What is group therapy?
Group counseling brings together students who may be experiencing emotional problems together in a safe and confidential setting to share experiences, gain support, and develop a sense of community. The group provides feedback that can help members develop strategies for managing stress, coping with anxiety and depression, and managing relationships.
Groups Offered by Counseling Services
New School Counseling Services offers a variety of groups every school year. Some target specific issues or themes; others are general psychotherapy groups. The kinds of groups offered depend on student interest and the interests and specialties of the staff. Groups offered during the fall 2012 semester are listed below.
Beyond Social Media
Want to talk to people about what's really going on? This small (five to seven students) eight-session group led by a therapist provides an excellent opportunity to learn about different ways of interacting with people, explore interaction styles to find the type you prefer, connect with others in a more meaningful way, get support from other students, and gain insight into the way others experience you. Call Counseling Services to set up a group intake appointment with Rhonda Factor, PhD, at 212.229.1671, option 1.
Bereavement Group
Wednesday, 5:45–7:00 p.m., starting March 7
80 Fifth Avenue, 3rd floor
This group provides a safe, supportive space to talk about death and loss with others who share similar experiences. It helps support students with their grief while they negotiate their academic and social lives after a loss. For more information, contact Vanessa L. McGann, PhD at mcgannv@newschool.edu.
Art Therapy Spring 2013
Drop-In Open Art Therapy Studio
Fridays, 3:00-4:30 p.m., beginning February 1
80 Fifth Avenue, 3rd floor
Finish your week with a burst of creativity. Join The New School's resident art therapist, Kelley Linhardt, every Friday for 90 minutes of uninhibited, nonjudgmental, and self-directed art making for fun, relaxation, and bliss. You don't have 90 minutes? Come for 30. Come once, come twice, come every week—no commitment is required. Art materials are free. A valid New School ID is required. For more information, email Kelley Linhardt at linhardk@newschool.edu.
Eight-Week Art Therapy Group
Thursdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m., beginning February 21
80 Fifth Avenue, 3rd floor
Love to create? Miss making art for fun or self-discovery? Dread critiques? Take part in eight weeks of uninhibited and nonjudgmental creative expression. Learn about yourself and your peers through art making. Participants must attend six out of the eight sessions to maintain group cohesion. Only New School students who are registered in a degree program and have not waived the New School health insurance plan are eligible. There is a limit of ten participants. Contact The New School’s resident art therapist, Kelley Linhardt, at linhardk@newschool.edu to schedule a phone conversation or meeting. Sessions take place Thursdays, February 21–April 11.
Questions and Answers About the Group Therapy Program
When do groups meet?
Groups are offered at various times from Monday to Friday. Most groups meet once a week for 90 minutes.
Who is eligible to participate in the groups?
Groups are open to all students eligible to use Student Health Services.
Who leads the groups?
Groups are led by our professional social workers, psychologists, and art therapist.
How many times do groups meet?
Some meet for the entire school year; others meet for a specific number of sessions, depending on the focus of the group.
Can I participate in both individual and group counseling?
Yes.
How much do groups cost?
Groups are free. Groups enable students who have reached the 12-session limit on free individual therapy to continue talking about important issues in a therapeutic setting.
How can I join a group?
Call or stop by Counseling Services to schedule an informal meeting with the group leader. You can ask questions and find out whether the group is right for you. All prospective members are required to attend a meeting before joining a group.
