Groups offered by The Counseling Center

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	Counseling and Psychological Services The Counseling Center 241 Lawrence Center (610) 436-2301 Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday (Summer: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday)

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Groups Offered	Psychologists	Counseling Services
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Groups offered by the Counseling Center - Spring 2008

Click on one of the following areas:
The Interpersonal Problem Solving Group
Women's Confidence Group
The Disability Support Group
Questions and Answers About Group Therapy

For more information on any of these groups,
call the Counseling Center at 436-2301 or email the leader(s) of the group.

If you are interested in a particular group,
call or stop by the Counseling Center to set up a brief information interview with the group leader.

Dr. James Bleiberg - jbleiberg@wcupa.edu

Dr. Joan Polka - jpolka@wcupa.edu

Dr. Debby Bierschwale - dbierschwale@wcupa.edu

The Interpersonal Problem Solving Group

Monday 10:00-11:00; or Tuesday 3:30-4:30
Dr. James Bleiberg

This group is designed for people interested in improving relationships with family, friends and lovers. Through your experience in this group, you'll learn about your patterns of thought and behavior when relating to others. You may learn that you're not as different as you think you are and that you're not alone. Most importantly, this group will give you the chance to try out new ways of relating to others in a safe and supportive environment.

Women's Confidence Group

Tuesday 2:00-3:30
Dr. Debby Bierschwale

Do you wish to feel more confident? More assertive? More self-assured? This is a group for young women who want to improve their lives, their relationships and their feelings about themselves. We will talk about how to overcome obstacles that stand in the way of self-improvement. We will find personal strengths that allow you to stand up for yourself and feel more empowered.

The Disability Support Group

Friday 3:00-4:30
Dr. Joan Polka

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.

Questions and Answers About Group Therapy

What is group therapy?

In group therapy a small number of people meet together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help themselves and one another. Research shows that group therapy helps people make significant improvements in the quality of their lives. It effectively addresses feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety.

What do people do in therapy sessions?

Group therapy sessions are a collaborative effort. With the support and guidance of a professional group leader, participants talk about their problems, feelings, ideas, and reactions as freely and honestly as possible. This exploration gives group members important information they need to understand and help one another. Members learn not only to understand themselves and their own issues but also become "therapeutic helpers" for other members.

How is group therapy different from support groups or self-help groups?

Group therapy focuses on interpersonal relationships and helps individuals learn how to get along better with other people under the guidance of a professional coach. It is different from self-help groups and support groups in that it promotes change and growth as opposed to merely helping individuals tolerate their situations better.

What if I'm uncomfortable talking in front of others?

It's not unusual to feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group but soon you begin to develop feelings of interest and trust. Most people find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows you to talk with others who have similar problems--in a private, confidential setting. Many people who have experienced group therapy believe that working together with others is helpful and they feel better by participating in this form of therapy.

For a consumer's guide to group therapy go to this website from which this information about group therapy is adapted:

http://www.groupsinc.org/group/consumersguide2000.html#1