CAPS Support Groups

Groups are a powerful venue for growth and change. Not only do students receive tremendous understanding, support, and encouragement from others facing similar issues, but they also gain different perspectives, ideas, and viewpoints on those issues. Most students, though somewhat apprehensive at first, report that the group experience was helpful far beyond their expectations. 

We offer groups because they work for students. We are convinced that the group format is one of the most effective tools for addressing issues common among college students. Every semester, our groups focus on a wide variety of topics. We have groups for women, men, and mixed groups meeting on different days of the week and times of day. There is no charge for group counseling. Below is partial listing of our groups:

AOD Education Group  

In these four-session groups, students discuss with others the potential effects of alcohol and other drug use on academics, relationships, health, and future plans. These groups emphasize a harm-reduction approach, promoting responsible and educated decision-making around alcohol and other drug use. Groups are held several times a semester. To sign up for a group, please contact CAPS: 255-5208.  

ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) Support Group

Growing up in a home with an alcoholic or drug-addicted parent/guardian can follow you into adult life with negative consequences on health, work, and relationships. The ACOA support group is a safe, confidential place for students to recognize and change unhealthy patterns, and to prevent past experiences from negatively-influencing the present and future. The group meets Tuesdays, from 5-6:30 p.m. To register, please call 255-5208 or e-mail the group facilitator, Paul Soper, LMSW.
Print a poster (pdf).

Gay, Bisexual and Questioning Men's Support Group 

A free and confidential group offering gay, bisexual, and questioning men a safe space in which to explore issues of sexuality, homophobia, coming out, family, loss, religion/spirituality, intimacy, race/ethnicity, and relationships and dating. Contact Ken Cohen, PhD for more information.

General Therapy Group

General group psychotherapy is a special form of therapy in which a small number of people meet together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help themselves and one another. General group therapy helps people learn about themselves and improve their interpersonal relationships. It addresses feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety. General group therapy groups are held in the evenings, 5-6:30 p.m. and are comprised of graduates or undergraduates. Contact CAPS at 255-5208 for group orientation with a co-faciitator.                                

"Monkey Mind" Anxiety Management Group  

Relieve Your Monkey Mind: Learn to manage wandering or obsessive thoughts. This is a process and structured group to help members learn how to be mindful about their thoughts. You will learn and practice deep breathing, stretching exercises, understanding your monkeys (thoughts), Buddhist meditation practices, etc. to help you manage anxiety mindfully. A 30-minute pre-group interview is required. Call 255-5208 to schedule. Contact  Tow Yee Yau, PhD for more information.

Women's Group

This is an open, process oriented group that will provide a safe space for women to explore their inter-personal struggles and intrapsychic  difficulties. The group will work towards further developing clients' esteem as they build and strengthen relationships with women. Contact Karen (kw292@cornell.edu).

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Informal Discussion Groups

In addition to offering formal group support therapy, Gannett co-sponsors a number of informal discussion groups around campus. These groups discuss issues unique to certain student populations. They are free and open to any student who might benefit. No group screening is required.