Group counselling
Open-agenda groups
Open-agenda groups are an important element of our provision for students. We are committed to offering these groups because we believe they are a more effective form of help than individual counselling for many people and with many kinds of problems. Groups can provide an opportunity to explore how you relate to others, to see yourself through their eyes, and to benefit from their experiences and support while offering them your own. Our experience is that Oxford students are sensitive, astute and thoughtful and have much to offer each other, as well as a great capacity to make use of what they receive. For this reason, groups can contribute greatly to each individual member’s personal, social and academic development.
Open-agenda groups on offer in the current academic year:
Graduate students’ group
Meeting weekly starting in Michaelmas term
To Join: Please make an appointment for an individual counselling session and let your counsellor know you would like to explore the possibility of joining a group.
This group is aimed primarily at D.Phil. students, though it may also be suitable for some Masters students. Participants are generally mid-20s or older and are negotiating the transition from being a student to being a self-managing academic. They face a variety of academic challenges - structuring and pacing their work, managing relationships with supervisors, etc. - and at the same time responding to the life challenges associated with more mature relationships, greater independence from families and planning a future beyond the D.Phil. Students also bring their individual issues and concerns and attention is given to these.
One or Two Year Masters students' group
Meeting weekly starting in Hilary term
To Join: Please make an appointment for an individual counselling session and let your counsellor know you would like to explore the possibility of joining a group.
Those on one or two year Masters courses face the special challenge of finding their feet in Oxford very quickly, and achieving academic, personal and social developmental objectives within the compressed time frame of a single academic year. In addition to this, many Masters students, whether pursuing one or two-year degrees, are managing the experience of separation from families (and in some cases countries) of origin, forming more adult relationships, and establishing directions for the future beyond Oxford. Early in the group we identify common concerns as a starting point for discussion. Group members stimulate each other’s thinking, learn from each other’s experience and provide valuable mutual support.
Undergraduate students’ group
Meeting weekly starting in Michaelmas term
To Join: Please make an appointment for an individual counselling session and let your counsellor know you would like to explore the possibility of joining a group.
This group is offered for undergraduates, each of whom brings his or her individual issues and concerns, some arising from past experiences and others arising in response to events in the present, whether these are aspects of the Oxford student experience or belong to life outside. However, some common themes are often represented, for example: establishing independence from home and family, resolving conflicts and uncertainties about identity, forming more mature friendships and relationships and coping with the opportunities and pressures of Oxford student life.
Common concerns about group counselling
What about confidentiality?
All group members commit to keeping personal knowledge about each other confidential within the group.
Will there be people I know?
We aim to set up groups so that you will not encounter anyone you know from outside the group, and we suggest that group members do not socialize outside the group until after it has ended. This creates a group which feels safe and able to be attentive to each member equally.
Will I feel safe talking about personal concerns in a group?
You are always free to choose how much or little to say. Groups are most helpful when members are willing to bring themselves openly and make use of the opportunity to share together, by giving and receiving support, feedback and insight. At times this can feel like taking a risk, but you are always in control of how much you want to challenge yourself in this way.
What if I don’t like it and want to leave?
We normally ask you to commit to regular attendance, but if it turns out that the experience becomes counterproductive for a member of the group, they would normally discuss this situation with the group leader and decide together how best to respond.
What is the time commitment I need to make for a counselling group?
The groups we run all meet weekly during term time, for a session of an hour and a half. Graduate groups sometimes meet during the vacations depending on members’ availability. Counselling groups often run for two or three terms.
Can I join the group after it has started?
We normally form a group consisting of the same members throughout its lifecycle which enables a secure and cohesive group to develop. If you become interested after a group has already started, let us know and we can bear you in mind for the next time we are forming a similar group.
I’m not sure if I can make all the sessions.
In order for the group to work well and feel stable and secure, groups work best when members are in a position to commit to regular attendance, and to prioritise this commitment over other things which may crop up in their lives. This does vary between different groups though, so talk with your referring counsellor or the group leader about how this applies to the particular group you are joining.
