Getting the Most from Group Counseling in College Counseling Centers

Although group work is an often advocated treatment modality (Corey, 2000; Corey & Corey, 2002; Yalom, 1995), many college counseling centers are challenged with filling their groups each semester. Factors contributing to this difficulty include client resistance to participating in group treatment, staff reluctance to suggest group work as a preferred treatment modality, and ineffective group formats and marketing of groups across campus. This article addresses these factors and makes recommendations in an effort to maximize the utility of group work as a vehicle for treatment in college counseling centers.

Keywords:

• group work
• group counseling
• group therapy
• college counseling
• client resistance
• staff reluctance

The authors would like to offer special acknowledgment to Cindy Parcover for her contributions to this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jason A. Parcover

Jason A. Parcover is the assistant director of the Counseling Center and an Affiliate Professor in the Psychology Department at Loyola College in Maryland.

Emily Carter Dunton

Emily Carter Dunton is an independent practitioner in Washington, DC.

Kurt M. Gehlert

Kurt M. Gehlert is an independent practitioner in State College, PA.

Sharon L. Mitchell

Sharon L. Mitchell is the director of the Counseling Center at the University at Buffalo, NY.