Counseling Group Many persons seeking counseling services have concerns that primarly involve dissatisfaction with interpersonal interactions. Difficulty meeting people, problems maintaining intimate relationships, low self-esteem, difficulties with grief or loss, and anxiety in social situations. Meeting weekly for approximately 1.5 hours, counseling groups use the expertise of professional counselors and support of other group members to help individuals learn to resolve conflicts and problems and cope more effectively. Groups are small (6-12 members) and are available at a variety of times. A majority of our counseling groups are open-ended, meaning that members stay with the group as long as needed to work through the issues. When relating to other people is the main concern, counseling groups are often the most effective treatment. Referrals for group counseling occurs in two ways. First, when you schedule your initial intake appointment, you and your counselor might agree that group counseling would best suit your needs. You would then be scheduled with an appointment with the group leader to determine if your goals and the goals of the group are compatible. If the group appears to be a good fit, you would then begin with the group. Another way that individuals enter group counseling is if you and your individual counselor agree that your emerging needs are better addressed through working with a group. In this instance, a meeting would be arranged with the group leader so that you would have a chance to learn more about the group and ask questions about the group. If you and the group leader agree that the group would best meet your needs, then you would join the group. Paticipation in group counseling requires that you be affiliated with the university as either a student, faculty or staff member. Please feel free to call our desk at (405) 325-2911 or 325-2700 if you have questions regarding group counseling.