For many concerns that undergraduate and graduate students face – like overwhelming stress, anxiety, difficult relationships, depression, academic difficulties, and more – group therapy is the best option for support and healing. Facilitated by Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) counselors, our therapy groups encourage peer support, promote emotional wellbeing, and increase a felt sense of connection. Participants often find that they feel less alone in their struggles, and walk away with newfound support and ideas for coping.
SHaW offers numerous therapy groups throughout the year, including the summer months. Groups are led by SHaW counselors, and consist of 6-10 student members.
Group therapy offers unique benefits to students including:
- Allowing students to find more clarity about current challenges with the help of a support system and a knowledgeable counselor.
- Providing the opportunity for students to share and listen to the experiences of other group members.
- Creating a safe space where members can give and receive feedback, support, and validation from others who have had similar experiences.
- Allowing students to have their own journey in the group, which is enriched by the support and experience of others.
To join a group therapy session, please contact SHaW at 860-486-4700, select option 1, then option 2.
Live Schedule:
Barbershop
The Barbershop Group is a supportive therapy group designed for undergraduate, male identifying individuals who have experienced trauma and want to develop healthier ways to cope with its lasting effects. Inspired by the Men’s Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (M-TREM), the group uses a person-centered, psychoeducational, and skills-based approach to help individuals better understand and express their emotions, strengthen relationships, and build effective coping strategies.
Provider:
Greg Davis, LPC
BLOOM: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
This group is a space created for undergraduate, female identifying individuals to cultivate vulnerability, safety, trust, connection, and growth. Bloom provides a place for group members to discuss issues unique to their experience at a predominantly white institution (PWI), including academic stress, relationships, race/ethnicity related stress, familial pressures and navigating cultural expectations. There will be an emphasis on healing, maintaining healthy relationships and setting boundaries. Bloom means to be open, blossom and to maintain flourishing conditions that help us grow. It’s time to Bloom!
Provider:
Chantaul Ojo, LMFT
Growth Through Grief: Drop-in Support Group
This is a weekly drop-in support group. Individuals grieving the death of a loved one and individuals coming together to support and empower each other during times of grief.
Provider:
Jennifer Fox, PhD
Families with Addiction
This group is for individuals who are or have been deeply affected by having parent(s) or sibling(s) struggling with addictions. May also consider situations where the family member’s primary issue is a severe psychiatric disorder, but that substance use is also present.
Provider:
Sarah Hallwood, LCSW, LICSW
Interpersonal Group for Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate groups that focus on promoting emotional well-being as you balance academics, relationships, family, and personal responsibilities. Groups offer a supportive and confidential space to share your concerns, practice skills, and get feedback.
Provider:
Maritza Lugo-Stalker, PsyD
Interpersonal Group for Graduate Students
Graduate group that focuses on promoting emotional wellbeing as you balance academics, relationships, family, and personal responsibilities. Groups offer a supportive confidential space to share concerns, practice skills and get feedback.
Provider:
Ashley Smith, PsyD
Huskies on Track: Navigating ADHD at UConn
This group provides a space to discuss the ways ADHD can show up in your life. We’ll focus on understanding how ADHD functions in the brain, navigating common challenges people with ADHD face, and talking about the emotional experience of living in a world designed for neurotypical people. The goal of this group is to help create a sense of community and understanding for individuals with ADHD at UConn. Example topics that the group will cover include time management, task prioritizing, and emotional regulation. All individuals who feel the group would be beneficial to them are welcome, regardless of whether they have a formal ADHD diagnosis.
Providers:
Alyson Faires, Psy.D.
Natasha Welz, LCSW
Neurodivergent Therapy Group
Do you identify as neurodivergent? Or do you think you are neurodiverse? Come and meet others who also identify this way. Build new connections in a supportive space, while learning from one another how to deal with college life and all that comes with it. Celebrate your uniqueness and connect to new friends and bring your neurofabulousness with you!
Provider:
Amy Parent, LCSW
“The Round Table” Mandarin Speaking Group for Graduate Students
This therapy group provides a supportive and confidential space for graduate, Mandarin-speaking graduate students to explore challenges related to academic stress, cultural adjustment, relationships, and personal growth. Conducted in Mandarin, the group fosters connection and understanding among peers who share similar experiences.
Provider:
Michelle Chen, LPC
PRIDE Support Group
PRIDE is a weekly drop-in support group designed to provide a healing space to connect with other members of queer and trans-spectrum communities as we strive for collective wellness. LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges and joys of navigating their identity development, process current events, and empower each other.
Provider:
Daveon McMullen, Psy.D
Unbreakable: Rising from within
Unbreakable: Rising from Within is a supportive therapy group for undergraduate, female identifying individuals who have experienced trauma and are ready to reclaim their lives. The group provides a safe and confidential space to understand trauma responses, identify unhealthy coping patterns, strengthen boundaries and self-confidence, and develop healthier strategies for managing triggers, relationships, and emotions. Through discussion and skill-building, individuals will work toward healing, empowerment, and improved overall well-being.
Provider:
Cassaundra Popek, LMFT
Group FAQ’s
When are groups held?
Groups typically meet weekly and run between 60-90 minutes. Numerous groups are offered at various times to best meet student schedules. Groups run throughout the year, including the summer months.
Where are groups held?
Groups are held at SHaW’s mental health services located in Arjona on the 4th floor.
Who can attend?
Groups are open to all UConn students eligible for SHaW services.
How big are groups?
Groups are generally led by 2 SHaW counselors and consist of 4-12 student members.
Will I feel welcome in a group?
Consistent with our International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS), we provide services responsive to our culturally diverse student population, with providers with the appropriate training, and multicultural competence.
Are groups confidential?
Yes, therapy groups at SHaW Mental Health are confidential.
What sort of topics are discussed in groups?
Our offerings include topics such as trauma, anxiety, relationship stress, depression, academic struggles, grief & loss, and more.
What are the benefits to group therapy?
For many, concerns that undergraduate and graduate students face – like overwhelming stress, anxiety, difficult relationships, depression, academic difficulties, and more – group therapy is the best option for support and healing. Therapy groups encourage peer support, promote emotional wellbeing, and increase a felt sense of connection. Participants often find that they feel less alone in their struggles and walk away with newfound support and ideas for coping.
Specifically, experiences and benefits may include:
- gain clarity about current challenges with the help of a support system and a knowledgeable counselor,
- providing the opportunity to share and listen to the experiences of others
- being in a safe space where members can give and receive feedback, support, and validation from others who have had similar experiences.
- learning and practicing specific skills and strategies
Is there a cost to attend group?
Drop-in support groups are included in the SHaW fee. There are several options for group therapy fees such as billing your health insurance, working with a trainee for a $15 co-pay. There are several options to make sure that there is not a financial barrier to attending one of our groups. To find out more about this, call us at (860) 486-4700 to discuss your options.