Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) provides a variety of group counseling services to students in multiple areas of focus/concern. Group therapy is offered due to its effectiveness in addressing multiple challenges individuals face in their lives as well as the unique experience it provides. CAPS runs various groups per semester to address the ever-changing needs of the WSU campus. CAPS services are available in a variety of modalities at this time. Please call to learn more about your options.
General Therapy Groups are a form of psychotherapy, focusing on developing insight and behavior change. Group members meet with one or two facilitators once per week throughout the semester. These small groups of students meet and share common concerns, explore personal issues, and learn new skills under the guidance of one or two group leaders. CAPS offers general therapy groups for all students, support groups for particular populations (e.g., LGBTQ+ students, Trans students), and groups for particular concerns (e.g. trauma, grief/loss). Learn more about how to get started with therapy groups and support groups at CAPS.
Support groups are intended to be support-focused for specific populations or particular concerns in the WSU student community. These groups do not require a referral from a CAPS provider. Students can review details on how to participate in a specific support group by looking at specific group flyers below.
The benefits from participating in a group are vast. Participating in groups can help you gain greater insight into your identity, thoughts, feelings, behaviors and interactions with others. Groups can also help you learn new ways to manage challenges as well as improve your school success.
Group therapy provides an opportunity where compassion, empathy, and respect for all members are the cornerstone for growth and development. Through the group process, you can grow as an individual, learn from others, and contribute to and witness another person's growth.
- Consistency: Weekly sessions that are free
- Different perspectives: Opportunity to see different perspectives other than your own that challenge you
- Camaraderie: Unlike individual therapy, you get to interact with other folks and find out you aren’t alone in your struggles
- Confidence: The support you get from your fellow group members builds your confidence to increase changes outside in the real world
- Reveal blind spots: You can uncover blind spots about yourself you may not realize otherwise
- Low risk – High Reward: Group is like a “live learning laboratory” where you can take chances in a safe environment with low stakes and high reward where you develop skills that can translate to other areas of your life
- Altruism: Opportunity to help others reach their goals which can be incredibly rewarding
Common Myths and/or Concerns About Group Therapy
Group members are asked to participate at their level of comfort and are not forced to disclose information they do not feel comfortable sharing with the group.
Group therapy has been found to be just as effective as individual therapy in the treatment of mental health concerns. Additionally, group therapy offers the opportunity to receive support from peers and gain greater insight into how to relate to others.
Group therapy is setup for individuals with different experiences to be able to come together in a safe, nonjudgmental environment where all are welcome.
Groups provided by Counseling and Prevention Services are FREE for all students.
Groups Offered Spring 2023
Below are details of each group offered this semester. All Spring 2023 groups will conclude during the last week of classes if not before. For Fall 2023 group offerings, please check back later or speak to your individual counselor. Expected start times are September 2023.
Interpersonal Process Groups
Pre-group meeting required.
These groups are for students who are interested in gaining a greater understanding of themselves and ways of relating more comfortably to others. These groups are designed to help students learn to deal with a variety of concerns involving feelings of depression and anxiety, resolving relationship issues, and other personal concerns.
Various sections are offered to better find a group that aligns with student schedules.
Contact CAPS for more information on joining this group at 316-978-4792.
USO Schedule for Spring 2023
Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:00 pm starting 2/21
Fridays 3:00 - 4:00 pm starting 2/24
Support Groups
Trauma Support Group and LGBTQ+ Support Group have been canceled for the rest of the Spring 2023 semester.
Are you a part of the WSU LGBTQ+ community, specifically our Trans/Gender Nonconforming students? Would you like to meet others like you? Get support from peers? Facilitated in partnership with Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), the Trans Support Group is an opportunity to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ Shockers and build a personal support network on campus, while processing challenges in a supportive environment.
No pre-group meeting is required.
If you are interested in the group, please contact Rachel Amerson, (she/her) at rachel.amerson@wichita.edu to receive the link to join our virtual sessions!
Trans/GNC Support Group Schedule for Spring 2023
Thursdays (starting 2/16/23 via Zoom) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Neurodiversity can present in many forms including but not limited to being dyslexic, ADHD/ADD, mental health conditions, ASD, etc. Facilitated in partnership with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) and Counseling and Prevention Serivces (CAPS), this group gives students the opportunity to connect and discuss with peers who share similar experiences in a safe setting.
No pre-group meeting is required.
If you are interested in the group, please contact McKenzie, (she/her) at stalnaker@wichita.edu to RSVP and receive additional information.
Neurodiversity Peer Support Group Schedule for Spring 2023
Tuesdays (starting 2/14/23 in Ablah Library Rm 225) 1:00 - 2:00 pm
