University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu students are welcome to join a new support group incorporating music that will start this fall semester and meet online. The sessions for “Sharing Songs, Sharing You: A Support Group Through Music” are being offered through the Mental Health Clinic at UH West Oʻahu.
“Sharing Songs, Sharing You: A Support Group Through Music” will incorporate song discussion to help facilitate the therapeutic process, create a safe and comfortable environment, and provide support to the group members.
The group method will increase students’ connection to others in a meaningful way, decrease isolation, develop insight, and improve meaningful communication about their identity through music within a safe group environment.
Dr. Tia Hoffer, clinical psychologist at UH West Oʻahu, said the goal of using music is to build rapport, increase comfort, help students connect to their emotions more directly, develop greater insight, and encourage group interaction.
The group will involve students choosing various songs prior to the session each week that will help students access their emotions and increase their understanding of themselves. It entails students listening to a song and finding the meaning and relevance to their lives.
“If you love music and how it can communicate your thoughts and feelings, this group may be right for you to help you learn more about yourself,” Dr. Hoffer said. “Music can connect us to our own feelings and help us express them.”
For more information on the non-academic support group through music, or to sign up, please email uhwotalk@hawaii.edu. Students may also use this email address to contact the Mental Health Clinic, which has designated appointments seven days a week to help students through the pandemic and as they transition back to school.