Department of Counseling
& Psychological Services

West Chester University

Julie Perone, Ph.D.
241A Lawrence Center
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2301(Phone #)
610-436-3114(Fax #)
jperone@wcupa.edu


Group Counseling

Groups for Spring Semester 2013 .

Please check this page for additional information, as it may be updated!

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Students who are interested in joining a group should contact the appropriate group leader or come through the Counseling Center's Triage system (see Appointments for details). For additional information about a specific group, please contact one of the group leaders listed below.

Questions and Answers About Group Therapy

ACT Stress Management Group

Mondays 2:00 - 3:30 p.m (Leader:  Dr. Rachel Daltry and Ms. Julia Hodgson, B.A.)

Navigating Relationships Group

Mondays 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Leaders:  Dr. Ryan Weatherford and Ms. Mary Beth Wilkas, M.A.)

Navigating Relationships Group

Tuesdays 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. (Leaders:  Dr. Rachel Daltry and Dr. Kristin Mehr)

Gaining Perspective on Your Substance Use

Wednesdays 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (Leader:  Dr. Kim Wasserman)

LGBTQ Identity Group

Wednesdays 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Leaders: Dr. Marianne Giegerich and Dr. Erin McKeague)

Relapse Prevention Group

Thursdays 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.  (Leader:  Dr. Kim Wasserman)

Navigating Relationships Group

Fridays  1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (Leader:  Dr. Jim Bleiberg and Mr. Kevin Hoffman) 

Disabilities Support Group

TBD  (Leader: Dr. Joan Polka)

Groups descriptions follow for all groups:

ACT Stress Management Group

Are you struggling with worries, anxiety, and/or stress? Do you find it difficult to manage your stress, which is costing you time, energy, health, and relationships? Do you feel like you are drifting through life or stuck in a rut? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, this ACT Stress Management Group may be right for you! The purpose of this group is to meet weekly to learn how to better cope with stress, anxiety, and worries by teaching you psychological skills to deal with your painful thoughts and feelings effectively - so they have much less of an impact and influence over you. It will also aim at clarifying what is truly important and meaningful to you, as to guide, inspire, and motivate you to change your life for the better. With acceptance and commitment therapy, you can Accept, Choose, and Take Action toward building the life you want!

 

Navigating Relationships Group

 

Are you concerned about your self-esteem?  Relationships?  Social anxiety? Family issues?  Asking for what you need?  Figuring out who you are?  This weekly group will offer a safe, confidential place to discuss issues, such as these, with other students.  The leaders will facilitate group discussions to help participants better understand themselves and their relationships with others.

 
 
 

LGBTQ Identity Group

This group is for students who want to explore and strengthen their sexual and/or gender identity, and want to talk with other students who have common experiences.  If you are struggling with acceptance from others or yourself and want a safe space to talk about difficult experiences regarding your LGBTQ identity, then this group would be a place to do so.  Students who wish to give and receive guidance and support around issues of sexual and/or gender identity and want to better understand the role sexual and gender identity plays in their lives would be good candidates for this group.

     

Gaining Perspective on Your Substance Use

This group will provide students with a safe place from which to explore and gain perspective on the role that their substance use plays in their lives.  Drugs and alcohol need not be the primary reason that students are seeking counseling.  Membership in this group is appropriate for students who have had a family member or friend express concern about their drug and/or alcohol use or, if they themselves have had thoughts about examining or changing their substance use.  Students do not need to be abstinent or regularly using to be a group member.  Group is also open to students who are contemplating making a change in their substance use, but have not been ready to take that step as of yet.  What is of importance is that group members have a willingness to look at their substance use and that they agree not to attend group sessions while under the influence.

 

Relapse Prevention Group

This therapy group is designed for students who have acknowledged the negative impact that their substance use has had on their lives and as a result have made the decision to discontinue using and make the life changes necessary to support sober living. This group is also for students who have been abstinent from substances for some time and wish to prevent relapse. 
 
The Disability Support Group

All students, both Undergraduate and Graduate, who have a disability and want to share their experience, accommodations, frustrations and particular interests, are welcome. The group will meet weekly for one and a half hours at a time to be arranged. Students say they get a lot of good ideas and support from this chance to talk about their situations in a confidential setting with other students and a knowledgeable faculty psychologist. New and transfer students are especially welcome.