PHOTO BY AMY LAWHON/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
UAB Student Counseling Services have introduced new counseling groups for the Fall 2018 semester.
Mallorie Turner
Staff Reporter
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In trying to juggle school and other priorities, students may find themselves feeling isolated or lonely throughout the semester. UAB Student Counseling Services has introduced new counseling groups for the Fall 2018 semester to help combat this and to help give students a sense of community on campus. In trying to juggle school and other priorities, students may find themselves feeling isolated or lonely throughout the semester. UAB Student Counseling Services has introduced new counseling groups for the Fall 2018 semester to help combat this and to help give students a sense of community on campus.
“I think the student counseling groups are extremely beneficial to students who may feel like they’re alone in something they are struggling with,” said Zena Banker, junior in biomedical engineering. “But when they are able to come together with other people who are similarly struggling, they see that they are not alone.”
#flow is a therapy group centered around the creation of art as a way for students to express the subconsciousness through creativity. Students who wish to participate do not need any artistic background, and all the supplies that they need will be provided to them.
“Art has always been important to me, but I haven’t really done much with it since high school,” said Georgie Walburn, junior in psychology. “I think having a counseling group for students where making art is the central focus is really important. It gives students a unique way to connect and express themselves.”
Resilience After Loss is a support group for those struggling with grief from loss. The group provides a safe space for students to process their emotional pain. Doing Better Together, a group based off of the concept of cognitive behavioral therapy, serves to help students in building skills in handling overwhelming emotions and gaining mindfulness. Two groups, Hey Sis Hey! and Fella Let’s Go, related to the black student experience established a space where black students can bring up complex issues that intersect race and gender.
Their aim is to connect black students through shared experiences of identity, vulnerability and attending a PWI (Predominantly White Institution). Emily Deng, junior in psychology, said she is excited that these groups have been created. She sees how they can benefit those of different backgrounds when they need a space where they can express their feelings with those who can relate.
“By forming these new groups, Student Counseling is creating not only a safe space, but also a community for people who are going through similar experiences,” Deng said. “When going through hard situations, it can make you feel as if you’re alone. But, with these new groups, you can know that you don’t only have a counselor supporting you, but an entire group of people.”
