What Is Group Therapy and Drop-in Supportive Spaces?
EKUCC offers group therapy, drop-in supportive spaces, and drop-in mental health and wellness groups. All therapy groups and drop-in spaces meet WEEKLY at a specific time and location.
Drop-in Supportive Spaces
These provide an affirming and safe space for students who have similar life experiences or shared identities. Members often feel validated, understood, and encouraged by connecting with other students. Examples of these similar experiences or shared identities are: being a first generation college student, living life as a student with a health disability, being an international student, being an LGBTQ+ student, etc. These support groups meet the same time and day every week for 1 hour and are facilitated by a EKUCC licensed clinician. Attend all or as many as fits your schedule! All supportive spaces are led by licensed EKUCC mental health clinicians.
Beyond Labels (LGBTQIA+ Support Group)
Beyond Labels is an affirming supportive space for students who have and/or are questioning having LGBTQIA* identities. This support group meets weekly on Mondays in Room 568 of the Whitlock Building and is provided by the EKU Counseling Center. For more information, contact Dr. Camala (Cam) Steele (they/she) at Camala.Steele@eku.edu or 859-622-1303 for more information.
TUESDAYS, 3:30 – 4:30 PM Powell Building, Room 013 CIEGE Office (bottom floor Powell)
Students with Health or Other Disabilities Support Group
This supportive space is for students managing a chronic health condition as part of their college adventure. This DROP-IN support group meets weekly and is provided by the EKU Counseling Center. For more information, contact Michalle Rice at michalle.rice@eku.edu or call 859-622-1303.
WEDNESDAYS, 12:30 – 1:30 PM Whitlock Building, Room 568
Group Therapy
The focus in group therapy is increasing self-awareness, identifying patterns in interpersonal relationships, and trying out new strategies to cope with the common experiences, and increase comfort in applying these strategies outside the group room. Think of group as a “laboratory” to try new patterns of interactions, skills, and strategies to alter/change these patterns in a safe space. Group therapy is tailored to help students with certain concerns or experiences therefore are often more effective, and preferred, over individual therapy. All therapy groups are led by licensed EKUCC mental health clinicians.
Groups accept approximately 8-10 students with similar issues, interests and/or experiences who meet WEEKLY for 90 minutes at the Counseling Center. Group provides a safe space where students often feel empowered and validated when in a room with others who can relate to shared concerns and experiences-they “get it.” What former EKUCC group members had to say about their group experience:
“The sense of inclusion within the group made me fell like I was normal and that a lot of people go through the same things.”
“It taught me how to better express and better control my emotions.”
“Hearing others’ stories inspired me and encouraged me to continue my own personal journey.”
“This group helped me not only accept myself more but others as well.”
How Do I Join A Therapy Group?
All therapy groups require students to be a client at the Counseling Center. Students are asked to complete an Initial Assessment. These can be scheduled by calling the EKUCC at (859) 622-1303 or dropping by Whitlock Bldg. Room 571. A recommendation from the assessment can be a referral to group therapy. A group orientation meeting will be scheduled with the group leader to learn details about the group. Questions? Feel free to contact the group leader via email or by calling the Counseling Center at (859) 622-1303.
Coping with the Death of a Loved One: Grief Group
Grief is a normal and natural response to loss. It can also feel overwhelming, lonely, and complicated. Grief Group is safe space to receive support, learn to cope, and to connect with other students who are also adjusting to the death of a friend, family member, or loved one. This weekly in-person group is provided by the EKU Counseling Center. Interested? Please email Michalle Rice at Michalle.Rice@eku.edu or call 859-622-1303 for more information.
TUESDAYS 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Cleaning House: A Group for Students Impacted by the Substance Abuse of Others
This group is for individuals that have been negatively impacted by growing up in an alcoholic, drug addicted or otherwise unpredictable family environment. Topics often discussed include understanding the impact of these family patterns, learning how to recognize and develop healthy relationships, and addressing negative beliefs about oneself. This weekly in-person group is provided by the EKU Counseling Center. A group orientation is required to join this group. Please email Kevin Stanley at Kevin.Stanley@eku.edu or call 859-622-1303 for more information.
WEDNESDAYS 2:30 – 4 PM
Start from Now: Addressing Body Image and Disordered Eating
Start from Now is a group to support those dealing with body image issues and/or disordered eating patterns through a blend of education and discussion. This weekly in-person group is provided by the EKU Counseling Center. A group orientation is required to join this group. Please contact Melissa Cozart at Melissa.Cozart@eku.edu or call 859-622-1303 for more information.
WEDNESDAYS 2:30 – 4 PM
Integrate to Regulate: Coping Skills for Trauma Survivors
Integrate to Regulate is a group designed to promote healing for trauma survivors. This group incorporates specific, concrete skills combined with expressive arts to support the process of trauma integration. This weekly group is provided by the EKU Counseling Center. A group orientation is required to join this group. Please email Andri Yennari at Andri.Yennari@eku.edu or call 859-622-1303 for more information.
THURSDAYS 2:30 – 4 PM
Understanding Self and Others
Understanding Self and Others is a group that supports participants as they create healthy relationships with others and with themselves. This group promotes authentic interactions as well as learning from others’ experiences. In a time of isolation and loneliness, this group can help create a sense of connection and belonging. This weekly in-person group is provided by the EKU Counseling Center. A group orientation is required to join this group. Please email Michalle Rice at Michalle.Rice@eku.edu or call 859-622-1303 for more information.
FRIDAYS 2:30 – 4 PM
Leveling Up: Support through D&D Gaming
Leveling Up is a group that provides interpersonal support as participants navigate D&D campaigns together. This weekly in-person group is provided by the EKU Counseling Center. A group orientation is required to join this group. Please email Paul Morgan at Paul.Morgan@eku.edu or call 859-622-1303 for more information.
FRIDAYS 2:00 – 4 PM