Why consider group therapy?
Behavioral Medicine offers various workshops and groups to help you address a variety of mental health related needs. Participating in one of these options will help decrease isolation and expand your support network, while helping you gain effective coping skills.
Group therapy is often a very effective form of treatment. It can also provide many benefits that individual therapy cannot. In many cases, group therapy may be the therapy of choice for receiving support and working towards change.
Therapy groups are safe, confidential, and supportive environments. They can be useful in helping students to improve relationships, connect with others, and learn how to manage stress, anxiety or depression.
Types of group therapy
Process-based therapy groups are unstructured and process-based, which allows group members to share and explore their feelings and experiences in a supportive environment. Group members often provide validation and feedback in response.
Skills-based groups are structured and provide an opportunity to learn and develop new ways of coping. During these groups, students are taught techniques and may participate in discussions and exercises about a specific topic.
Frequently asked questions about group therapy
How do I join?
To join a group/workshop or obtain more information please send a message via
Patient Connect to “Groups & Workshops”. Please include the name of the group you are interested in joining in the message. You can also call our office at 617-353-3569 and ask to speak with the Group Coordinator. If you are currently meeting with one of our clinicians, feel free to ask them about the groups program, too.
How much do groups cost?
The groups are free to attend.
When can I join a group?
You’re welcome to join a group at any point during the duration that it is running.
Do I have to attend every group session?
No — you’re welcome to join the group whenever you’re available to do so. It is helpful if you let us know/cancel your attendance whenever you are unable to join.
Do I need to see a Behavioral Medicine individual provider to join a group?
Any active BU student is welcome to join a group regardless of whether they are meeting with an individual provider.
When I am in a group, how much personal information do I have to share?
You are in charge of how much or how little information you share. Most of the time, students are encouraged to at least provide a brief introduction. Students tend to become more comfortable sharing information as time goes on. You may also find it helpful to just listen to the group and consider how what others share relates to your own experiences.
How do I know what type of therapy is best for me?
Individual and group therapy are both helpful forms of therapy. You are welcome to meet with one of our Evaluation Clinicians to discuss different therapy options. Research has shown that group therapy can be as effective as individual therapy in treating a variety of conditions. In some cases, group therapy may be an even more effective form of therapy for some topics and people.
How will I benefit from group therapy if I am sharing the time with other people?
One benefit of group therapy is the opportunity to hear from a variety of people, their experiences, and their feedback as opposed to just one opinion of an individual therapist. Thinking and listening to others’ experiences can also be a helpful learning tool in your personal growth.
Will it feel overwhelming to hear about other students’ issues?
While it can feel overwhelming to hear about other people’s problems, most students find it affirming and reassuring that they are not alone in the way they feel and in their experiences.
What if I know another student who is in the group?
Many students participate in group therapy. While it is possible that you might know another student in the group, keep in mind that they might also be struggling with something similar to you and want support for it. As a result, it might be a point of connection rather than discomfort.
Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can attend?
One of the benefits of groups is that there is no session limit. You’re welcome to join as many groups and attend as many sessions as would be helpful to you.