Group fosters social interdependence

Do you avoid social situations? Would you consider yourself to be overly passive or pessimistic, with low self-esteem?
“Stop Hiding Yourself,” Director of the James A. McClintock Center for Counseling and Psychological Services Marianne O’Hare said when asked what SHY stands for.
These are two titles in one for a therapy group that works with Drew students who are shy.
However, shyness is more than simply looking at your feet instead of making eye contact when you are introduced to someone.
Shyness can be socially debilitating to those who experience it, which can in turn affect other aspects of that person’s life.
According to O’Hare, certain types of people are good candidates for SHY.
“SHY is for any student who feels awkward in social situations…for anyone who is experiencing social anxiety, which we all do, but to the point where it is inhibiting them,” O’Hare said.
According to the American Psychological Association website, apahelpcenter.org, group therapy can allow its clients to “develop more empathy for others and themselves by reducing negative self thoughts, self-blame and shame while building positive perspectives and effective behavioral patterns.”
In response to how SHY group therapy might benefit students on this campus, Katherine Forzley (’10) said, “I find it harder for people to get involved with activities on campus if you don’t have anyone to go with.”
According to O’Hare, this aspect of group therapy is beneficial to those in the SHY group, because social inhibition is exactly what these students are experiencing.
She said they not only find friends, but friends they can relate to and know what they are going through.
According to O’Hare, post-doc intern Counselor Komal Dutt, who is facilitating the SHY group, will be using psycho-educational techniques.
Dutt elaborated on the concept of therapy being psycho-educational. “In psychology and group counseling, the techniques are tailored to their needs,” Dutt said.
According to the APA website, stressful life events, negative family interactions and stressful work or school environments are just some of the causes of severe shyness.
The website states that signs that you may be a good candidate for this group are if you cancel social events at the last minute, don’t involve yourself in situations that are socially positive and have few or no friends.
Dutt talked about her goals for the group, as well as her goals for each individual. She said she hopes the group will help each person find an understanding of what shyness is for them.
According to Dutt, students have already begun to respond to the program.
“People have e-mailed me, but only a couple have scheduled group screening appointments,” she said.
Dutt explained that a group screening process is necessary for a student to be a part of the group.
According to Dutt, the group screening process involves her seeing students prior to holding the group.
This allows her to have an understanding of what they are looking for in terms of treatment.
It also gives Dutt a chance to explain to the student what the group is about and if it will be helpful to them.
When asked about her thoughts regarding SHY, Kerry Tatem (’13) felt the group would be beneficial.
“I think everyone can benefit from a little therapy,” she said.
Brandon Talley (’11) also had a hopeful expectation for SHY.
“I’m glad to see they have it available,” Talley said. “I think it’s a good thing for the campus.”