests, relationships issues, and

adjustment to UNH. Meets weekly in the OMSA Lounge, MUB Room 327. No screening required.

Building Happiness Group Fridays 1:10-2:00p (Beginning late February/early March) Have you been experiencing: Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helpl essness, sadness, or emptiness? Sleeping too

much or not enough? Low energy levels? Loss of interest in activities you once loved? Learning ways to manage your mood and build your resil ience can help. In this group, you can get support and learn new skil ls together with others. The group meets weekly and a pre-group screening is required.

Mindfulness Tuesdays 3:40-4:40p (OPEN) Join us in learning mindfulness skills to help cope with academic and personal stress. Mindfulness is a proven

approach that fosters present moment awareness and can help decrease worry about the future and the past, improve mood, performance, and life satisfaction. We ask for a 4-week commitment. The group meets weekly and no prior experience is required. You must be a current client of the Counseling Center or had an intake this semester to participate. If you would like to attend but are not a current client, please first schedule an intake

appointment by call ing 862-2090.

About Group Counseling Services

Group counseling is one of the primary modes of treatment offered by the Counseling Center. Information about current groups can be found on the reverse group flyer or by visiting http://www.unh.edu/counseling-center/group-counseling. All potential group participants must first complete an intake appointment.

What is group counseling? We offer two kinds of groups at the Counseling Center. In a closed group, 5-9 members and 1-2 trained group counselors meet at the same time every week. Before the first group meeting, prospective members meet with leaders for a screening, or pre-group meeting during which they learn more about the group, express any questions or concerns they might have, and ultimately decide with the leaders if the group is a good fit for them before committing to participate for the semester. A drop-in group does not have this same weekly commitment. Participants may attend one or many sessions and as a result, members (though not leaders) may vary from week to week. Though a screening for these groups is typically not required, a referral from your therapist may be. For both types of groups, confidentiality is key. What members talk about is not discussed outside of the group. Each member signs an agreement to observe this rule.

What happens in a counseling group? This depends on the group. In general, groups may be skill-based (focused on learning and practicing strategies to address a specific issue) or process-based (more open discussion among group members and leaders around what has brought them to the group). Many groups include a combination of these. Please see our group flyer for specific group descriptions.

Benefits of group counseling

Research shows that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy. It seems that people are less responsive to group treatment initially but express higher satisfaction at outcome.

Many people report feeling less alone or isolated once beginning group therapy. This is because our problems can make us feel unique, and it can be encouraging to hear that other people are dealing with similar issues.

In addition to the group leaders, the group members can help you. This can be a safe place to work on your goals with other students.

You will not only receive help and feedback, but are also able to give help to other members. Being helpful in another person’s life can be beneficial to you.

You can benefit from group even during sessions when you say little but listen carefully. By merely listening, you may gain insight and healing. You do not have to do all of the work by yourself.

Groups provide a setting in which we can learn about ourselves, others, and ourselves in relation to others. This can help us to be more effective in our relationships with others and with ourselves outside of the group.

There is a sense of community and acceptance, of belonging and trust that evolves.

There is warmth and often humor. You will get honest feedback and new perspectives.

You will learn new skills.

*Please speak to your intake counselor if you are interested in joining a group, or call 603-862-2090 for further information. The group start date depends on interest. If there are not enough participants, groups may not run and alternative services will be recommended.