Why should I consider communities?
CAPS communities provide an opportunity to learn and receive support from peers in a therapeutic environment designed to help you meet your goals and make change. Where individual therapy offers focused attention from a single professional, group counseling adds the benefit of receiving feedback and support from people with multiple perspectives and experiences.
Will I have to share personal information about myself with other community members?
While the therapist might encourage you to share, you will never be pushed to share beyond your comfort level.
Can I be part of a CAPS community and still receive individual therapy?
Yes. In many cases, group counseling is a helpful complement to individual therapy.
What is expected of CAPS community members?
While the community facilitator will establish community norms with each unique community, in general it is expected that community members maintain confidentiality and commit to showing up for sessions each week.
How many times does a community typically meet and how long is each session?
The number of sessions varies depending on the nature and purpose of the group, but a community will typically meet anywhere between 4 and 12 sessions. Most communities are 50 minutes long but some communities meet for 90 minutes.
How many people are usually in a community?
A community can begin with as few as two people and is unlikely to exceed 10 community members.
When will my community begin meeting?
Most groups will start when the community facilitator has identified enough community members for the community process to be effective. Some groups have set start and end dates.
What happens if I need to miss a community session?
Regular participation and attendance is an essential part of the change process and is encouraged. However, we know that sometimes life can get in the way. Community sessions should be treated as all other Campus Health appointments and need to be canceled at least two hours in advance.
How do I sign up for a community?
If you know which community you would like to join, you can call the CAPS main number at 504-314-2277 and let the patient representative know which community interests you. If you are already a client at CAPS, you can speak with your individual therapist about community options and they will support you in taking the next steps. You may be asked to participate in a brief "community screening” for the purpose of determining fit and learning more about the community before it begins.
How do I learn more about communities?
If you are unsure if communities are right for you or for general inquiries, please call 504-314-2277 and ask to speak with the Communities Coordinator.
