Group Counseling

Group Counseling Applications

You will need a pdf reader to use these applications. Download it here for free. Please save the application to your computer after completing, then select the "Email" option at the end. You may also print the application and return it to the MNU Counseling and Play Therapy office. Application does not imply your committment to a group. Group starts are contingent on meeting the minimum requirement for a counseling group.

DID YOU KNOW??

Not all groups are the same! There many kinds of groups, including support groups, self-help groups, psychoeducational groups, and counseling/therapy groups. It's important for you to be aware as a consumer of the type of group you are joining. While all groups have common features (encouragement, gaining knowledge/awareness, etc.) not all groups will serve the same function in your journey.

Current Group Offerings

If there are other types of counseling, support, or educational groups not listed that you would like to see offered, please email us!

WHY GROUPS:

We are pleased to announce the success of a brand new counseling experience! An MNU Undergraduate Counseling Group will began this fall, and we are delighted to continue this service on a revolving basis. We hope you will consider participating. Groups are offered FREE of charge to current MNU students.

What is a counseling group?

It's just what it sounds like: counseling in a group setting. Group counseling has several unique features. Notably, there is opportunity for members to share experiences, fears, hopes, and needs and find encouragement, challenge, and learning moments with others in the group. The emphasis is on personal authenticity and discovering relational patterns. This process is termed "interpersonal growth" and can be powerful and life-changing. Group counseling may take place independently or in conjunction with other therapeutic treatment.

Who is facilitating this group?

All MNU Undergraduate Counseling Groups are facilitated by fully-trained, intern-level graduate students in the Master of Arts in Counseling program, under the supervision of the clinical coordinator of the MNU Community Counseling Center.

Why do students participate in group counseling?

Typically, students might enter group counseling for a number of reasons including, but not limited to, adjustment struggles; relationship problems; self-esteem; identity issues; desire for personal growth or discovery; feeling overwhelmed; loneliness; coping with mental illness; or desire to learn how to relate to others better. Each member's unique motivation to attend group adds to the richness of the group counseling experience.

Risks and benefits:

Group counseling - as any therapy - has risks and benefits. Members should not be surprised when they encounter vulnerability, challenge, strong emotions, and changing relationships in and out of the group. The goal of the group will not be to avoid any resulting discomfort, but rather to address it in a safe environment to achieve new awareness for each member and the group as a whole.

Why do I have to complete an "application" to be considered?

Although it might seem formal to apply for a group, this really is the best way to make sure the group is constructed as effectively as possible. While we would like to include many people, spaces are limited , so members will be selected based on goodness of fit for a particular group. This insures optimal outcomes for group counseling. The information we gather helps us in the member selection process. In that regard, we request that you be as honest as possible in your responses so we can offer you the services that are truly the best fit for you. If, for some reason, you are not selected for this group, the facilitators can provide you with information regarding other counseling opportunities available to you. Candidates for group membership will each be contacted and informed of their options.

Who is going to see my application?

Although the Community Counseling Center falls under the University, information collected for groups will NOT be accessible by campus entities outside of the counseling center. Your identity is protected by client confidentiality and will NOT be revealed for any reason except in the following specific circumstances: risk to the physical safety of the member and others; mandated child and elder abuse reporting; court ordered information; or if a member makes a written request for release of information. All precautions are being taken to ensure that this group will be a safe, confidential place for members and the group to explore and be authentic.

Questions / More Info?

Virginia (913) 971-3500 ext. 2723

Ben (913) 971-3500 ext. 2724

Graduate Interns / Group Facilitators