The Juilliard Counseling Service is offering two new six-week support groups open to all Juilliard students:

Coming to Terms With the Death of a Parent

The death of a parent is a loss unlike any other. When this occurs while we are still young and wanting that parent to share all the good things that life still has in store for us, it can be especially painful. As each milestone occurs in our life (e.g. acceptance to Juilliard, graduation, professional success, marriage, children) we re-experience yet another aspect of that loss. Meeting in a group with others who have suffered a similar loss can provide solace and a sense of closeness resulting from feeling truly understood.

This group will meet on Wednesdays at noon (starting on Oct. 27) in the big counseling room on the 22nd floor of the residence hall. Refreshments will be served.

Beyond Stigma—Spirituality in the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Experience.

This group will deal with issues of sexuality, feelings of acceptance, rejection, and pride in the many areas of the lives of the participants. A safe environment will be provided for students to discuss and explore feelings related to the gay, lesbian, and bisexual experience through group discussion and through spiritual texts that point to acceptance and infinite worth of each individual.

Many students deal with stress related to the requirements at school, leaving home, and issues related to interpersonal relationships. The group will attempt to address these concerns, together with issues of sexual identity.

This group will start on Monday, October 25, and will meet at 7 p.m. in the big counseling room. Refreshments will be served.

Students should call ext. 370 to reserve a space or to speak with a therapist about these groups.