Current Groups

How group therapy works

Every Fall and Spring semester the Carruth Center for Psychological and Psychiatric Services offers a variety of groups. Counseling groups are often the best way to work on areas of concern, especially when those concerns deal with issues that directly affect your relationship with others. Groups give you contact with peers as well as a therapist in a safe and confidential environment.

Membership in a group is by appointment only. We do typically offer drop-in groups each semester, but these will also require that you make an appointment with us. Please call us at 304-293-4431 if you are interested in joining a group. All groups will be held virtually via Zoom Healthcare during the Spring 2021 semester.

Please contact the acting Group Coordinator, Jessica Johnston-York by phone at 304-293-4431 or email at jessica.johnstonyork@mail.wvu.edu for more information about group services at Carruth Center for Psychological and Psychiatric Services or to share ideas about a group you would like to see offered .

Spring 2021 Groups

Interpersonal Process Groups (semester-long)

Interpersonal process groups focus on the relationships between group members and exploring what occurs within the group. Group members explore and discuss patterns of relating to self and others by discovering acceptance and understanding of themselves and others, improving emotional expression, and giving and receiving support. These groups also provide a safe environment to explore a variety of concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, school, relationships, family concerns) and improve self-care while connecting with other students in your university cohort.

Graduate Student Group

This interpersonal process group also provides a space to discuss common experiences of graduate students, including thesis/dissertation, research and teaching expectations, graduate advisor concerns, funding and financial concerns, and family and relationship concerns.

Tuesdays 5:00-6:30 pm. Contact Emily at emily.melhorn@mail.wvu.edu or Emily at  emily.shrider@mail.wvu.edu.

Understanding Self and Others (undergraduates only)

TBA. Contact Phil at  philip.schulte@mail.wvu.edu.

Women's Group

This interpersonal process group provides a space to discuss common experiences of women. Themes may include gender role expectations, body image concerns, relationship functioning, emotional expression, empowerment, and sexual harassment/violence.

Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 pm. Contact Jessica at jessica.johnstonyork@mail.wvu.edu.

Support Groups (semester-long)

Groups for students with a variety of concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, school, relationships). Offers a safe environment to give/receive support, learn about yourself, and improve self-care while connecting with other students in your university cohort.

BIPOC Support Group

Support group aimed at creating a validating and empowering space where BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students can experience connection and community.

Monday 5:00 PM-6:30 pm. Contact Felicia at  felicia.hooper@mail.wvu.edu or Ife at ife.sinclair@mail.wvu.edu. 

Qmmunity

Support group aimed at creating a safe and affirming space where LGBTQ+ students can experience connection and community.

Thursdays 3:00-4:30 pm. Contact Jeneice at jlshaw@mail.wvu.edu.

A-Typical

Support group for neurodiverse minds and individuals on the Autism spectrum.

Mondays 4-5:30 pm. Contact Julie at  julie.kennedyrea@mail.wvu.edu or Claire at claire.barbetti@mail.wvu.edu. 

Rotating Workshops

Anxiety 101

Do you constantly worry? Are you feeling anxious? Come join our workshop! Anxiety 101 is a 3-week workshop series where you will learn strategies to help manage your anxiety. You will learn about symptoms of anxiety, causes and effects, but more importantly…how to cope with anxiety! You will also learn about incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine and utilizing relaxation techniques to cope with your anxiety. Please plan on attending all 3 weeks of the workshop.

Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm. Contact Sara at  sara.disimone@mail.wvu.edu.

Manage Your Mood

This is a 3-week workshop series focused on learning strategies to cope with depression. Two separate workshops will run for 3 weeks. Please plan on attending all 3 weeks of the workshop.

TBA. Contact Seth at  seth.haxel@mail.wvu.edu.

Relationship 101

Relationship 101 is a 3-week workshop series focused on building healthy relationship dynamics. The workshop is open to singles and couples, undergrads and grads, and it's geared toward anyone who wants to learn more about their relational patterns. While the group is mainly focused on romantic relationships, a good deal of information is also transferable to other relationships (friendships, co-workers, etc.).

Session content will include exploring and understanding attachment styles and needs, some neurophysiology associated with emotions and communication, learning communication skills (including identifying tactics that push the other away, listening, taking breaks, apologies), and learning how to balance the sometimes opposing needs for connection and separateness. The format is similar to Anxiety 101 and Manage Your Mood.  Please plan on attending all 3 weeks of the workshop.

Mondays 2:00 - 3:00 PM. Co-led by Claire and Whitney Contact Jessica at jessica.johnstonyork@mail.wvu.edu for more information.

Student Assistance Program

SAP is for students who want to learn more about drug and alcohol use. SAP will not be holding groups during the Spring 2021 semester. For information about SAP online alternative assignments, please contact Missy at Melissa.Pforr@mail.wvu.edu.