University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 30, May 8


            Counseling addresses concerns of older students
     
     Graduate students and returning adult undergraduates
are in a situation that is quite different from that of a
typical freshman just out of high school. Facing different
problems, older students may need their own place to turn.
     Since the late 1980s, the Center for Counseling and
Student Development's therapy group for graduate
students/returning adults has addressed their specific
needs. This general therapy group deals with relationship-
based issues and provides feedback to members on how they
relate to others. Participants must be graduate students or
older than the general student population age of 18-22.
     According to Leslie Orysh, assistant director and
psychologist at the Center for Counseling and Student
Development and group co-leader, the age range for members
of the group is generally from 24 to 44. This group usually
meets during fall and spring semesters and Winter Session,
consists of six to eight men and women and addresses a
variety of concerns.
     Orysh, who has co-led the group since 1990, noted that
the range of topics include marriage and dating,
difficulties with academic progress or departmental
relationships, depression, alcoholic families or difficult
family circumstances, social isolation, assertiveness and
self-esteem. Naturally, sessions often focus on concerns
associated with the stresses unique to older students.
     For example, Orysh said, older undergraduate students
may feel a sense of social isolation because of the heavy
academic and family demands as well as frustrations because
their younger colleagues may not be as serious about
learning.
     "Graduate students in particular," Orysh said, "are
very purposeful when wanting help. Their motivation is
usually very high."
     Since students in the group can represent all academic
disciplines, there is an interesting mix. Participants are
able to "shed their identities as members of a particular
department and talk person-to-person," Orysh said.
     But another reason that many students find the group
helpful is its strict sense of confidentiality. Group
members are asked to not reveal anything discussed to
someone outside of the group. Orysh said, "The hallmark of a
safe and open environment is confidentiality."
     Despite its benefits, the group approach is not for
everyone. Student reactions to joining the group usually
range from being immediately receptive to saying "no"
outright, with those expressing apprehension and
reservations somewhere in the middle. Those who do have a
fear of entering the group can usually overcome it by trying
a four-session minimum commitment. But many choose to remain
beyond that period, Orysh said. In fact, some students
remain in the group for one year or two, she added.
     Overall, Orysh said she believes that many students
benefit greatly from the experience of hearing others
discuss concerns arising from being a graduate student or a
returning adult student. The group, she explained, "gives
people an opportunity to talk about universal concerns. In a
group setting, it's so much more powerful. Students create
relationships in a safe environment and the experience
gained helps them with their work and personal
relationships."
     She added that many participants are surprised by what
they learn, and they have said they have found the group
therapy experience to be both "growthful and challenging."
     The group will resume sessions in the fall semester. To
become a participant, potential members may schedule an
intake appointment to discuss the group with Orysh and her
co-leader in August or in early September.
     The Center for Counseling and Student Development can
be contacted at 831-2141.
                                             -Jennifer Bevan