My first few months in Maryland were difficult. I didn’t speak English fluently, and studying when you don’t understand your lectures is a big challenge. I did read what was assigned to me and studied hard because I didn’t want to fail. As for sexual matters, I was still in the same situation, meaning nothing was happening.
After the adjustment period, I started to feel depressed. I had left my country and my home, entered a foreign institution, and still had no idea why I was there. I was only seventeen years old and practically celibate in a society where sexual practices began in high school. As my discouragement increased, I noticed that the Clinic offered free therapy groups, and after much thought, I signed up for one21.
I entered a small room with only chairs, two for the facilitators, a male psychologist, and a female psychologist, and ten for the participants. We were given the rules of the game: the sessions would be recorded; we had to request the floor and share our problems; no one would force us to speak. Then, silence filled the room.
21 Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a small group of individuals meet together regularly, typically facilitated by one or more trained therapists. In group therapy, individuals are able to share their experiences, struggles, and emotions in a safe and supportive environment. The group members provide each other with feedback, understanding, and encouragement,