Group work is a form of counselling in which a small number of people come together under the guidance of a counsellor/psychologist to help themselves and one another. In groups, not only do students receive understanding, support, and encouragement from others facing similar issues, but they also gain different perspectives, ideas, and viewpoints on those issues.

Group work, like individual therapy is a powerful vehicle for growth and change, and is intended to help people who would like to gain support, increase self-awareness, and learn new ways to cope with personal or interpersonal challenges in a safe and respectful environment.

Each semester CPS organizes an average of 3-6 groups covering various areas, including Interpersonal Learning, Life Skills, Personal Effectiveness, Graduate Support and Social Interactivity groups.

Depending on the needs of each group, CPS runs an average of 6-10 sessions per group.
Each session is organized on a weekly basis.

Most groups are held at CPS.
Group rooms specially designed for different forms of group work and needs provide participants a comfortable environment.

It depends on the group in which you wish to participate and requisites pegged to the group. Some groups have very specific needs which may not cater to you or your friend.

Students are also required to participate in a brief screening before any confirmation is made. Screenings are done prior to the commencement of any group. A pre-screening is crucial as it assists the counsellor-in-charge in determining your suitability for a particular group.

We conduct group screenings in order to ensure that what the group offers will meet your needs. It is an opportunity for you to meet the facilitators as well as to ask questions about how the group can help you. Sometimes in the screening, you may find out that another group or perhaps individual counselling may be more suitable for you. The facilitators can help channel you to the group that will best match your needs.

CPS adopts the same confidentiality principle to group work as we do for individual counselling. Information shared at these group sessions are kept confidential and participating students are informed of this clause.

Groups are primarily facilitated by CPS’ counsellors and psychologists.

Registering is easy!
Just send an email to cps@nus.edu.sg to express your interest in a certain group and we’ll arrange for a screening appointment.

Groups typically start 2 ~ 4 weeks after the semester has commenced. Places are limited.

Each group is unique in its content and structure. Some groups are psycho-educational in nature while others are more conversational or activity based. The best way to find out what a group would be like is to meet up with the facilitators in a group screening or to contact facilitators directly with your questions.

For a complete list of groups offered by CPS this semester, please refer to our Learning & Development page.