How much of your day is spent going from one course to the next, juggling friends, and trying to make it through the day? It can be frustrating to deal with so much stress during the normal course of the day, but this is very common for college students. If you are struggling right now, it is always best to talk about the way you feel and get the support you need in a one-on-one environment with a psychotherapist.

However, many college students benefit from attending groups, too.

How Can Groups Help You?

College students are busy and they do not always have the time to think about and make good decisions for their future. In a group setting, though, it is possible to do this. For example, you may be frustrated with a dozen things happening in your life now. When you attend a group session, not only can you share your frustrations, but you can hear and respond to those that other people are dealing with as well. You can hear how your peers are working through the same struggles you are having. And, you can offer the support and advice that others need as well. Group settings are less formal, easier to open up in for many younger students, and readily available.

How Can You Get Help?

If you are in college and struggling to keep up, battling anxiety, or just feeling overwhelmed, look for psychotherapy type groups. These are talk groups that may deal with specific struggles or overall anxiety. Short-term therapy like this, between your semesters vent, can give you the ability to better focus during those intense months when school is on. You may also want to consider summer group sessions.

You’ll be able to devote more time to the situation and to meeting your needs in these instances. And, it is a more relaxed atmosphere, one that you may feel better about being a part of.

You can always get support and guidance when you turn to a therapist. However, if you do not want that one-on-one experience just yet, now may be a good time to look into how group settings can help you. It may be possible to find options on campus, but you can always call our offices to schedule some time with our group sessions as well. Get ahead by taking a step back into these programs.

If you’re a college student or a parent, and think you may benefit from group counseling, contact me to schedule a free consultation at 212-413-7088 or email me at laurie.sloane@gmail.com.