That’s a common concern. Because every group is different, it can be hard to know exactly what the experience will be like ahead of time. Before joining, you’ll have a chance to meet with the group leader(s), ask questions, and learn more about how the group works.

Our therapy groups typically include 5–8 students and 1–2 CAPS clinicians who meet weekly through the semester for an hour-and-a-half. Meetings are held in person at CAPS. Each group has its own unique “personality,” so discussion topics depend on what’s important to the members of that group. To promote a sense of comfort and privacy, we try to ensure that students who know each other are not in the same group, and everyone in the group signs an agreement that they won’t share anything that’s said in group with anyone else.

Yes, that’s possible. Some students participate in group therapy alone, while others participate in group and individual therapy at the same time.

Individual and group therapy each have advantages, and both have been shown to be equally effective mental health treatments. For some concerns, especially those related to anxiety, group therapy may be more effective.

CAPS' therapy groups help you better understand yourself through your interactions with other students in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. You’ll have the opportunity to hear other group members’ observations about you if you choose, which gives you a chance to see yourself through others’ eyes. This helps you gain real-time insights that you can use in your everyday life. You’ll also have the chance to share your observations with other group members. Interactions are respectful, and feedback is offered with the genuine intention of being helpful.