Every Tuesday afternoon, Clark College Professor Dr. Bevyn Rowland offers group therapy sessions on Zoom for those in search of help with obstacles in the way of the life they want to live.
Rowland, a licensed clinical psychologist, added the Acceptance Commitment Therapy, or ACT, (used as a play on words) on Your Recovery Group last term for those with addictive or compulsive behaviors to receive support while navigating life as a student.
These addictions or behaviors can be anything a person uses to ease their emotions, from depression to substance abuse problems. Acceptance Commitment Therapy takes place every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
The Acceptance Commitment Therapy group’s design is clinically and scientifically backed to help anyone who wants help, whether only considering therapy or are active in recovery. Rowland and the counseling department can assist with referrals for after graduation, as well.
“Struggling with problem behaviors is normal. It’s about survival,” said Rowland. “The meeting’s design allows each individual to learn why they have an addictive behavior and what they can do about it.”
Group therapy, even in a Zoom setting, allows students to connect with others that share the experience of compulsive or addictive behaviors. Although Rowland acknowledges social anxiety can be paralyzing for some, group sessions allow people to “practice being human with other humans.”
A group setting can also take the focus from one individual to many, giving someone nervous or new to therapy the opportunity to listen and learn before sharing.
While psychologists in private practice across the country have waiting lists 3 to 6 months out, campus therapy groups like Acceptance Commitment Therapy are garnering little participation. Rowland hopes more awareness of the group’s existence and knowledge of the benefits of group therapy can change that.
“Learn from their wisdom, let them learn from yours,” she said. “That is the power of the group!”
If you are interested in joining an Acceptance Commitment Therapy session or just have questions, email Dr. Bevyn Rowland at Browland@clark.edu.
Resources for Addiction/Crisis:
National Harm Reduction Coalition
Clark County Public Health’s Harm Reduction Program
National Crisis Line: (800)-273-8255
Text Crisis Line: Text HOME to 741741
Trans Lifeline: (877)-565-8860 (Spanish and English)
Racial Equity Support Line (for BIPoC folx): (503)-575-3764
