Group Counseling
Group therapy offers a supportive space to gain insight, practice new skills, receive feedback, and notice patterns as they appear in real time. For some students, joining a group is one of the most impactful and rewarding experiences they have during their time at Emory.
CAPS offers different types of groups:
- Therapy Groups – Ongoing groups where you can explore emotions, relationships, and self-understanding in a supportive space. Great for gaining insight and connecting with peers.
- Skills‑Based Groups – Hands-on groups that help you master specific skills like stress management, emotion regulation, and coping strategies.
- Support Groups – Groups focused on shared experiences or identities, offering connection, validation, and peer support.
Therapy Groups
Tuesdays, 2–3:30 PM | Virtual
Wednesdays, 2–3:30 PM | CAPS
Get to know yourself better while building stronger, healthier relationships. In this group, students talk about real-life relationship challenges, practice handling conflict, and learn ways to stay connected with others while managing school and everyday stress.
Fridays, 1–2:30 PM | CAPS
Finding Strength and Connection is a confidential space to help those experiencing grief navigate the complex emotions and challenges that come with the loss of a loved one. In this support space, individuals can share their experiences and emotions as well as find solace in the company of others who understand. Together, the facilitator and group members will explore healthy coping strategies and self-care techniques that foster an opportunity to honor and remember your loved ones as you continue to walk your journey.
Skills Groups
Tuesdays, 3–4 PM | CAPS
Fridays, 11 AM–12 PM | Virtual
Anxiety Toolbox is a three-session workshop designed to help students better understand anxiety and build practical tools for managing it. Learn how anxiety works, practice ways to step back from anxious thoughts and feelings, and explore new ways to respond when anxiety shows up. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a personalized plan and practical strategies for managing anxiety in everyday life.
Thursdays, 12–1 PM | CAPS
4-week sections
- Section 1: Sept. 17–Oct. 8
- Section 2: Oct. 29–Nov. 19
You’ve bought the planners, you’ve made the lists, and you’ve…misplaced all of them and are now late to class. For folks whose executive functioning isn’t so functional, this group focuses on practical (possibly unconventional) skill-building. Come learn new tips, tricks and tools, share your own, and get support from other students dealing with similar challenges.
Tuesdays, 3–4:30 PM | CAPS
Do your emotions often feel overwhelming or out of control which leads you to cope in ways that long term makes it worse? This group teaches basic DBT skills to help you understand and manage emotions, listen to your inner wisdom, and improve your relationships. Through experiential learning and discussion, you can build confidence in your own resilience and ability to build a life you want to live.
Support Groups
Thursdays, 3–4 PM | CAPS
A space to connect, recharge, and be in community with other first-gen students. The First-Gen Community brings students together to share experiences, build relationships, and support one another through college life. Whether you want to talk, listen, meet new people, or just take a break, there’s a place for you here. This group is facilitated by Helen Fessahaye, who brings her own experience as a first-generation college student.
Fridays, 10 AM | Virtual
September 25–November 21
The Chronic Illness Support Group offers a supportive space for students living with chronic health conditions—including diabetes, autoimmune disorders, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, ME/CFS, dysautonomia, chronic pain, etc. This weekly group brings together students who understand the challenges of navigating academics, relationships, and daily life with ongoing health issues. Members share experiences, exchange practical strategies, explore helpful resources, and build community in a validating, collaborative environment. All students managing chronic conditions are welcome!
Fridays, 2–3 PM | CAPS
Creativity can be a powerful way to slow down, express yourself, and connect with others. Join us for a weekly drop-in space to explore mental health and well-being through art-making, conversation, and reflection. Each week features a different theme and activity. Come once or come every week. No art experience needed. All supplies provided!
Fridays, 2–3 PM | CAPS
Thursdays, 2–3 PM | Virtual
Grad school is tough—and you're not the only one feeling it. Gradiators is a confidential, therapist-led support group for graduate students who want a space to slow down, connect, and make sense of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with academic life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, isolated, stuck, or just need a place to be real, this group offers community, reflection, and support.
Day/Time TBD
A supportive and healing space for women to build community among one another as they freely explore and discuss challenges related to identity, academic life, current events, relationships, and mental health.
Thursdays, 3–4 PM | CAPS
The Barbershop is a confidential, therapist-led space for men at Emory to gather, reflect, and be real. Like the barbershop itself, this group offers community, connection, and honest conversation—about life, identity, mental health, and everything in between. Come as you are. No filters, just real talk.
Joining a CAPS Group
To participate in group therapy at CAPS:
- Schedule an initial consultation with CAPS (Get Started | Emory University | Atlanta GA) OR call CAPS at (404) 727-7450
- During this meeting, a clinician will learn about your concerns and discuss whether group therapy may be a good fit
- If appropriate, you will be referred to a group that aligns with your needs and availability
Common Misperceptions about Group
- Myth: “I will be forced to share my deepest, darkest secrets”
Fact: You choose what you share. Many students naturaly open up more once they feel safe, but no one is ever forced. Moving at your own pace often makes the group experience more meaningful.
- Myth: “Individual therapy is better than group therapy.”
Fact: Group therapy can be just as, or sometimes more effective than individual therapy. It is particularly helpful for relationship or interpersonal concerns. If you are recommended for a group, it’s because your clinician believes it’s the best way to meet your needs.
- Myth: “I’m too anxious to talk; I’ll never be able to share in a group.”
Fact: Most students feel nervous at first, but almost everyone begins sharing within a few sessions. Group members understand what it’s like to be new, and the supportive environment helps students participate at their own pace.
- Myth: “I won’t get what I need because I’ll have to share time with others.”
Fact: The beauty of group therapy is that you benefit from both your own contributions and what others share. Listening to others’ experiences often provides insight, perspective, and ideas you might not have considered. Sharing and learning together can make group therapy more efficient and impactful than individual sessions alone.
- Myth: “Hearing other students’ problems will only make me feel worse.”
Fact: Many students actually find it comforting to hear others’ experiences. It can reduce isolation, provide perspective, and help you feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
For more information about the Counseling and Psychological Services Group Program or questions about joining groups, please contact Alexandra Scott, PsyD at (404) 727-7450 or ajscot7@emory.edu