University Park, Pa. -- College life can be a wondrous experience for many students. They face the challenges of more rigorous academic standards, personal time management, making new friends and learning more about their own identities in relation to others.
These challenges often make students feel overwhelmed. For those who find it difficult to cope, Penn State's Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), a unit of Student Affairs, can help find the answers to clear a sometimes fuzzy picture.
"Whereas many students are helped through individual counseling, a growing number find group therapy meets their needs," said Dennis Heitzmann, CAPS senior director. "It's likely that CAPS has a larger array of group therapy offerings of any other university in the country. Every year we offer more than 50 groups, within a semester or extending over two semesters."
No matter how large or small the problem, CAPS probably has a therapy group to help students work through it. CAPS offers two forms of groups:
1. General therapy groups for undergraduates and graduate students who have broad ranges of presenting concerns.
2. Specialized therapy groups for women's therapy, sexual assault, survivor's groups, transfer students, stress management, eating disorders, substance abuse, diversity, and other themes.
"Each group consists of students and two staff facilitators--typically a member of the senior staff and a doctoral student in clinical or counseling psychology," explained Heitzmann. "Their job is to move the group along, be mindful of the individuals in it and intervene as needed." The groups are small, generally between six and eight students, so that each member receives the individualized attention he or she needs.
Students who recognize a need for group therapy have a couple of ways to obtain the help they need.
"Either you've already come in for an individual meeting where a counselor talks to you about a group or, if you see one of our flyers or large ads in the Daily Collegian, you respond by calling a number asking for further information about the group," Heitzmann said. "Sometimes students are scheduled immediately to meet with a group facilitator."
Often students are so consumed with classes and their daily lives they fail to recognize they are struggling with a certain concern. Parents and family members, looking from the outside in, can recognize a problem and want to help. Heitzmann cautioned that while parents and family members are concerned and well intentioned, seeking therapy is an individual decision best left to a student.
"It's always best for students if they make contact themselves," he noted. "Treatment works better if a student takes ownership of and commits to the treatment. Sometimes parents can guide their student who might be unable to avail themselves of a service. You can start by bringing it to the attention of the student, show them the potential value and leave the decision up to them."
For parents or family members who want to help guide a student toward therapy, Heitzmann recommends visiting http://www.sa.psu.edu/caps to read information about CAPS services, the referral process, and the groups.