Counseling Services
How to Make an Appointment
Appointments can be scheduled by calling 504-865-3835 or visiting the Center, located on the second floor of the Danna Student Center Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:45pm.
Counseling Services
All currently enrolled Loyola University students are entitled to use the counseling services offered by the Center free of charge. The focus of our counseling work with students is based on a short-term, developmental model which emphasizes emotional growth through dealing with difficult life issues while also helping the students to maintain a necessary focus on academic performance.
Group Therapy
The University Counseling Center provides group therapy services to students who are interested in exploring an alternative option to individual counseling or who would like to be in a group in addition to being in individual counseling. For further information about the group being offered, see Group Therapy Spring 2009.
Group Therapy Fall 2009
EMOTIONAL WISDOM GROUP
Feeling overwhelmed? Develop skills for dealing with difficult emotions and improving relationship effectiveness.WALK IT OUT
Stress relief through activity. Each session includes a 30 - 40 minute walk through Audubon Park.SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS
Support, counseling, and hope for adult survivors of sexual assault.MAKING CONNECTIONS
How do you connect? Explore new ways to connect with others in the campus community.*Some of these groups may be co-facilitated by Loyola and Tulane staff for students of both campuses.
**Groups generally run for about 90 minutes and meet once per week for 6 - 8 sessions. If you are interested in a specific group please contact the UCC for details.
Check back periodically for groups that may be added.
How do I join a group at the UCC?
Why would someone choose to become a part of a group?
What do I talk about in group therapy?
How much should I share in Group?
What can I do to get the most out of group therapy?
How so I join a group at the UCC?
If you are a current client and are interested in attending group therapy, bring this up with your counselor.If you are not a client, call or stop by the UCC to set up an intake session and make it clear that you are interested in joining a group. Since the groups we offer are closed (i.e., new members cannot join once the group has started) and time limited, we may not have an opening right away but we'll let you know when the next group is starting.
Once you have completed the intake process, you will have a 30-minute group orientation meeting with one of the two group facilitators. During this session you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the group and will be able to clarify your goals for attending the group with one of the facilitators. This also allows you to be come acquainted with one of the group facilitators before the group starts.
What is group therapy?
In group therapy, four to eight people meet face-to-face with one or two group therapists to talk about what is troubling them. Members give feedback to each other by expressing their own feelings about what someone says or does. This interaction gives group members an opportunity to try out other ways of behaving and to learn more about the way they interact with others. What makes the situation unique is that it is a closed and safe system. The importance of confidentiality (not discussing what members talk about or disclose in group outside of the group) is stressed with group members and all members sign a contract to maintain the confidentiality of the group. Members work to establish a level of trust that allows them to talk personally and honestly within the group setting. The first few sessions of group usually focus on the establishment of trust. Group trust is achieved when all members make a commitment to the group.Why would someone choose to become part of a group?
Group therapy, like individual therapy, is intended to assist people who would like to gain support, increase self-awareness, and learn new ways to cope with personal and interpersonal challenges.Group therapy can be especially helpful for people interested in exploring their interpersonal style and enhancing their approach to relationships in areas such as trust, intimacy, anger, conflict, assertiveness, risk taking and improving self-esteem.
Sometimes group therapy is the most effective way of learning and growing. Here are some reasons why people may choose group therapy:
- We often learn most about ourselves when we honestly share our experiences and emotions with others.
- We learn about ourselves when we get feedback from others.
- In group, we tend to discover that we are not alone in how we feel.
- Group enables members to try out new behaviors.
- In group we begin to see our "usual" patterns of relating to people.
- Group can afford us the opportunity to "be real" with others in an environment of safety and respect.
What do I talk about in group therapy?
Members talk about whatever is troubling them or whatever brought them into therapy in the first place. Because unexpressed feelings, fears or anxieties are a major reason why people experience difficulties in relationships, sharing your feelings in the group affects how much you will benefit from group.How much should I share in group?
First and formost, you control what, how much, and when you share information with the group. Most people are anxious about beginning to talk in group. This anxiety has the potential of silencing our reactions, undermining our feelings, and hindering our needs from being met.Within a few sessions people typically find that they are able to talk in the group and receive support from other members as they begin to share. As trust develops, we become more comfortable with taking risks, we are better able to accept warmth and to present our self, and our needs, to others.
What can I do to get the most out of group therapy?
- Be yourself. Start from where you are, not what you think others want you to be. Being as genuine as you can will allow others to help you more directly.
- Participate as you feel comfortable. The more willing you are to participate and commit to the group, the more likely it is that you will benefit from it.
- Think about the goals you have for attending the group and work actively towards change. Remember you can always ask the group for help when you feel stuck.
- Don't press yourself to reveal more than you are comfortable with. Respect your own boundaries, however gently challenge yourself to take more risks with self-disclosure. The group setting is an excellent place to experiment with different ways of behaving and expressing yourself. By taking risks you can discover what works for you and what does not.
- Remember that it is OK to talk about yourself and concerns. Many people struggle with the worry that their concerns are not important enough to share or believe that others in the group need more time than they do. Make sure to remember that your concerns are just as important as the rest of the groups'.
- Give others feedback. This allows you to practice being direct, honest, and assertive, but also allows other group members to see how they are perceived. The best feedback expresses your thoughts and feelings and avoids advice or solutions unless specifically requested.
- Be open to receiving feedback. The best way to get feedback is to request it.
- Be patient with yourself and the group. It will take time for you to feel comfortable in the group and it takes time for a group to develop trust.
- When you are not in group, try to employ the new behaviors or ideas you received in group. If you received a take home exercise, try to work on it so you can share with the group how completing the exercise went for you when you meet again. You will benefit most from group if you take what you learn in it and apply it in your day-to-day life.
Psychological Testing
We use psychological assessment to assist the student and us in understanding how their interpersonal style and ways of viewing their world shape their behavior. At times, students may feel they are in a crisis situation and require evaluation for medication, or in extreme emergencies, hospitalization. We are fortunate to have the services of our Consultant Psychiatrist at these times and to have excellent community resources to deal with these crises. In addition, staff psychologists conduct ADHD and ADD Assessments, and Substance Abuse Evaluations.
Confidentiality
Any and all information that students share with us remains confidential with the very limited exceptions, e.g. when they represent a clear and present danger to themselves or others. Confidentiality is a basic requirement of trust in counseling and necessary to ensure it's success. Our files are separate and are not shared with any other office or personnel within the University. This confidentiality is safeguarded by our professional codes of conduct and by law. University officials are both cognizant of this requirement and strict regarding our compliance.
Emergencies
During Regular Office Hours: Call 504-865-3835 or come by the office.
Outside Office Hours: Call the University Police (504-865-3434) and ask them to page the counselor on-call. You do not have to give your name. A professional staff member is on-call at all times.
For more information send an e-mail to us at counsel@loyno.edu.