
Therapeutic Groups
Your therapist may recommend group therapy to help you address your current counseling concerns, particularly related to managing emotions effectively and interacting with others. Group members are able to learn more about themselves and practice alternative behaviors to resolve difficulties, and develop new social skills and ways of relating to people.
Depending on the type of counseling group, groups may have approximately 5-10 members and either one or two facilitators; and at times a doctoral or masters level trainee may participate in the group as well, as a co-facilitator or as an observer as part of their training program.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of treatment that focuses on examining the relationships between thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical sensations. CBT group is an educational/skills-based therapy approach that is structured and directive, collaborative, goal-focused, and time-limited.
CBT group runs every Tuesday from 12-1pm, with a different theme and skill each week. Participants will improve their Thinking Skills, Feeling Management Skills, Self-Care Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, and Anger Management Skills.
For more Information call (716) 878-4436 to schedule an initial appointment and ask the counselor about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group.
CBT group flyer can be viewed or downloaded here, and can be shared with any interested student.

Seeking Safety
Seeking Safety is an evidenced-based coping skills group designed for individuals who have experienced trauma, may/may not have a diagnosis of PTSD, and may/may not have a history of substance use/abuse. Seeking Safety is a structured, educational group where the focus is skill-building; the goal is to learn the tools necessary to manage the symptoms of trauma and reduce the use of unhealthy coping skills.
Topics
- taking back your power
- setting boundaries in relationships
- compassion
- coping with triggers
- healing from anger
- detaching from emotional pain (grounding)
If you are interested in the Seeking Safety group, call (716) 878-4436 to schedule an initial appointment and ask the counselor about Seeking Safety.

Integrating Creative Arts with Interpersonal Group Therapy
This group will help you work on increasing self-awareness, improve communication, learn about your attachment wounds, and ways to express your emotions in relationship with others.
No art experience required!
Call the Counseling Center at 716-878-4436 to set up brief phone screening with a counselor to help determine if this is the right group to help you improve on your interpersonal goals.
Integrating Creative Arts with Interpersonal Group Therapy flyer can be viewed or downloaded here, and can be distributed to any interested student.

Sawubona Group for Students with Black Lived Experience/African Ancestry
Sawubona is an ancient Zulu greeting that loosely translates as, “We see you”—meaning that one person sees the other both individually and with the collective spirit of their ancestors. Sawubona groups are for individuals that identify as Black/a person with African ancestry.
Sawubona groups move beyond western forms of therapy and conceptualization to provide a culturally grounding space to help heal the trauma and stress caused by anti-Black racism and the century-old lies of white supremacy and Black inferiority. Participants of Sawubona will be able to share stories, bear witness to the adverse impact of racial trauma, deepen their understanding of African wisdom, and promote individual and collective wellness and cultural coping strategies.
Throughout the process, facilitators will utilize African proverbs, culturally meaningful quotes, music, meditation, and other cultural tools, while inviting participants to recognize and express appreciation for their ancestors. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of historical forces on one's sense of self-worth, relationships, and communities; and learn essential emotional wellness skills to help be at your best as individuals and as a people.
All sessions meet Thursdays from 12:30pm - 2pm, at the following locations:
- Bengal 8th floor Lounge (room 832) - Feb. 23
- Neumann Common Room - March 2
- Bishop Classroom (room 126) - March 9
- Tower 1 Lounge (rooms 1010,1020) - March 16
- Tower 3 Lounge (room 1010) - March 23
Spring Break
- Moore Lounge - April 6
- RA front desk in STAC- April 13
- Bengal 8th floor Lounge (room 832) - April 20
- Neumann Common Room - April 27
- Bishop Classroom (room 126) - May 4

Mindful Skill Building Series
Mindful Skill Building is an experiential course designed to teach coping skills for individuals who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, or other overwhelming emotions which interfere with their ability to stay in the present and/or their sense of self. Open to all experience levels. A full commitment to the course is encouraged to learn and practice the interconnected skills.
Learn and practice a new mindfulness skill each week:
- manage stress and anxiety from within
- reground and reset in the present moment
- recognize and process difficult emotions
- improve your focus and memory
- listen and learn more effectively
- settle your mind to access your wisdom and talent
- access your own internal resources to better navigate change and uncertainty
Register on Bengal Connect, or email counselingenter@buffalostate.edu with any questions.
Wednesdays, 3:30-4:20pm, starting Oct. 11, 2023
Bengal Hall 3rd floor computer room

Inside Out LGBTQ+ Discussion Group
Drop-in group discussion and support for any student who identifies as LGBTQ+, whether they are years into the coming out process or just starting their journey of self-discovery. Meets every Friday at 3pm, in Caudell Hall 123.
For Questions, email Dr. Char Vetter: vettercj@buffalostate.edu