Sometimes a problem is better
addressed through group counseling than with an individual counselor. Research
has shown that group counseling is as effective as individual counseling.
Talking with other students who have similar experiences provides support and
perspective. The following counseling, support and growth groups are offered at
The Counseling Center in G31 Suites on Maple East. These groups usually include 4-9 students and are facilitated by
one or two therapists. Group facilitators work to provide a safe, confidential
environment where members are free to discuss their thoughts, feelings and
concerns as they are comfortable. Participation in these groups requires an
initial meeting with the group facilitator(s), usually 30-45 minutes. To
schedule this meeting or to ask questions: contact the Counseling Center at
(724)357-2621, stop by G31 Suites on Maple East, email the group leaders (see
below) or contact Patti Shaffer at pshaffer@iup.edu
Graduate Student Group…A support-oriented group, topics of discussion are
likely to include the demands of graduate study, anxieties about competition
and career, self-care and coping, support for writing a thesis or dissertation,
student/faculty relationships and boundaries, and healthy interpersonal
relating within the stressful context of graduate study.
*Facilitated by Rita Drapkin,
Ph.D.(rdrapkin@iup.edu) & Sarah Ryan,
M.A.(s.e.ryan2@iup.edu) Wednesdays 10:20-11:30 AM
Interpersonal Group…This co-ed student group will focus on
relationships (family, friends, dating, and professional). Loneliness, lack of
confidence in social settings, self-esteem concerns, and anxiety may also be
discussed. Members often learn to be more comfortable with themselves and more
confident interacting with others. This group is a safe place to explore how
current interpersonal styles may be affecting relationships.
*Facilitated by Dave Myers,
Ph.D.(dmyers@iup.edu) & Kim Roberts,
M.A (k.c.roberts@iup.edu) Wednesdays 10:00AM
-11:00 AM
Queer Group… The
Queer group at the IUP Counseling Center is a place where students can turn for
confidential sharing and support while discussing joys and concerns related to
coming out, relationships, families, and community.
*Facilitated
by Justin Harms, M.A.(j.harms@iup.edu)&
Joanne Petursson, M.A.(vxzp@iup.edu) Wednesdays 3:15 PM
Women’s Group…Finding
Our Way: This group is for 6 to 8
female IUP students. It is a place for women to discuss common concerns about
such things as academics, relationships, families, body image, self-esteem, and
other common concerns with a focus on self-awareness and change.
*Facilitated by Beth Kincade,
Ph.D.(ekincade@iup.edu) & Kara
Goldman, M.A.(k.m.goldman@iup.edu) Mondays
at 4:15 PM