Group Counseling (Therapy & Support Groups)

Group counseling can often be a more curative force than individual therapy. Participants receive mutual identification with and acceptance from others going through similar problems. Each semester, the Counseling Center offers students an opportunity to participate in a group experience which addresses a specific topic.

Support Groups

Cancer Support Group (for students, staff, and faculty members with cancer)

Summer 2009

Thursdays, 12:05-12:55 PM, except for University closures and holidays

ULM Counseling Center Conference Room, Student Health Building

The purpose of the group is to provide emotional support as well as information about methods of self-care, communication strategies, relaxation, and relationship issues to help each group member deal with his or her cancer.  Medical advice is not the purview of this support group.

Each session will consist of a specific 10-15 minute psychoeducation topic, 20-30 minute discussion, and a 5 minute relaxation or affirmation.  However, the topic will be put aside if more pressing needs are identified.

The group is open to all ULM students, staff, and faculty who have or have had cancer. 

Facilitator(s):Denise Pani, LPC, LMFT, NCC and/or

Sandy Dietle, NCC and Counselor Intern

Tentative Topics for Summer 2009
If you are interested in any of these sessions, please save or print this page so we can minimize intrusiveness into others' email.

May	14	Discuss effect in general having cancer has had group member on.
	21	Grieving cancer and its effects.  [Sandy Dietle, facilitator]
	28	Whose body is this?  The mind-body connection
June	4	Ellis's ABC theory to challenge beliefs that may be hindering your healing or acceptance
	11	Resolving issues that might be affecting healing
	18	Accepting, facilitating, feeling our own emotions
	25	Accepting and working through our family and friends' feelings.  [Sandy Dietle, facilitator]
July	2	Guided imagery for healing
	9	Unfinished business and cancer
	16	Celebrating life
	23	Music as a source of comfort and healing
	30	Mindfulness: a description and brief exercise
Aug.	6	Intimacy: New, Renew, Find  [Sandy Dietle, facilitator]
	13	"I am not Cancer!"  Who am I?  What is the part of me that was before and is now?  What part is new?  Are there parts yet to be discovered? [Sandy Dietle, facilitator]
	23	Art as healing and expression
	30	Planning for the future.  Bring something that represents you and your future.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact: 

Denise Pani or Sandy Dietle
318-342-5220

ULM Counseling Center
dpani@ulm.edu or dietle@ulm.edu

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Other topics that we can offer in groups (based on interest) include:

Addictions

Anger Management

Childhood Sexual Abuse

Depression

Grief and Loss

Intimacy and Relationships

Second time around (Short group for non-traditional students returning to the University setting after several years)

Sexual Assault; adult sexual abuse

Stress Management

Contact the ULM Counseling Center (342-5220) to request that one of these groups be offered.

Counseling Center Homepage