Group Counseling

Group counseling is an important clinical adjunct to individual psychotherapy. Clinical research has demonstrated that group counseling is just as (if not sometimes more) advantageous and beneficial as individual treatment.

A primary source of support at Bowdoin College Counseling Services is group counseling. In your first meetings with a counselor, they may determine that group counseling is the optimal course of treatment for you. If that is the case, in group counseling you will meet with fellow students (typically five to eight or more) who are also seeking emotional support, as well as one to two counselors who will be facilitating the group. Research has shown that groups are an effective way to experience social support, provide and receive feedback, and learn new skills (such as communication, coping, listening, supporting, etc.).

We at Counseling Services are continually looking for ways to expand our group offerings as well as provide workshops or presentations on mental health issues of interest on campus. Let us know if there are specific topics or issues you would like to see addressed:

Social Skills/Meeting Others/Friendships
Relationships
Family Matters
Body Image
Food & Eating Concerns
Alcohol & Drug Use
Coping with Depression and Anxiety
Coping with Sexual Assault
Sex & Sexuality
Sexual & Gender Identity/GLBT Issues
Race/Ethnic Identity Issues
Mental Health Medication
Medical Health Issues
Existential/Spiritual Concerns
Career & Job Concerns
International Students
Graduating Seniors
Creative Arts/Writing
Relaxation and Coping with Stress
Women’s Issues
Men’s Issues