Why Groups?
Group therapy helps people learn about themselves and improve their interpersonal relationships. It addresses feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety, and it helps people make significant changes so they feel better about the quality of their lives.
SHAC offers a variety of groups and workshops throughout the academic year. If you would like a counseling group for an area of interest, please talk with any of our counselors.
Current Therapy Groups
Mindful Mondays Wellness Group
Mindful Mondays Wellness Group is an opportunity to practice mindfulness in a structured group setting. We will have indoor and outdoor activities to support being in the present moment and to be with nature. Mindfulness is an evidence based practice that supports the reduction of stress and anxiety. SHAC Staff will guide students on various excursions or activities to practice grounding and take a pause from the stress of Carleton.
Mindful Mondays wellness group will be led by licensed clinicians Leah Ernste, LPCC and Lucy Baquero Oja, LMFT.
Group will begin 3rd week, and will be held on 6 consecutive Mondays from 3:30-4:30 pm.
Location: Meet in the SHAC Conference Room (Davis 03) group room at 3:25 pm.
Registration is required.
Contact Leah Ernste with questions or to register.
Chronic Care Support Group
Are you living with a chronic health condition? Do you want to connect with other Carls who can relate to this experience? SHAC will be offering a support group for students living with chronic health conditions and/or chronic pain. Living with a medical condition can feel isolating. This group provides a space to share experiences and build community across this shared identity.
Chronic Care Support Group will be led by Kevin Lattu, LICSW & Alissa Petee, LMHC
Group will be held during Spring term on Mondays, 3:30-4:30 pm.
Location: Alumni Guest House Library
Contact Kevin Lattu to register for the group.
BIPOC Mental Health Collective (BIPOC MHC)
The BIPOC Mental Health Collective (BIPOC MHC) at Carleton College provides a community for Black Indigenous and People of Color students to engage in restorative practices that support their mental health and well-being. The BIPOC MHC is led by staff from Student Health and Counseling, Office of Intercultural Life and Office of Health Promotion. No registration is required.
We recognize the intergenerational effects of racism, stress, and other social injustices at individual, community, and systemic levels; we also recognize how powerful shared spaces can be for healing. Our gatherings are intended to support community and rest.
Group will be held 3 times during Spring term on Thursdays during common time, 12:00-1:00 pm. Dates: April 17, May 1, and May 29.
Location: Sayles 251
Lunch provided – first come, first served
Contact Lucy Baquero Oja to be added to our Google group.
Queer Mental Mental Health Collective (QMHC)
Talk about LGBTQIA+ experiences and mental health over food!
The Queer Mental Health Collective is a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students to form community through conversation and actively supporting another one’s mental health and well-being. We believe shared spaces can be healing for those living with the effect of queer/transphobia and other social injustices at individual, community, and systemic levels. QMHC is led by staff from Student Health and Counseling, Office of Health Promotion and the Gender & Sexuality Center. No registration is required.
Group will be held 3 times during Winter term on Thursdays during common time, 12:00-1:00 pm. Dates: April 3, April 24, and May 15.
Location: Sayles 251
Lunch provided – first come, first served
Contact Alissa Petee for questions.
Current Workshops, Presentations & Other Resources
Koru Mindfulness Course: Learn to Meditate
This is a 4-session course that will teach you the skills of mindfulness. It will also help you build the habit of using it in your life on a regular basis. Developed for emerging adults; useful to all. There are 2 spots reserved for staff and faculty each session. More details about Carleton’s Koru offerings are available, as well as general details about Koru Mindfulness.
Silent Retreat options, as well as Koru 2.0 information, can also be found on the Koru Mindfulness page
Time to Meditate
Practice moment-to-moment awareness, without judgment. No experience necessary, and any experience welcome. Gently guided by Chaplain’s Associates. This is a drop-in group, and one can participate once or as many times as desired. No sign up required. Sponsored by SHAC and Chaplain’s Office.
Visit the Time To Meditate page on the Chaplain’s Office website for days/times.
Registration Not Required
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
We are happy to help you determine which group would be the best fit for you. Please contact Student Health and Counseling to schedule an initial meeting with a counselor.
What is group therapy?
A therapy group is usually comprised of 5-10 people who meet face to face with 1 or 2 trained facilitators and talk about what is concerning them most. Members listen to each other and openly provide each other feedback. These interactions give members an opportunity to increase understanding, try out new ways of being with others and learn more about the ways they interact. The content of group sessions is confidential: members agree not to identify other members or their concerns outside of group.
How effective is group therapy?
Group therapy has been proven effective in helping people deal with a broad range of issues from mild adjustment and developmental concerns to severe or chronic mental health concerns. It has been shown
to be as effective as individual therapy, and for some issues, it is even more effective than individual therapy.*
*It is well documented that group therapy is equally effective, and sometimes more effective, than individual therapy (e.g. Burlingame, Fuhriman, and Mosier, 2003).
Common reasons for joining a group?
Group therapy is often the most effective treatment for interpersonal concerns, anxiety, social skills, eating disorders, and life adjustment. It is also helpful for depression, poor self-esteem, perfectionism, grief, trauma recovery, and substance use.
What can I expect if I join a group?
If this is your first experience in a therapy group, you probably have some apprehensions — most people do. Walking into the first session is sometimes the hardest part about group. A primary goal of any group is to help establish feelings of safety and trust. Some members will be ready to open up about their concerns early in group, others may need more time. Each group member’s pace and readiness for sharing is respected. Members tend to quickly develop deep and supportive connections with each other and learn to improve their ability to connect with (and care for) themselves and others. Leaders and members will help each other to face challenges (particularly those that brought them to therapy) and to make the changes they desire. It is usually a difficult thing for group members to say goodbye at the end of a term due to how much they have valued each other and valued the work they have done together.
Other Groups that have run in the past:
Groups will be created as needed to meet student requests. If you would like a group that you don’t see here, call Student Health and Counseling (507-222-4080) and request it. Past Groups have included: Coming Out, Mastering The Transition To College, Self-Esteem Workshop, Grief Support, Off-Campus Programs Re-entry Support, Men’s Group, Overcoming Social Anxiety