Group Counseling
A number of psychotherapy groups led by professional staff are offered each year at Tuttleman Counseling Services. TCS groups can be a powerful way to address personal concerns while getting support and feedback from peers who are also in the group.
Description of Groups (Fall Semester - 2011)
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Gay, Bisexual and Questioning Men's Group
Description: The purpose of this group is to explore common issues of GBQ men, including coming out, dating, sexuality, discrimination and personal growth. Gay, Bi or questioning.
Semester: Fall and Spring semesters
Time: Wednesdays, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Group Leaders: Michael Hanowitz, LCSW. & Chris Grudym MS
Referral or Screening Process: Please call 215 204-7276 for more information and to schedule a one-half hour screening appointment.
Surviving and Thriving: Survivors of Sexual Assault Group
Description: This group is available for survivors of sexual assault, including those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, or experiences of sexual assault as an adult. This group gives students a confidential space to discuss the impact of these experiences and to provide validation and encouragement for positive self-care and empowerment. The direction of discussion will be determined by the group members each week, and topics may include the dynamics of sexual violence, depression and anger, relationships, guilt and shame, trust, boundaries, grief and loss, and self-esteem. Every group member will have the opportunity to share and participate at the level at which they feel comfortable.
Semester: Fall and Spring semesters
Proposed Meeting Time: Mondays, 3 – 4:30 pm
Co-facilitators: Jackie Strait, LCSW and Patti Olson, M.Psy.
Referral or Screening Process: Interested students should schedule a half hour screening session to meet with either Jackie or Patti.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Group
Description: This group will help students who have been diagnosed with ADHD to develop an understanding of the effects of ADHD on his or her day-to-day life. Inattention, time-management, procrastination, impulsivity, distractibility, and difficulty with transitions often go hand-in-hand with ADHD. We will share and develop practical strategies to help reduce and manage some of the associated challenges. Self-esteem, classwork, romantic relationships, parents’ expectations, friendships, money management, household management, and other parts of everyday life may be discussed. Group members will also be supported in changing chronic behavior patterns and finding his or her unique strengths. It is very important that students be able to commit every week to attending this group.
Semester: Spring semester
Time: Thursdays: 1:00 – 2:00p.m.
Co-facilitators: Elizabeth Wangard, Psy.D.
Referral or Screening Process: Interested students will meet with a group leader for a half hour screening appointment.
Coping with the loss of a parent
Description: This group is designed to provide a safe space for Temple students who have lost a parent. Each meeting will offer students the opportunity to share their personal stories of loss while receiving the support of fellow group members. We hope that group members will experience a sense of belonging as they are given the opportunity to witness others who are also dealing with such a tremendous loss in their lives. The group will focus on the various types of feelings which often accompany the stages of grief including: anger, numbness, sadness, and, guilt. We ask that members be able to commit to weekly meetings, maintain the confidentiality of things shared by other members, and be willing to share experiences of loss and to listen to others who have also experienced a loss.
Semester: Spring semester
Time: Thursdays, 11:00am-12:20pm
Group Leaders: Rebecca E. Gras PsyD and Natalie Sheridan, M.A.
Referral or Screening Process: Prospective group members should be scheduled for a half hour screening appointment with Rebecca or Natalie.
ABIDE (About Body Image and Disordered Eating)
Description: This group is intended to allow students a place to process their thoughts and emotions related to negative body image and disordered eating. The group is appropriate for students currently struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder or eating disorder NOS, students who are in recovery from any eating disorder, and students who have concerns about their relationship with food, eating or body shape/size. Group members are asked to receive and offer support and feedback, respect the privacy of other students, and commit to attending the group weekly. Medical stability is also a requirement for the group.
Semester: Fall and Spring semesters
Time: Tuesdays, 2:30-4:00 PM
Group Leaders: Dana Odell, PsyD, and Laura Schenck, BA
Referral or Screening Process: Prospective group members should schedule a half-hour screening appointment with Dana
Adult Children of Addicted Parents (ACAP) Group
Description: This group offers support and to students who have grown up in families affected by alcoholism or other drug addictions. Group members will explore together the impact that parental addiction has had on self-esteem and relationships. The group will also explore the impact of the disease of addiction on the family and individual. Through analyzing and working through the group process, patterns and themes developed in addicted households can come to light and be addressed directly. This format has allowed many ACAPs to overcome one’s sense of isolation, shame and embarrassment that has built up over years of growing up in families affected by addictions.
Semester: Fall and Spring semesters
Proposed Meeting Time: Wednesdays; 3:00-4:15
Co-facilitators: Marcy M. Caldwell, Psy.D. and Kathryn Wiens, M.S., M.A.
Referral or Screening Process: Interested students should schedule a half hour screening session with either of the group leaders.
Mindfulness Meditation Group for Stress Reduction
Description: Mindfulness meditation consists of a variety of meditative practices that help quiet the mind and release stress through an intentional pointing of attention toward the present moment. Benefits of this daily practice include reduction in anxiety and depression & notable improvements in ones quality of life and vitality. In the Mindfulness Meditation Group you will learn meditation techniques including the body scan, sitting meditation, walking meditation and yogic exercises. You will be guided in establishing a daily mindfulness practice. We ask that interested students commit to the 6-8 weeks and be willing to participate in a home practice.
Semester: Spring Semesters
Time: Wednesday Afternoons, from 3:00-4:30 pm
Group Leaders: Robin B. Risler Psy.D. and Galen Born, B.A.
Referral or Screening process: Interested students should schedule a half hour screening appointment with Galen.
Drug and Alcohol Group
Description: This group is for students who are struggling to understand the role that alcohol or other drugs play in their lives. Students do not need to be abstinent or regularly using in order to be in the group. Drugs or alcohol may or may not be the primary reason why students in the group come to TCS. Students in this group may want help and support in cutting back or stopping their use and some may not be ready to make any changes regarding their use. The only requirement is that a student not use before group and that he/she acknowledges that drugs/alcohol have had negative consequences in his/her life. It is extremely important that students be able to commit every week to attending this group.
Semester: Fall and Spring semester.
Time: Thursday Afternoons, 3:00- 4:30
Group Leaders: Robin Risler Psy.D. and Paige Marmer, M.S.
Referral or Screening Process: Prospective group members should be scheduled for a half hour screening appointment with Robin or Paige.
